Although their share is declining, there are currently around 14.1 million diesel-powered passenger cars registered in Germany. This represents approximately 28.8 percent of the entire national vehicle fleet. However, it is precisely these vehicles that must overcome a special and expensive obstacle during the general inspection (HU) carried out by TÜV, Dekra and other authorized inspection organizations.
Diesel drivers risk expensive repairs after general inspection
The HU is a legally mandatory inspection of the road safety and environmental compatibility of motor vehicles in this country. Different guidelines often apply, depending on whether it is a new car or a used vehicle. The former must be submitted to the TÜV, Dekra and Co. three years after their initial registration. Used cars are inspected every two years after the first general inspection.
What is special: Diesel vehicles often fail the first test, especially Ford models with 1.5 and 2.0 liter Ecoblue engines, as ADAC reports. Even being new cars, they often fail due to the technical and environmental requirements that accompany a general inspection.
“A closer examination usually shows that the particulate filter no longer fulfills its function and must therefore be replaced at a high cost,” explains the ADAC. And that may turn out to be more expensive than many probably expect. Because: “Depending on the necessary measures, the repair costs can amount to 3,000 euros. […].”
Diesel particulate filters (DPF) are prone to clogging, especially if the vehicle is driven mainly on short journeys. A clogged or non-functioning exhaust gas cleaning system causes increased pollutant emissions and can lead to HU failure.
Numerous problems
The background is that diesel vehicles must meet strict emissions limits to minimize environmental impact. In addition to the particulate filter, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is also checked. This can become carbonized due to the soot contained in the exhaust gases, so that it no longer opens or closes correctly and therefore worsens the emission values. A faulty EGR also results in a negative evaluation.
But other things can also become a problem for Diesel during the general inspection. These include the following:
Component wear
Diesel engines operate at higher pressure and are therefore more susceptible to wear of certain components:
- turbocharger : Turbocharger defects, such as leaks or blade damage, can affect engine performance and emissions.
- Injection system : Problems with the injectors can cause incomplete combustion and an increase in polluting emissions.
Technical defects
In addition to the emissions values, general technical aspects are also checked:
- Brakes : Worn or unevenly worn brake pads and discs can pose a safety risk.
- Chassis and steering : Defective shock absorbers, springs or steering systems can affect driving stability.
Software problems
There have been cases in the past where software updates were used to manipulate emissions. Vehicles that have not received such updates or whose updates are incorrect will not be able to meet emissions limits.
Sources: Statista, ADAC
This article was created using machine assistance (AI) and was carefully reviewed by the editorial team before publication.
By Dana Neumann