HU/TÜV: Germany’s roadworthiness test without stress

Every 2 years the Hauptuntersuchung (HU): TÜV/DEKRA/GTÜ check safety and emissions (AU exhaust test). ~€120–150. They inspect: brakes on a roller, lights, steering play, structural rust, tyres, glass, leaks. Pass = sticker on the plate. Defects = one month to fix + re-test. Secret: 80% of failures are small things you can see yourself.

• ●15-min check: all lights, wipers, washer, mirrors, belts, steering play
• ●Crack in the wiper zone = new windscreen — solve before HU
• ●HU overdue = €15–60 fine, only direct drive to the station