MOT-Style Inspection (HU/AU): How to Prepare Your Car

Every two years, every registered car is due for the main inspection (HU) together with the emissions test (AU) – Germany's equivalent of the MOT test. A few minutes of preparation are often enough to avoid the most common faults and spare yourself unnecessary stress on the day of the test.

The most common check points

A large share of the complaints raised at the HU come down to small things that are easy to fix:

• Lighting: dipped beam, main beam, brake lights, indicators and number plate lighting should all work fully and be correctly aligned.
• Tyres: sufficient tread depth on all four wheels, no visible wear or damage, correct tyre pressure including the spare wheel.
• Brakes: no dragging, squealing or pulling to one side, and even response.
• Wipers: a streak-free wipe, intact rubber blades, enough washer fluid with antifreeze.
• Warning lights: the engine, ABS or airbag warning light must not stay on permanently after starting.

Don't forget the paperwork and the sticker

Besides the technical side, paperwork is also part of the preparation: keep the vehicle registration document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) at hand in the car, and check the record of the last inspection. The HU sticker on the rear number plate shows at a glance when the next inspection is due – the large number in the middle names the year, and the position of the number at the top edge shows the month.

A pre-check saves time

If a significant or even dangerous defect is found during the inspection, the vehicle fails and doesn't get its sticker, and a chargeable re-inspection becomes due – usually with a deadline of around one month. A quick pre-check at the workshop picks up exactly these typical points, and minor faults can often be fixed on the spot. That usually saves time, a second trip, and the cost of a second presentation at TÜV or DEKRA.

Especially with older vehicles, it's also worth taking a look underneath the car: oil or coolant traces on the ground, perished rubber boots on suspension joints, or a loud exhaust system also stand out during the inspection and can usually be fixed beforehand without much trouble.

We're happy to check this for you here in Teltow.