Periodic Technical Inspection (MOT, TÜV)
Periodic inspection is the mandatory roadworthiness test of vehicles at regular intervals.
What is Periodic Technical Inspection (MOT, TÜV)?
Names include MOT, TÜV and contrôle technique. It checks brakes, lights, tyres and emissions. Intervals depend on vehicle age and country. In the EU, minimum rules are harmonised, but countries set their own intervals, often the first test after three or four years and then every one or two years. Results are increasingly stored in national databases, including mileage, which helps detect odometer fraud.
How it works
Inspectors test safety and emissions items.
Why it matters for your car
Major defects require repair and retest. Check warning lights before the test.
Other terms
- 12-volt Socket (Accessory Socket)
- Asymmetric Tyres
- Biodiesel (FAME)
- Cell-to-Pack Battery Design
- Child Seat Fitting
- Cooling System Pressure Tester
- DAB Digital Radio
- Engine Break-in (Running-in)
- Exhaust System
- Facelift (Model Update)
- Multi-link Suspension
- Open Loop (Engine Control Mode)
- Paint Etching (Bird Dropping And Sap Damage)
- Piston Slap
- Power-folding Mirrors
- Propeller Shaft Centre Bearing
- Third-Party Liability Insurance
- Tilt Sensor (Alarm Inclination Sensor)
- Tyre Blowout
- V12 Engine