Turning Away From High Garage Bills:Unexpected Reasons Behind Failed Car Inspections
- Author: Christian Hensen
- Est. Reading Time: ∞
Cars fall short of TÜV standards due to specific issues - Due to minor imperfections, automobiles fail TÜV inspection
It's no secret that every year, a fifth of cars fail their main car inspections. Roughly 33% of them don't make the cut, with only 67.8% passing without a hitch. But, it's not all that difficult to ensure your car gets that desirable new sticker during its initial attempt. And that's without having to bear the cost of re-inspections.
In simple terms, there are four primary issue classes at the TÜV and other inspection enterprises like Dekra or GTÜ. Vehicles tagged as "no detected issues" enjoy the simplest process—they receive their sticker, and that's it. "Minor issues," which are less severe than serious or dangerous ones, don't necessarily lead to a failed inspection. These can include merely cosmetic defects like scratches on mirrors or a malfunctioning license plate light. The inspection report will simply note these minor issues, expecting you to have them promptly rectified—without needing a re-inspection. Often, these minor issues can be viewed as a kind gesture, provided they don't accumulate in excess.
Stepping Up the Ante: From Minor to Serious, Major Breakdowns
However, "serious matters" are a different ball game. If your car's tires are worn out, brakes are defective, or essential components are severely rusted, you're in for a failed inspection. You'll then have an opportunity to eliminate these problems within a four-week window before having the vehicle re-inspected. For this interim period, it's safe to drive the vehicle. Once you've addressed the issues, and your car is re-examined, it will receive its well-deserved sticker.
Matters become more sobering when it comes to "dangerous issues." If the inspector discovers defects that may "immediately endanger traffic or taint the environment, your sticker will be confiscated. An additional grim note: if a so-called "dangerous situation" is mentioned in the inspection report, your vehicle can only be operated to drive it home or to the workshop. Within a month, the vehicle can be re-submitted for inspection. If everything is in order, a new sticker will be issued.
It's also worth noting that if the inspector detects "an imminent danger to traffic," your vehicle can be immobilized immediately. This usually happens when brake or steering systems are defective, or when chassis are extensively rusted.The participation of your vehicle in road transportation will be instantly denied.
Ace Your Inspection: Secrets to Ensure Your Car Passes with Flying Colors
Successfully receiving the coveted sticker on your first try isn't a mystery. The TÜV offers handy checklists. While rudimentary checks can be performed, others are easily verifiable. For example:
- Are all vehicle lights functioning correctly, both inside and outside?
- Are all glasses (headlights, windows) undamaged?
- Do the wipers and windshield washer work flawlessly?
- Does the vehicle brake as it should?
- Can you hear the horn working efficiently?
- Is the car engine compartment dry?
- How deep is the remaining tire profile?
- Do safety accessories like warning triangle, warning vest, and first aid kit feature valid expiration dates?
- Does the car display any warning lights when driving?
- In cases of custom tuning: Do you have all the necessary documentation?
By checking these points, chances are high that you'll manage to pass the inspection successfully. Having your vehicle inspected as part of routine maintenance at a workshop might increase your chances that any defects would be detected and rectified before the inspector arrives, sparing you from the need to search through the checklist.
There are intriguing instances during the main inspection that may not be on your list and are not part of the checklists. For example, "blind-spot mirrors" used to affix to your vehicle mirrors will foster disapproval among inspectors. Or—as "Auto Bild" reports—a missing sun visor in a convertible may result in a "minor defect."
Suspect modifications like films on the front windows, painted headlight covers, or what appear to be LED lights without proper authorization are also likely to draw inspector ire.
- Community policy at Dekra, TÜV, and other inspection centers often provide a four-week window to address "serious matters" or eliminating defects found during vehicle inspections.
- Vocational training in the automotive industry is beneficial for mechanics, ensuring they have the necessary skills to help vehicle owners pass their car inspections on the first try.
- Curiosities in the industry, such as the use of blind-spot mirrors or missing sun visors in convertibles, can lead to a failed inspection, despite not being listed on standard checklists.
- Financing options for vocational training in the transportation sector could encourage more people to become mechanics, increasing the number of cars passing inspections and reducing costs associated with re-inspections and repairs.
- Understanding the community policy regarding vehicle inspections and implementing any necessary changes, such as proper headlight covers and registered custom tuning, can likely prevent inconveniences and potential failures during car inspections.
