Saving Coin: Pass Vehicle Inspections without a Hitch
- by Layla Thompson
- 3 Mins
Cars found faulty during TÜV inspections due to small issues. - Due to minor flaws, vehicles collapse during TÜV inspections
Last year, one in five vehicles flunked the annual inspection. A mere 67.8% managed to pass without a single flaw. But don't worry, getting that shiny new sticker on your first try is as easy as a pie—if you know how to play the game!
When your ride hits the inspection station, it'll be categorized into four buckets—no defects, minor defects, major defects, and dangerous defects. Luckily, those with "no defects" get the glory—a shiny sticker pending! Minor defects, like nicks on the mirrors or a busted license plate light, don't always mean failing. They'll be noted on your inspection report, leaving you to fix them before the next ride.
It's a game-changer when your vehicle is tagged with "major" defects, like worn-out tires, faulty brakes, or rusty supporting parts. Fail, and you'll have four weeks to address the issues before another test. During this time, your vehicle is still drivable. If the mechanic verifies the repairs upon re-presentation, you get the sticker back!
But if an inspector spots "dangerous" defects, it's a different story. Defects considered "dangerous" because they directly and immediately jeopardize traffic or the environment can halt your sticker's progress. You'll be refused the sticker, and your car can only be driven home or to a workshop. In a month, you can re-present your vehicle. If it passes, congrats, your sticker is ready!
If an inspector flags "immediate dangers to traffic," your vehicle can be immobilized on the spot. You'll be denied road access immediately if brake or steering systems are compromised or if the chassis is badly rusted.
Overtaking Defects and Obtaining the Sticker on the First Go
Passing with flying colors on the first attempt? No sweat—TÜV (and other testing agencies like Dekra or GTÜ) offer checklists! Some issues are difficult to spot, while others are straightforward. Here's your guide:
- Are all lights (inside and out) working?
- Are all glasses (headlights, windows) undamaged?
- Do the windshield wipers and washer work?
- Does the car brake as intended?
- Does the horn work?
- Is the engine compartment dry?
- What's the remaining tire profile depth?
- Is the warning triangle, vest, and first aid kit (with a valid expiration date) in the car?
- Do any warning lights pop up during the drive?
- In the case of tuning: Do you have all the papers?
If everything checks out, the main inspection is as good as finished! It's more manageable to get the sticker during an inspection since mechanics tend to diagnose and fix any issues before the inspector shows up—sparing you the stress!
Intriguing bits during the main inspection may or may not be on your radar and are not part of the checklists. For instance, inspectors may ask you to remove any stick-on blind-spot mirrors on your mirrors. Or, "Auto Bild" reports, a missing sun visor in a convertible can lead to a minor defect.
Inspectors frown upon films on the front windows, painted headlight covers, or LED bulbs without explicit approval for the respective vehicle.
- TÜV
- Auto
- Vehicle
- Inspection
- By following the community policy of vehicle inspections, one can ensure their car passes without issues, thus securing a shiny sticker from the inspection agency like Dekra or GTÜ.
- In the process of vehicle inspections, vocational training in car-maintenance is likely to improve one's chances of passing on the first go, confirming the industry standard of efficient automotive transportation and lifestyle.
- Adhering to the community policy of vehicle inspections, it's important to ensure that all lights, glasses, and warning signals are in working order, enhancing the overall safety and finance aspects of owning a car.
- If a vehicle is found to have dangerous defects during a vehicle inspection, it's likely to be refused a sticker, thus increasing the likelihood of car-maintenance services being needed before another test.
- During a vehicle inspection, inspectors may confirm the presence of essential items such as warning triangles, vests, and first aid kits, ensuring compliance with the industry's safety regulations in automotive transportation.
- By prioritizing car-maintenance and following the given checklists, one can likely pass the vehicle inspection on the first try, confirming the vehicle's readiness for efficient transportation and enhancing one's lifestyle.
