50 / 50 answers
How early can I renew my inspection?＋
Since April 1, 2025, the standard renewal window that preserves remaining certificate validity begins two calendar months before expiry. Confirm the exact expiry date on your certificate or electronic record.
Link to this answer #Does the 90-day plan mean I can renew 90 days early?＋
No. Ninety days is a planning horizon for comparing options and arranging appointments. It is different from the two-calendar-month renewal window.
Link to this answer #Does 車検.jp inspect or repair cars?＋
We provide information and planning tools. We do not inspect or repair vehicles. Garage referrals and quote requests are not yet available.
Link to this answer #Can I book a garage anywhere in Japan?＋
The address and postal-code directory covers Japan, but garage booking is not available yet. Geographic coverage does not establish partner coverage or appointment availability.
Link to this answer #Do I have to provide an email to use the tools?＋
The free tools, preparation kit, and emergency guide do not require registration. Member profiles use Sign in with ChatGPT. Update preferences are optional.
Link to this answer #What does email verification establish?＋
Using an email confirmation link demonstrates access to that inbox. It is separate from identity verification, vehicle ownership, or documentary verification of an inspection expiry date.
Link to this answer #How long is guest history kept?＋
Calculation history stays in this tab’s session for up to two hours and is hidden after expiry. Closing the tab normally clears it, though browser restoration can restore session data. Clear history on shared devices.
Link to this answer #What can members do?＋
Members can explicitly save inspection plans, comparisons, and budgets. Saved history and profiles can be deleted from My account. Newsletter delivery has not started.
Link to this answer #Are you affiliated with the listed manufacturers?＋
Manufacturer names are used for vehicle identification and navigation. They do not imply partnership, certification, or endorsement.
Link to this answer #What if my inspection has expired?＋
Do not drive on public roads. Ask a garage about transport and renewal, and check compulsory-insurance validity separately.
Link to this answer #What determines inspection cost?＋
Separate statutory costs, provider service charges, and condition-dependent repairs. A make or model name alone cannot establish the total.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Is a kei inspection always cheaper?＋
Statutory categories differ, but repairs and parts can change the total. Compare the same work scope and tax-inclusive amounts.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Are vehicle weight and gross weight the same?＋
No. Our passenger-car reference uses vehicle weight from the certificate. Trucks and other categories use different rules; consult the official lookup.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Are all hybrids exempt from weight tax?＋
No. Check efficiency criteria, registration/inspection dates, and applicable conditions through the official lookup; enter the confirmed amount.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Can model year determine the 13- or 18-year tax bracket?＋
Not reliably. Registered and kei vehicles have different threshold rules and exceptions. Use official lookup with registration details and inspection date.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Is compulsory insurance the same price everywhere?＋
It depends on vehicle category, policy term, start date, and region. Check current tables, including the rate change for policies starting from November 1, 2026.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Must I accept every suggested repair?＋
Ask which work is required for inspection, preventive, or optional. For safety-related findings, ask for the reason and measurements rather than assuming the work is unnecessary.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Can the final price change after an estimate?＋
Previously unidentified faults or requested extras can change the price. Agree that additional work and its cost need your approval before proceeding.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Can I directly compare tax-inclusive and tax-exclusive quotes?＋
Normalize them first. Enter tax-inclusive provider charges and check statutory costs, additional work, and what any discount applies to.
Link to this answer #Should reward points be deducted from the bill?＋
Future points differ from an immediate cash discount. Compare the payable amount separately from rewards, and check entry requirements, award timing, and expiry.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Can I book if inspection expires tomorrow?＋
Availability and repairs need confirmation with the garage. We do not have live slots. Give the expiry date and vehicle details, and ask when completion is realistically possible.
Link to this answer #Does same-day inspection always finish that day?＋
Condition, parts availability, retesting, and workload can affect completion. An advertised minimum time is not a guarantee for every vehicle.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #What if I want inspection more than two months early?＋
This falls outside the standard window preserving remaining validity. Confirm the procedure and effect on your next expiry date before proceeding.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Can I estimate the expiry without the certificate?＋
Use the certificate or electronic record rather than purchase date. This site does not retrieve the official vehicle record.
Link to this answer #Is a loaner car free?＋
This depends on provider and plan. Ask about reservation, insurance, fuel, mileage, return time, and extra charges.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Can I change or cancel an appointment?＋
The booking provider sets the policy. Check deadlines, fees, and reward eligibility, then contact that provider. 車検.jp cannot modify external bookings.
