Automotive Maintenance and Repair Standard System

The automotive maintenance and repair standard system is a comprehensive framework of rules, specifications, and technical benchmarks established at the national level. Spearheaded and overseen by the Ministry of Transport, with the National Technical Committee on Automotive Maintenance and Repair of Standardization Administration of China (TC247) handling the administration and formulation of specific standards, it serves as the cornerstone for regulating the industry and upholding safety and service quality.

The system is structured as a pyramid, featuring foundational general standards at the apex, cascading down to specific service, technical, and product standards.

📚 Composition of the Standard System

According to the "Automotive Maintenance and Repair Standard System (2024)" published by the Ministry of Transport, the framework comprises 40 national standards, 72 industry standards, and 10 related national standards. It is categorised into five key pillars:

• 100 Foundational Standards: The bedrock of the system, establishing universal rules. Core standards like GB/T 5624 "Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Terms" standardise industry terminology.

• 200 Service Standards: Regulating workshop qualifications, operational capabilities, and service quality.

  • Workshop Capabilities: Standards like GB/T 16739 "Operating Conditions for Automotive Maintenance and Repair Industry" outline the prerequisites for setting up workshop operations.

  • Service Quality: Guidelines like JT/T 816 "Specification for Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Services" govern workflow and operational procedures.

• 300 Technical Standards: The core pillar, establishing technical benchmarks for servicing and mechanical repairs.

  • Vehicle Servicing: Standards like GB/T 18344 "Specification of Maintenance, Inspection and Diagnostic for Motor Vehicles" serve as the primary reference for workshops to establish routine service schedules.

  • Vehicle Repairs: Specifications such as GB/T 3799 "Technical Requirements of Delivery for Overhauled Automobile Engines" and GB/T 5336 "Technical Specification for Automobile Body Repairing".

  • New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Servicing & Repairs: Covering regulations like GB/T 44510 "Technical Requirements for Maintenance and Repair of New Energy Vehicles" and GB/T 45099 "Technical Requirements of Delivery for Serviced Traction Battery".

• 400 Product Standards: Governing equipment, specialised workshop tools, and automotive consumables (such as brake fluid, coolant, and lubricants).

• 900 Related Standards: Cross-sector standards that closely impact automotive servicing and repairs, such as GB 7258 "Technical Specifications for Safety of Power-driven Vehicles Operating on Roads" and GB 38900 "Items and Methods for Safety Technology Inspection of Motor Vehicles".

✨ Key Industry Trends

The automotive maintenance and repair standard system continues to evolve, reflecting several distinct industry trends:

• Focus on New Energy Vehicles: A comprehensive rollout of standards has been introduced, addressing NEV workshop safety, EV traction battery repairs, and dedicated EV coolants.

• Emphasis on Safety and Environmental Sustainability: Stringent protocols are being enforced for workshop operational safety, alongside green initiatives targeting hazardous waste management and tailpipe emissions control.

• Digital Transformation: Accelerating the adoption of digital service logs and vehicle maintenance records, alongside establishing benchmarks like the "Methods for Determining Automotive Maintenance and Repair Labour Hour Quotas".

• Global Integration: Playing an active role in international standard-setting—most notably leading the development of the next-generation, cross-compatible ChaoJi charging standard to expand influence across the global automotive aftersales and repair sector.

In summary, spanning standardised terminology, workshop accreditation, service protocols, technical repair procedures, and product specifications, this comprehensive and dynamic framework underpins the professional, high-standard growth of the automotive aftersales industry.