WIESBADEN, Germany -- Whether taking your car through the U.S. Army Europe-Africa vehicle inspection process for the first time or re-registering your license plates, there are few things to consider to avoid being a repeat customer.
Knowing the most common reasons that vehicles fail inspection can help prevent some of the possible write-ups in advance and, with the increase of customers during the busy summer PCS season, can help minimize additional visits through the inspection and registration lines by passing the first time.
According to officials with the 405th Army Field Support Brigade, which oversees the vehicle inspection stations in Germany, the primary causes for vehicles failing inspection are brake issues, lights, window tint, tires, and suspension and steering.
“We understand that failing an inspection is inconvenient and costly,” said Stephanie Kramer, Director of the 405th AFSB’s Base Support Operations Maintenance Directorate. “Our primary concern is customer safety and compliance with German roadworthiness laws. Inspections help prevent safety risks, fines, and insurance issues.”
Vehicles brought from the U.S., or purchased locally, must be registered with USAREUR-AF. All shipped vehicles and used vehicles purchased in Germany must pass a mechanical safety inspection before they can be registered and an inspection must also be completed not more than 75 days before registration renewal.
Statistics for April across the seven Army inspection stations in Germany show that nearly one in three vehicles failed inspection, with a 32% failure rate out of nearly 2,000 vehicles inspected.
Kramer shared that most of the common causes of the failures listed above can be attributed to the following:
Brake issues – Uneven brake power, worn/rusty brake pads and rotors;
Lights – Burned-out bulbs, misaligned headlights;
Window tint – Unauthorized tint on windshield and front windows;
Tires – Worn or damaged tires; and
Suspension & steering – Issues affecting handling and stability.
She noted that while vehicles often fail due to a combination factors, many of these and other inspection failures can be avoided with simple fixes, such as removing window tint from front driver- and passenger-side windows; ensuring the license plate is properly mounted; checking the lighting system and replacing any worn-out bulbs; and ensuring the vehicle has a warning triangle, vest and unexpired first aid kit.
As window-tinting rules are different in Germany, she explained that according to USAREUR-AF regulations, factory-installed tint is permitted but additional film tint is prohibited on the full front windshield and front-door windows and will result in an inspection failure.
“The inspection process aligns with German standards, and motorists may choose to have their vehicle inspections done off post as well, however, they will pay the inspection fee out of pocket, whereas the on-post inspections are no charge,” said Kramer. “A typical inspection takes 20–25 minutes, plus waiting time. To reduce wait times, online appointments are available at some locations.”
If a vehicle fails inspection, owners have 30 days to fix the issue and when they bring their vehicle back through the inspection station, only the failed item will be reinspected. After the 30 days, however, a full reinspection is required.
The 405th AFSB provides the following tips to expedite the inspection process by:
- Having all required documents ready;
- Ensuring safety equipment (warning triangle, vest, first aid kit are accessible and not expired);
- Performing a visual check beforehand;
- Checking Tint compliance;
- Checking all lights;
- Inspecting for possible oil leaks;
- Checking if any warning lights are on;
- Ensuring tires are free of obvious damage;
- Checking windshield is free of cracks or chips.
For more information on the vehicle inspection process: https://www.afsbeurope.army.mil/BASOPS/BASOPS-Maintenance/Vehicle-Inspection-Copy/
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