
Vehicle inspection should be conducted at the local vehicle management office. The following are the precautions for vehicle inspection: Start the vehicle in advance for preheating: During the annual inspection, the exhaust emission test will be conducted to check if it meets the standards, which involves the oxygen sensor and the three-way catalytic converter. Their optimal working temperature is between 400 to 800 degrees Celsius, so it is recommended that owners start the vehicle in advance for preheating in the external inspection area before the exhaust emission test. Clean the vehicle body in advance: Before the annual vehicle inspection, owners should clean the vehicle body in advance. Cleaning the vehicle body, engine compartment, and chassis beforehand can facilitate the inspection process and help pass the annual inspection. Check the lights in advance: The vehicle management office will inspect the vehicle's lights. If the lights are found to be too dim or too bright, the vehicle will be deemed unqualified and will not pass the annual inspection. It is recommended to restore the original state of the headlights before the annual inspection to pass the test.

When I went for vehicle inspection before, I preferred official DMV inspection stations. These places are government-regulated, and the inspection results are authoritative and reliable, with no room for fraud. You need to prepare your vehicle registration, ID card, and insurance policy in advance, and it's best to book an appointment to avoid long queues. The inspection includes checking tire wear, brake systems, light brightness, and emission standards. The whole process takes about half an hour to an hour, and if passed, you'll receive a compliance sticker. I often visit a local one because it has complete facilities and professional staff who directly point out issues and provide repair suggestions. Don’t cut corners by going to small shops, as they might charge extra or perform irregular operations. Vehicle inspection ensures road safety, prevents sudden breakdowns, and helps avoid traffic fines by complying with regulations. I recommend going annually on time—don’t wait until the last minute, as rushing can lead to mistakes.

As a frequent driver, I prefer going to authorized third-party vehicle inspection centers because they are usually widely distributed and close to home, saving time. I can easily make an appointment through mobile apps like Alipay's vehicle services. After checking in on-site, the process is quick, taking about 20 minutes to complete. The cost is reasonable, generally between 100-200 yuan, and includes basic checks like engine stability and braking performance. Some centers even offer agency services to help with annual inspection stickers, which is super convenient. The purpose of vehicle inspection is simply to ensure the car runs safely on the road and reduces accident risks. If you're short on time, you can ask friends to recommend reputable inspection points. Just remember to bring your documents, and don’t forget to check that your car has no obvious damage before the inspection to avoid a second trip and delays on workdays.

The first time I went for a vehicle inspection by myself was at the car dealership's 4S shop. They handled everything, all I had to do was drive there. The staff were very patient, guiding me step by step through filling out forms and conducting inspections, focusing mainly on the lights, brakes, and exhaust emissions. Once it passed, they directly processed the paperwork. The cost was slightly higher but worth it—it saved me time and effort, especially suitable for those who don't know much about cars. The inspection is a mandatory step to ensure driving safety. I just needed to bring my vehicle registration and ID, and it was all sorted. I recommend that beginners go directly to a familiar place to avoid any hassles outside that might affect their driving mood later on.


