1.
mandatory vehicle inspection; periodic car inspection
The legally required periodic safety inspection that all registered vehicles in Japan must undergo. New cars must pass their first inspection after three years, then every two years thereafter.
車検が切れた。
The vehicle inspection has expired.
来月車検を通さなければならない。
I have to get my car inspected next month.
車検の費用が思ったより高くて驚いた。
I was surprised that the vehicle inspection cost more than I expected.
Short for 自動車検査登録制度. In Japan, 車検 is mandatory and quite expensive, often costing over 100,000 yen including taxes and fees. Common collocations: 車検を通す (to pass inspection), 車検が切れる (inspection expires), 車検に出す (to take in for inspection), 車検費用 (inspection cost). Driving with an expired 車検 is illegal.