HU/AU
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Differences between TÜV, KÜS, DEKRA and GTÜ explained

by
Engin Has
Updated on
Jul 16, 2024
Table of contents

The most important things in brief

  • Test stations in Germany: TÜV, KÜS, DEKRA and GTÜ are the leading providers of vehicle testing. They carry out the legally required main inspection (HU) to ensure the road safety and environmental compatibility of vehicles
  • Special services: In addition to HU, inspection stations also offer reports, such as accident and valuation reports, as well as additional services such as consulting services and technical tests. Some, such as HoldeInePlakette, also offer a convenient pick-up and delivery service.
  • Differences between providers: The providers differ in their history, their range of services and their specializations. It is important to choose the right provider for your own needs.

Regular vehicle inspections are essential in Germany to ensure safety on the roads. Various testing stations from companies such as TÜV, KÜS, DEKRA and GTÜ offer these services. This article explains the differences and characteristics of the individual providers.

History of testing stations

TUV
The Technical Monitoring Association (TÜV) is one of the best-known monitoring institutions in Germany. Its origins date back to the 19th century, when it was founded in response to a series of steam engine accidents. TÜV offers a wide range of services, including the general inspection (HU), which is essential for the road safety and environmental compatibility of vehicles. TÜV also carries out vehicle assessments, safety tests, emissions tests and the certification of management systems, among other things. TÜV is divided into several regional companies, including TÜV Süd, TÜV Nord and TÜV Rheinland, which each offer an extensive range of services.

KUES
The motor vehicle monitoring organization of freelance automotive experts (KUES) was founded in 1980 and has been offering comprehensive services related to vehicle monitoring ever since. This includes general inspections (since 1991), accident and damage reports, and vehicle assessments. KUES attaches great importance to the continuing education of its experts and uses modern technologies to ensure precise and reliable tests.

DEKRA
The German Motor Vehicle Monitoring Association (DEKRA) was founded in 1925 and has developed into an internationally recognized testing company. In addition to general tests (since 1991), DEKRA also offers Accident report, vehicle assessments, safety tests, and certifications. With a global network, DEKRA is not only active in vehicle monitoring, but also in the areas of occupational safety, industrial testing and environmental testing.

GTÜ
The Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung mbH (GTÜ) was founded in 1977 and offers a wide range of services in the area of vehicle monitoring. These include general inspections, exhaust gas tests, vehicle evaluations and damage reports. GTÜ works with independent and freelance automotive experts and, like the other providers, attaches great importance to customer-oriented and flexible service provision.

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Services provided by test stations

Principal Investigations
All test stations carry out the statutory general inspections (HU), which ensure that vehicles meet safety and environmental standards. These tests must be carried out regularly and include a comprehensive review of vehicle technology.

Expert opinion
In addition to the main inspection, the test stations offer various types of reports:

  • Accident report: These reports are prepared after an accident in order to assess the damage and determine the costs of the repair.
  • Appraisal: These reports determine the current market value of a vehicle, which is particularly useful when buying or selling a car.

additional services
Test stations often offer additional services that go beyond the main inspection. This includes consulting services, technical tests and special services such as the pick-up and delivery service. With HoldeineBadge we offer a convenient pick-up and delivery service to make the inspection process easier for our customers.

conclusion

The various test stations such as TÜV, KÜS, DEKRA and GTÜ all offer important services for vehicle monitoring. They vary in their history, scope of service, and specializations. As a vehicle owner, it is important to choose the provider that best suits individual needs. We cordially invite you to use the services of our KÜS testing station at HoldeinePlakette and to benefit from our comprehensive range of services.

Regular vehicle inspections are essential in Germany to ensure safety on the roads. Various testing stations from companies such as TÜV, KÜS, DEKRA and GTÜ offer these services. This article explains the differences and characteristics of the individual providers.

History of testing stations

TUV
The Technical Monitoring Association (TÜV) is one of the best-known monitoring institutions in Germany. Its origins date back to the 19th century, when it was founded in response to a series of steam engine accidents. TÜV offers a wide range of services, including the general inspection (HU), which is essential for the road safety and environmental compatibility of vehicles. TÜV also carries out vehicle assessments, safety tests, emissions tests and the certification of management systems, among other things. TÜV is divided into several regional companies, including TÜV Süd, TÜV Nord and TÜV Rheinland, which each offer an extensive range of services.

KUES
The motor vehicle monitoring organization of freelance automotive experts (KUES) was founded in 1980 and has been offering comprehensive services related to vehicle monitoring ever since. This includes general inspections (since 1991), accident and damage reports, and vehicle assessments. KUES attaches great importance to the continuing education of its experts and uses modern technologies to ensure precise and reliable tests.

DEKRA
The German Motor Vehicle Monitoring Association (DEKRA) was founded in 1925 and has developed into an internationally recognized testing company. In addition to general tests (since 1991), DEKRA also offers Accident report, vehicle assessments, safety tests, and certifications. With a global network, DEKRA is not only active in vehicle monitoring, but also in the areas of occupational safety, industrial testing and environmental testing.

GTÜ
The Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung mbH (GTÜ) was founded in 1977 and offers a wide range of services in the area of vehicle monitoring. These include general inspections, exhaust gas tests, vehicle evaluations and damage reports. GTÜ works with independent and freelance automotive experts and, like the other providers, attaches great importance to customer-oriented and flexible service provision.

Book an appointment and get your badge!

Book an appointment!

Services provided by test stations

Principal Investigations
All test stations carry out the statutory general inspections (HU), which ensure that vehicles meet safety and environmental standards. These tests must be carried out regularly and include a comprehensive review of vehicle technology.

Expert opinion
In addition to the main inspection, the test stations offer various types of reports:

  • Accident report: These reports are prepared after an accident in order to assess the damage and determine the costs of the repair.
  • Appraisal: These reports determine the current market value of a vehicle, which is particularly useful when buying or selling a car.

additional services
Test stations often offer additional services that go beyond the main inspection. This includes consulting services, technical tests and special services such as the pick-up and delivery service. With HoldeineBadge we offer a convenient pick-up and delivery service to make the inspection process easier for our customers.

conclusion

The various test stations such as TÜV, KÜS, DEKRA and GTÜ all offer important services for vehicle monitoring. They vary in their history, scope of service, and specializations. As a vehicle owner, it is important to choose the provider that best suits individual needs. We cordially invite you to use the services of our KÜS testing station at HoldeinePlakette and to benefit from our comprehensive range of services.

About the Author
Engin Has
Engin Has is one of the founders of Holdeineplakette.de and a licensed automotive testing engineer himself. He is therefore responsible for our operations.
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