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This is to be considered in the main and exhaust gas examination
The main inspection, or HU for short, is a regular test to ensure the roadworthiness and environmental compatibility of vehicles. Since last year almost a quarter of all cars on Germany's roads failed on the ever higher bar of the test and had significant shortcomings, many vehicle owners ask themselves the question how they get through the main inspection without expensive inspection.
Depending on the type of vehicle, different periods are required by law for the main inspections. In the case of cars, the main inspection is due every 24 months, the testing interval after the first registration is somewhat more generous with 36 months. Since 2010, the exhaust gas investigation, AU for short, has also been integrated into the main inspection. This is to ensure that the emission values of the vehicle examined remain within the legally defined limits over the period of use. The main and exhaust emission tests in Germany are carried out by state-recognized testing organizations, such as Dekra or TÜV. If the main inspection is successfully completed, the so-called inspection sticker is attached to the number plate of the vehicle as evidence of the HU.
Without problems by the main investigation
The inspector of the main inspection tests the vehicle for the proper condition, function and design of the vehicle components. The following areas and parts of the vehicle are scrutinized:
- The functionality of the brake and steering system
- flawless, unrestricted visibility
- Faultless functioning of electrical and lighting installations
- mechanical parts such as axles, chassis, frames, wheels, Tubes and suspensions on integrity
- an environmental impact within the legal framework, both from noise and from leaking liquids and exhaust gases
- other aspects relevant to both active and passive safety
If deficiencies are found in the vehicle during the test, they will be subdivided into minor and significant defects according to severity. In the first case the test badge is issued but the defects must be rectified immediately, in the latter case the badge is not awarded and a vehicle inspection is required. The issued test report must be kept until the next test and then re-submitted accordingly.
It is highly recommended to look through a detailed list of test objects on your own vehicle before the examination (for example there is a checklist here), in order to be aware of existing defects on the vehicle before the main inspection so that they can be eliminated. In addition, workshops offer a general inspection and emissions test. On Autoservice.com For example, you can obtain and compare offers from nearby workshops online.
What will be checked during the exhaust emission test?
At the AU, the vehicle is checked for compliance with the maximum emissions. These are required by law and are checked by a neutral test center together with the HU every two years. Depending on whether the vehicle has no, a regulated or an unregulated catalytic converter for the exhaust gases, different limit values apply. For the investigation, a probe is inserted into the exhaust pipe of the vehicle and the emission values are recorded at idle and at increased idle. In this case, the gases produced during combustion may only be present under certain percentage limit values in the exhaust gas.
Keep deadline!
The date for the next main inspection can be found on the vehicle registration document and the inspection sticker. The date should be adhered to very precisely, since backdating has not been possible since mid-2012. If the deadline is exceeded by more than 2 months, the fee for the investigation increases by 20% and a more stringent "in-depth main investigation" is carried out. If the overdraft exceeds 2 months, the Bußgeldkatalog Penalties of up to 40 EUR and 2 points in Flensburg before (with more than 8 months delay).
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