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Alloy rims - is it mandatory to register new wheels on the car?
When buying new rims, many car owners ask themselves whether they should be registered with the TÜV. There is no general answer to this. Because it depends on the type of wheels and the vehicle itself whether the alloy wheels have to be registered in the TÜV. This article is intended to provide a comprehensive answer to the question and, moreover, to give you tips on the correct procedure.
The importance of the opinion
Before it comes to the registration of the alloy rims, one has to take a look at the report. There is one for every product and every type of vehicle. This specifies whether and when an aluminum rim is subject to registration. So if you ask yourself the question: "Alloy rims - do you have to register new wheels on the car with the TÜV?", So you will find the correct answer in the report. You can now call up the relevant information in a large number of online shops.
The importance of the general operating permit (ABE)
If you opt for a rim with ABE, you save a lot of effort. The ABE is a test report that applies to all vehicles mentioned in it. If your car is listed in the report, you can easily install the relevant aluminum rim in your car. However, caution is still required: make absolutely sure that you meet all the requirements listed in the ABE. If your vehicle is in its original condition, the rims are usually free of registration.
ABE rims are usually wheels that have the same dimensions as standard products. There is therefore no risk when using them in traffic. However, you should pay attention to the size of the tires. They too must correspond to the value stated in your vehicle documents. If you choose aluminum rims with ABE, all you have to do is change the look of your vehicle - the dimensions always remain the same.
But there are also rims that are subject to registration despite the ABE. This is entered in the document with the abbreviation “A01”. You must also carry the ABE with you every time you drive. If you want to save yourself this, enter the change in your vehicle documents.
This should be taken into account when reading expert reports
If you want to know whether you have to enter your rims now, you should be able to interpret expert reports correctly. In this regard, it should be noted that the same abbreviations are used in every document. So you need to know about their meaning if you want to receive information about the obligation to register. Simply take a look at the systems. They contain requirements that must be met in order to avoid an obligation to register.
What about the EC / ECE type approval on yourself?
The EC / ECE type approval is an ABE and is valid throughout Europe. This means that every rim for which this type of approval is available is approved in all EU member states. So if you drive your car abroad frequently and have your car parts assembled there, it can be worthwhile to use accessories with EC / ECE type approval. Such confirmation is only given to parts for which there was no deviation from the type sample during manufacture. Countries that are not part of Europe have also been able to become part of that agreement since 1997. The EC / ECE type approval is now also valid in New Zealand, Brazil and Australia. Rims of this type can be attached to your car in the states mentioned without registration.
What distinguishes the parts certificate?
The parts certificate according to §19 (3) STVZO is part of every ABE. However, it is also available for rims that can be converted to other dimensions. Values such as diameter, width and Offset so can vary. However, these factors are always within a defined framework - there are therefore no large deviations. Exact templates for converting the vehicle are also available in the parts certificate. Immediately after the installation of the new car parts, the operating permit for the car expires. You are then only allowed to drive the way to the TÜV with the converted rims. This then checks whether the installed parts match the information in the parts certificate. He also checks whether the conversion has been carried out properly. If there are no complaints about either point, the TÜV will issue a certificate in accordance with requirement A02. This can be used to enter the structural changes to your vehicle in the registration papers.
Individual acceptance for special rims
If you have considered rims for which there is neither an ABE nor a parts certificate, you can consider a single acceptance. However, this can only be carried out by an examiner with special approval, whereby the process also involves higher costs for you. You must also be aware of the risk that this procedure is not a guarantee of registration. If you want to counteract this scenario, get information from the TÜV before you buy. This is how you counteract an unwise investment.
A strategic approach is also required so that an individual acceptance is approved for you. So you can start looking for a comparison report in advance. Show this to your inspection body. As a rule, the registration will then be granted to you without any problems.
Is an entry necessary despite the strength report?
A strength report describes the strength of the aluminum rims. To determine this property, the strength test on the accessories is carried out at a test center recognized by the KBA. Experts determine how a heavy load affects a rim made of light metal. If the values determined in this test lie within the limit range defined in advance, the test facility issues a strength report. This document confirms that the aluminum rim can withstand high loads and allows safe navigation of the car under these conditions. If your rims only have this certificate, it is not enough for an entry. In this case you have to arrange an individual acceptance. The strength report does not provide any information about the interaction between rims and car type.
Always find out in advance
So that you make a well-considered decision when buying your rim, you should make sure in advance about which reports are available for the model in question. You also have to check requirements. Keep in mind that not every accessory that has an ABE is also permitted without registration. In case of doubt, get advice from a specialist. In the end you avoid penalties and thus high financial losses. If there is no operating license for your vehicle, this will cost you up to 100 euros.
When studying the document, make sure that it is the right report for your car. Requirements for individual models are often changed from a certain date of construction. The provisions are often similar, but there are still some differences. So read the document very carefully to avoid mistakes.
Alloy rims - do you have to register new wheels on the car with the TÜV? The bottom line
Whether you have to register the alloy rims depends on several factors. If you want to save yourself this process, you should only use accessories with ABE or EC / ECE type approval. But read the approval carefully - because some rims still require registration. If you want to save yourself the constant need to carry the ABE with you when driving, have the changes to your car entered in the vehicle documents.
Your vehicle is only permitted for road traffic if all of the installed parts are considered “safe” by the TÜV - this applies above all to the interaction between them.