Full-process inspection, factory verification, testing and certification standards for automotive components (detailed explanation of 16 systems)

May 12, 2026

In the automotive industry, the quality of components directly affects the safety and performance of the entire vehicle. The following systematically outlines the inspection, factory verification, testing, and certification points for 16 major categories of automotive materials, exterior parts, interior parts, airbags, tires, chassis components, electronic and electrical equipment, connectors, lighting systems, oil products, and exhaust emissions, for reference by quality control personnel.
I. Inspection and Certification of Automotive Materials
Polymer material testing (material certification)
Test items: mechanical mechanical properties, thermal properties, insulation electrical properties, resistance to chemicals, artificial accelerated aging, combustion tests, etc.
Inspection: Verify the material specifications and third-party inspection reports; During factory inspection, review the certification qualifications of raw material suppliers.
Reflective material testing (safety certification)
Test items: size, color, reflective performance, adhesion, impact performance, abrasion resistance, color fastness, salt spray test, compression/curving strength, cracks, etc.
Certification: Must obtain either the National Compulsory Product Certification (CCC) or the ECE Certification.
Foam sponge material test
Test items: apparent density, compression deformation, hardness, tensile performance, water absorption rate, thermal conductivity, resilience, combustion performance, etc.
Factory inspection: Verify the foaming process parameters and the calibration records of the equipment.
Rubber material testing
Test items: density, hardness, tensile/shock/curvature performance, Mooney viscosity, thermal properties, combustion test, artificial accelerated aging, resistance to chemical reagents, oil resistance test, etc.
Certification: A test report that complies with ASTM D2000 or ISO 1629 must be provided.
II. Inspection and Testing of Automotive Exterior Components
Applicable Products: Grilles, fenders, rearview mirror housings, engine hoods, exterior accessories, bumper strips, etc.
Inspection items (key points for inspection):
Mechanical mechanical properties, rigidity strength, deformation amount, surface layer thickness, adhesion, corrosion resistance, wear resistance.
High and low temperature/UV aging, UV/Xenon arc light aging, environmental mechanical tests.
Dust/flood/rockfall tests, metallographic analysis, non-destructive testing.
Fatigue endurance tests, etc.
Inspection: Sampling is conducted according to AQL standards, and the appearance and functionality are inspected. The factory inspection requires verification of the calibration of the environmental test chamber and the process control.
III. Inspection and Certification of Automotive Interior Components
Applicable Products: Steering wheel, door interior panel, power window switch, ceiling, sunshade, armrest, pillar trim, luggage compartment, seat, carpet, etc.
Inspection items (including environmental protection certification):
Analysis of heavy metal components in the material, analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), flame retardant performance, and smoke and dust particles during combustion.
High and low temperature/hot and humid conditions/impact cycles, multiple cycles of corrosion under temperature/humidity/salt spray conditions.
Ultraviolet/xenon arc light aging, mechanical shock/tension/compression deformation, dust/mold spot environment.
Leather/textile performance tests, atomization tests, etc.
Certification: Must comply with GB/T 27630 (Vehicle Interior Air Quality) and flammability regulations. During inspection, verify the VOC report and flammability labels.
IV. Inspection and Safety Certification of Airbag Components
Electrical tests: Short circuit resistance, module resistance, insulation test.
Mechanical tests: Vibration, shock, drop.
Acoustic tests: Noise test.
Environmental tests: Temperature shock, temperature and humidity cycling, high-temperature aging.
Sealing tests: Dust-proof, water-proof (IP rating).
Certification: Must be certified by CCC or ECE. During the inspection, check the product labels and inspection reports.
V. Tire Inspection and Performance Certification
Inspection items: size, high-speed performance, dynamic performance, static load, strength, durability, centrifugal test, tire tread wear, etc.
Inspection: Samples are taken by batch to check the appearance, tire pressure, and labels. The certification must have the 3C or ECE mark.
VI. Inspection and Fatigue Test of Chassis Components
Applicable Products: Transmission, starter, battery, synchronous belt, radiator, fan assembly, water pump, piping, clutch, fuel pump, filter, exhaust pipe, shock absorber, air conditioning compressor, etc.
Test items:
Dimension measurement, surface analysis, metallographic analysis, non-destructive testing, surface treatment, corrosion resistance/environmental resistance testing.
Strength testing, functionality testing and durability/fatigue testing.
Electrical vibration, mechanical shock / continuous shock test.
Factory inspection: Check the calibration of the fatigue testing machine and the records of process parameters. During the inspection, focus on checking the key dimensions and for any cracks.
VII. Vehicle Electronic and Electrical Equipment Inspection (EMC Certification)
Applicable Products: Micro-motors, regulators, relays, horns, flashers, switches, wiring harnesses, connectors, fuses, ignition coils, windshield wipers, cigarette lighters, audio-visual systems, etc.
Test items:
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) anti-interference performance.
High and low temperature/humidity/temperature shock environmental performance.
Mechanical vibration/shock, dust/flood, acidic/ mold spot environmental testing.
Basic electrical parameters (current, voltage drop, noise, insulation, temperature rise, connection force, withstand voltage, etc.).
Overload, insertion and removal life, fatigue test.
Certification: Must comply with standards such as ISO 7637 and CISPR 25. During inspection, each unit shall be functionally tested individually.
VIII. Vehicle Entertainment System Testing (Electrical Safety)
Automobile Electrical Test: Parasitic Current, Start Jump Over Voltage, Over Voltage/ Voltage Drop, Battery Voltage Drop, Ripple Immunity, Open Circuit/ Ground Bias/ Power Supply Bias, Short Circuit, Insulation Evaluation.
Inspection: Connect the power supply and simulate operation to check various electrical parameters.
IX. Connector Inspection and Reliability Testing
Electrical Tests: Voltage drop, contact resistance, insulation, transient interruption.
Mechanical Tests: Vibration, drop, shock, housing strength.
Environmental Tests: Temperature shock, temperature and humidity cycling, high-temperature aging, corrosion resistance.
Comprehensive Environment: Low-temperature wake-up, high-temperature durability, low air pressure, rapid temperature variation, constant temperature and humidity, condensation, salt spray.
Sealing Test: Dust and water resistance (IP rating).
Inspection: Conduct sampling tests for insertion force and contact resistance; The inspection team needs to verify the calibration of the salt spray chamber and IP testing equipment.
X. Inspection and Testing of the Central Control Assembly
Mechanical tests: Impact resistance, structural strength and stiffness, operational performance, modal analysis.
Acoustic tests: Noise test.
Environmental tests: Dimensional stability, infrared light aging, temperature and humidity cycling.
Inspection: Compare and confirm the sample, inspect the appearance, button feel and display function.