Your alternative to the main inspection

The general inspection (HU) and the exhaust gas test represent an appointment that most people are reluctant to attend. The test is usually time-consuming and often involves long waiting times. Not so with HoldeineBadge: At our testing centers, we ensure that the main inspection is carried out quickly and that you can drive as soon as possible with your new test sticker. Yet we keep an eye on everything and ensure that you are safe on the road. After all, this is the reason why the main inspection is defined in the StVZO. Thanks to our pick-up service (at a cost of 7€), you don't even have to show up on site for an appointment in Fürth yourself. Simply book a time for us to pick up your vehicle from your home. A delivery service is also included so that you can get your car or motorcycle back after the main inspection. This is how the HU/AU takes place conveniently and easily!

The main inspection is also known under the abbreviation HU. This is a regular inspection (general inspection) of motor vehicles, which is clearly regulated by law. This type of vehicle inspection has been established since December 1, 1951. If significant deficiencies or dangerous deficiencies are identified, they must be remedied. It is then mandatory to present the vehicle again within one month. If it is determined during the main inspection that the vehicle is no longer roadworthy, the inspector removes the test sticker. You can no longer drive with this motor vehicle! In this case, a certificate that you have deregistered the vehicle is also required.

Anyone who drove a car before 2009 certainly remembers it: There was once a hexagonal test sticker on the front license plate, which recorded the results of the emissions test (AU). This sticker no longer exists — but emissions testing is still mandatory. Is the exhaust gas test automatically included in the general inspection? The exhaust gas test is part of the main inspection. Is it therefore automatically included? In fact, the emissions test was abolished as a separate test in 2010. It is now an integral part of the main investigation (HU). However, when booking an appointment with most testing centers, you can decide whether you want to combine HU with AU or not. The AU can also be carried out independently of HU. A separate certificate is issued, which vehicle owners can request after the test. To ensure that the emissions test is still valid at the time of the main inspection, it must not have been more than one month ago. It must also be carried out by an approved workshop. How much does the emissions test cost? The cost of an AU varies from region to region. Here, you should always ask the local inspector for individual prices. It is best to combine the emissions test with the general inspection. What is checked by the auditor of the audit organizations? All motor vehicles that require approval and are equipped with a diesel or gasoline engine must undergo an exhaust gas test (AU). It is checked whether specified limits for defined measurement variables are met. In gasoline engines, it is therefore measured whether the carbon monoxide (CO) content is within limits and what the fuel-air mixture (lambda) is doing. In diesel engines, the flue gas turbidity (absorption coefficient) is measured. Since January 1, 2018, there has been a tailpipe measurement for all vehicles subject to AU requirements. And since January 1, 2021, there should be particle number measurement in diesel-engined vehicles. However, due to a lack of work steps, this will be delayed by one year, so that this examination should take place until July 1, 2023, as set out in the Road Traffic Approval Code. The reason for the emissions test is that the environmental compatibility of exhaust gases can be controlled. In doing so, legislators want to curb environmental pollution.

The main inspection is required every two years for most vehicles. Originally, it could only be carried out by institutions such as DEKRA or TÜV-Süd. However, there are now other testing organizations such as KÜS and GTÜ. As a certified partner of KÜS, we are therefore also allowed to issue HU badges by carrying out main tests and exhaust gas tests with our trained test engineers.