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They actually check thousands of components that a car is made out of in every single car every two years in Germany? That seems like more effort than having pe

by soheil 7y ago

They actually check thousands of components that a car is made out of in every single car every two years in Germany? That seems like more effort than having people to just buy a new car every 2-4 years. In the US in some states like California during the smog check every two years for older cars they check the basics and make sure the car is relatively unmodified and has the essential safety parts in place. No one, however, checks to see if your headlights are emitting slightly more light than they should.

semi-extrinsic 7y ago
Yeah, all over Europe (at least EU and EEA) this is the norm. Americans are usually quite surprised when they learn the level of detail these checks go to. Even for a 20 year old car, you will be told stuff like "you need to replace the front left wheel bearing and the tie rod bushing, both rear springs, and that ABS sensor which is not working". You'll even get a fail if you show up without wiper fluid (since then they can't verify that your wipers are working correctly). They most definitely check your lights thoroughly. Around here, just having the test done is almost $100. Then there is the (potential) garage bill or DIY work+parts to fix whatever didn't pass, and then $20 for the re-test to fix whatever was necessary. If you don't do it, you lose your plates and insurance coverage. But usually the people who run aftermarket lights take the required 1 hour to put the stock ones back in before the test.
- leggomylibro 7y ago
  Hahahaha, that sounds great. I wish they did that in the US. I once got a car checked out, and the mechanics noticed that one of the brake cylinders couldn't be bled when they replaced the fluids. When I got it back, there was almost no brake pressure and the report had a note lightly recommending that I get the cylinder replaced at my convenience. You would be amazed at how averse people are to maintaining their cars in the States. Even the dealerships will avoid telling you about problems because they assume most people would prefer to run things into the ground rather than maintain them. It's pervasive.
usrusr 7y ago
The car goes onto a testing platform and is checked for braking symmetry, light geometry, noise and a quick glance at overall rustyness etc. It's a pretty streamlined process but it's quite successful at keeping dangerously undermaintained off the streets. Why would you need to check thousands of components?

by soheil 7y ago

semi-extrinsic 7y ago

Yeah, all over Europe (at least EU and EEA) this is the norm. Americans are usually quite surprised when they learn the level of detail these checks go to. Even for a 20 year old car, you will be told stuff like "you need to replace the front left wheel bearing and the tie rod bushing, both rear springs, and that ABS sensor which is not working". You'll even get a fail if you show up without wiper fluid (since then they can't verify that your wipers are working correctly). They most definitely check your lights thoroughly. Around here, just having the test done is almost $100. Then there is the (potential) garage bill or DIY work+parts to fix whatever didn't pass, and then $20 for the re-test to fix whatever was necessary. If you don't do it, you lose your plates and insurance coverage. But usually the people who run aftermarket lights take the required 1 hour to put the stock ones back in before the test.

leggomylibro 7y ago
Hahahaha, that sounds great. I wish they did that in the US. I once got a car checked out, and the mechanics noticed that one of the brake cylinders couldn't be bled when they replaced the fluids. When I got it back, there was almost no brake pressure and the report had a note lightly recommending that I get the cylinder replaced at my convenience. You would be amazed at how averse people are to maintaining their cars in the States. Even the dealerships will avoid telling you about problems because they assume most people would prefer to run things into the ground rather than maintain them. It's pervasive.

usrusr 7y ago

The car goes onto a testing platform and is checked for braking symmetry, light geometry, noise and a quick glance at overall rustyness etc. It's a pretty streamlined process but it's quite successful at keeping dangerously undermaintained off the streets. Why would you need to check thousands of components?