Link to this answer #Can any garage inspect an imported car?＋
Acceptance varies by model, specification, equipment, and parts sourcing. Confirm using model code, first registration, import type, and OBD markings.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Do electric cars need inspection?＋
Electric propulsion alone does not remove inspection requirements. Confirm the applicable vehicle category and the manufacturer’s maintenance and high-voltage service requirements.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Can I use the tools for an unlisted or older car?＋
Yes, make and model fields accept free text. This does not verify compatibility or service availability. For special or commercial vehicles, enter provider-confirmed costs.
Link to this answer #Does the directory cover every model and model year worldwide?＋
No. It is a navigation directory with model examples. Free text accommodates unlisted vehicles, but this is not a complete specification database of all types, years, and trims.
Link to this answer #Is OBD inspection the same as a general diagnostic scan?＋
No. Statutory OBD inspection is a defined process using specified fault codes on eligible vehicles. Confirm its scope separately from general diagnostics and repair labor.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Is every newer car subject to OBD inspection?＋
Purchase year is insufficient. Check type-designation timing, domestic/import status, certificate remarks, and exclusions or exemptions.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Does this OBD tool diagnose faults?＋
No. It neither connects to your vehicle nor reads fault codes. It helps you check certificate information and prepare garage questions.
Link to this answer #Will clearing a warning light make the car pass?＋
No pass can be guaranteed. Have the cause diagnosed and necessary repairs made; clearing the display is not a substitute for repair or compliance.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #What should I do first with a flat battery?＋
Get to safety and check your insurer or assistance provider. Procedures vary, including for EVs and hybrids. Avoid improvised connections or repeated starting attempts; follow the manual and responder’s guidance.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Can I drive to a nearby shop on a flat tire?＋
Stop safely and seek assistance. Avoid changing tires in a dangerous roadside position. Any run-flat exception depends on the vehicle and tire manufacturer’s specific limits.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Should I immediately hire the cheapest roadside search result?＋
Check existing insurance assistance first. Confirm call-out, night work, labor, towing distance, and cancellation charges, rather than relying on a low headline fee.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #How can I contact JAF?＋
Use JAF’s official assistance page for phone and app options. The short dial is #8139. Check calling charges, service fees, and membership terms. This site does not dispatch JAF.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Where can I discuss a roadside billing dispute?＋
In Japan, consumer hotline 188 can direct you to advice. Keep estimates, invoices, and messages. This is separate from emergency reporting for a crash, injury, or fire.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Must I register to read urgent guidance?＋
No. Safety guidance and links to official assistance are available without registration; they are not delayed by an email gate.
Link to this answer #Does 車検.jp issue discount coupons?＋
Not currently. Our offers page links to providers’ official terms so you can check eligibility.
Link to this answer #Are Rakuten points guaranteed?＋
You must meet the provider’s booking, completion, entry, and membership conditions. We cannot guarantee points; creating a 車検.jp account does not qualify you.
Source: provider / official guidance ↗Link to this answer #Does a service discount reduce statutory costs?＋
Check the provider’s eligible charges. Our calculator deducts a confirmed discount only from provider costs, not weight tax or compulsory insurance.
Link to this answer #When were the offers checked?＋
The information was checked on September 23, 2026. Terms can change or end; confirm with the official provider and store when booking.
Link to this answer #Are calculations automatically saved to my account?＋
No. Only results you explicitly choose to save go to member history. Guest history remains in this tab for up to two hours.
Link to this answer #Is my email automatically sent to garages?＋
Garage referrals are not active. Membership and tool use do not automatically share your contact details with garages. Future referrals will identify recipients and purpose.
Link to this answer #Will selecting updates immediately start emails?＋
Currently this only records a preference ahead of launch. Newsletters and offer emails are not being sent. Preferences are optional.
Link to this answer #Can I delete saved member data?＋
Delete individual results in My account, or delete the profile to remove saved history and preferences. This does not delete your ChatGPT account.
Link to this answer #Is the urgent garage message sent automatically?＋
No. Copy the generated text and contact your chosen garage yourself. The fields on that screen are not saved.
Link to this answer #Do the manufacturer logos mean a partnership?＋
No. They identify vehicles for navigation. This is not a manufacturer website, and the marks do not imply certification or endorsement.
Link to this answer #Checked September 23, 2026. Confirm individual procedures and charges with current official guidance and the provider.