Autotuning: what is actually allowed and what is not?

Recently updated on November 9, 2022 at 01:52 am

For cars and their use in road traffic, there are certain in every country in the world Guidelineswhich must be adhered to. While these are a little less strict in some countries, the regulations that apply in Germany apply as very detailed and strict. However, these regulations not only affect the use of the vehicle, they also regulate a possible one Tuning. Therefore, with this article about ePermitted or prohibited tuning measures educate on the car. Are you looking for a unique car or just more horsepower than usual? Then tuning is usually the only solution.

What is allowed and what is not?

Already at the buying a car you can now choose from an extensive range of new or used vehicles. In addition, the manufacturers offer many different models, as well as a large selection of colors, engines and equipment lines. Yet for many auto fans this is not enough choice yet. You either want to create a unique car that no one else owns, or you just want to more power and acceleration .

In this case, the only option that is usually left is tuning the vehicle. While tuning has become a kind of hobby for many car fans, many car owners see it as one too Challenge or even as a passion

A lot is feasible, not necessarily allowed

Basically, when tuning all parts on the car changed will. Starting with the design or the color, to the engine, the exhaust pipe, the light, the tires, the rims, the interior or the windows. But not all types of conversions are in Germany allowed. Clear guidelines are provided by the Road Traffic Act (StVG), the Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance (StVZO) and the Vehicle Licensing Ordinance (FVZ). In addition, some tuning work on the car, such as chip tuning the engine, can be used for Loss of the manufacturer's guarantee .

safety first

All regulations that affect the tuning of vehicles should ensure that the road safety of the vehicle and thus also the The safety of the driver and all road users are always guaranteed. For this reason there is always one for all safety-relevant parts or components of a vehicle officially approved type. Tuning measures on the car change this officially approved design and must therefore be re-approved. A major difference to ordinary spare partswhich either used or bought new can be. These have already been checked and can therefore be used immediately to replace defective or worn parts. For tuning, conventional spare parts are of course not suitable. If necessary, you can also get one for spare parts general operating permit (ABE).

In addition to individual reports, the ABE also plays a decisive role in tuning. Therefore, when buying or installing tuning parts, you should always make sure that a official test mark, such as a general operating permit (ABE), a general type approval (ABG), a EC type approval or ECE approval is present. These approvals confirm that the parts are reliable have been checked and should always be carried in the car.

Should be with the tuning parts no permits are included, approval must be obtained from TÜV or Dekra. Obtaining such an operating permit or Individual operating permit (EBE), is required even if you Several parts change on the vehicle at the same time. In this special case, the individual permits are no longer sufficient, because the changes too of the entire tuning parts the driving characteristics and driving safety of the car must be checked. Depending on the case, it can be decided individually whether a change acceptance or a Cultivation appraisal sufficient or whether an individual operating permit is required.

Changes caused by tuning must be entered and reported to the insurance company

All tuning measures require the Exhaust or driving characteristics of the car or its acoustics as well as its driving safety affect, one Entry in the vehicle documents. In the event of an inspection, you can simply use the vehicle documents to show that all changes are legal. The insurance company must also be informed. Because only if the insurance is informed can complications in the event of damage be prevented. The reason for this is easy to explain: Tuning changes that Vehicle value. Therefore, insurance in the comprehensive area require mostly higher amounts. It can also be more expensive when classifying power or engine tuning, as either a classification into a higher type class made or a Risk surcharge will be charged.

If you have insurance not inform about tuning measures, in an emergency you can also use the Lose insurance coverage. In the case of a motor vehicle liability insurance, the insurance usually pays anyway, but the policyholder has to go along with a tuning that has not been reported Recourse claims expect the insurance.

Illegal tuning: what are the possible consequences?

Should you undertake tuning measures on the car, without having a permit, it can get expensive for you. First of all, you can Fines (€) to come towards you. How high the fines can be can be determined using a Fine calculator be determined. It can also lead to a Entry of points in the Flensburg register of fitness to drive come. In serious cases, such as a extensive tuning without authorization can also do the The vehicle's operating license can be withdrawnwhich means an operation on public roads would be forbidden. In order to ensure compliance with the measure, the police can also enter the vehicle directly beschlagnah financing. In such a case, the Insurance Cover the entfall.

Our conclusion: The costs and penalties for illegal tuning are enormous. We therefore recommend any tuning measures, even if these are only minimal, always approved or reviewed. Because the costs and effort for an approval are far lower than you think and in this way you also comply with all regulations.

Of course that had not been the case.

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