News

TÜV SÜD: staying mobile in severe frost (01.02.2012)

1. The weather forecast predicts severe frost over the next days. Now is the last chance to prepare your car for freezing temperatures, especially if you leave your car parked outdoors at night. Frost protection is absolutely vital if you want your car's systems to function and ensure safe and reliable transport. The TÜV SÜD experts give tips on how to stay mobile in freezing temperatures.

TÜV SÜD: former rental cars offer the highest price reductions – watch out for optional extras (25.01.2012)

1. Low prices, next to no waiting time and no need to fret over the significant drop in value of new cars: one-year-old cars, demo cars and – with certain reservations – lease returns from car rental companies and company fleets are in high demand among private car buyers. Nearly-new cars have clocked up only a few thousand kilometres and cost up to 40 per cent less than new cars. But how can private buyers find the right offer? What do they have to look out for when making their choice? What optional extras should the second hander have to ensure a high resale value? TÜV SÜD's experts give tips on what to look out for before signing the purchasing contract.

TÜV SÜD: five tips on how to protect your car from road salt (13.01.2012)

1. The storage silos for road salt are filled to the brim and so far this winter snow ploughs and gritters have largely been idle. This is good for the technical systems in our cars, for which corrosive road salt is particularly harmful. Motorists who have not yet prepared their cars for winter conditions should do so now as a matter of urgency. Points to be checked include the paintwork and underbody as well as ensuring sufficient antifreeze in fluids. TÜV SÜD's car experts give five tips.

Dig, rock and plan your trips with foresight (09.01.2012)

1. Deep snowdrifts, snow-covered motorways and wintry roads. At the edge of the Alps and low mountain ranges, rain and storms were followed by vast amounts of snow. Motorists travelling at higher altitudes must expect difficult road conditions over the coming days. TÜV SÜD's experts give important tips for motorists to take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents, and advise them what to do if they end up getting stuck. They also explain the correct use of snow chains.

Small cars, big problems? It all comes down to maintenance, says TÜV SÜD (15.12.2011)

1. Even though the TÜV Report 2012 documents that the average rate of defects rose by a mere 0.2 per cent to 19.7 per cent throughout Germany, this rate still means that almost one in five cars fails to pass the TÜV roadworthiness inspection at the first attempt. In the category of compact cars typically chosen as second cars, the rate of defects rises particularly rapidly in the age category of five years and older. Are these cars of poorer quality? A glance at the figures shows that lack of servicing and maintenance combined with short-distance driving are mainly to blame for the high failure rate of compact cars in roadworthiness tests. Regular servicing would have a major impact at low cost. The 2012 TÜV Report will be available from TÜV SÜD service centres and retailers from 16 December.

TÜV SÜD: Cars must be well prepared for winter roads – but so should drivers (08.12.2011)

1. The anti-freeze has been topped up, the winter tyres are fitted: most drivers have prepared their cars well for the first snow. However, year in year out, traffic congestions and fender benders on the first days of frost and snow demonstrate that unfortunately, the same cannot be said for drivers themselves. The frantic pace of the holiday season only makes this phenomenon worse. TÜV SÜD's experts give tips on how to get your vehicle safely through wintry conditions.

TÜV SÜD sees signs of positive impact of German scrappage subsidy (06.12.2011)

1. The 2012 TÜV Report, the findings of which were presented in Berlin on 6 December, shows that the proportion of cars with serious defects on Germany's roads has risen slightly by 0.2 percentage points to 19.7 per cent. The winner for the second year in succession is the hybrid-drive Toyota Prius, while the Porsche Boxster/Cayman and VW Golf Plus achieved the best results for German brands. The new report was built on data from 3.1 million roadworthiness inspections contributed by TÜV SÜD. Analysis of the statistics from TÜV SÜD's market territory, covering the German states of Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Hamburg, showed clear indications that the scrappage scheme is working: the number of older vehicles with faults in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Saxony – two states in which the scrappage subsidy was in high demand–- fell by over 2.5 percentage points in the period covered by the report.

TÜV SÜD: German rules on winter equipment for cars often insufficient abroad (01.12.2011)

1. Germany made the use of winter tyres compulsory one year ago, and this season most motorists have fitted their winter tyres by now. But does this mean they also comply with legal requirements when travelling to winter resorts in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France? Far from it, say the experts at TÜV SÜD – motorists who carry winter equipment that complies with the German regulations may be in for an unpleasant surprise in neighbouring countries. The greatly varying legal requirements concerning winter tyres and snow chains are the best example.

TÜV SÜD: Do the maths before retrofitting (17.11.2011)

1. Germany's Government Budgetary Committee recently decided that owners of diesel-powered cars are likely to receive financial support once again in 2012 and 2013 for retrofitting their cars with particulate filter systems. Could this be an incentive to get that old diesel vehicle fit enough for city centre low emission zones? While TÜV SÜD believes the continuation of funding for retrofitted particulate filters is the right move, owners of diesel-driven vehicles requiring the filter are advised to examine in detail whether the investment will be worthwhile, given rising diesel prices and continuing high taxes, or whether they would perhaps be better off buying a new or used car that already has a filter fitted or runs on petrol. TÜV SÜD's experts have some tips.

TÜV SÜD: Daytime running lamps are not enough in fog (16.11.2011)

1. On the A8 at Merklingen, fog has reduced visibility to 100 metres and the automatic traffic signs instruct drivers to slow to 60 kilometres per hour. While the technology works flawlessly, the drivers vary widely in their reactions; some brake sharply in uncertainty, yet others continue blithely onward, vanishing into the fog. The diversity of responses from drivers is mirrored by the lack of concerted awareness over the use of car headlamps. When should fog lamps and rear fog lamps be used, and what about daytime running lamps? Experts from TÜV SÜD provide tips on how to make the safest progress when road visibility is impaired.

TÜV SÜD: Effective windscreen wipers enhance visibility and safety (27.10.2011)

1. The average German driver buys new windscreen wiper blades every two years. Are your current wipers still performing reliably, or do you need new blades to restore visibility? As winter approaches, this is the time to take a close look at your windscreen wipers. TÜV SÜD has some practical tips.

TÜV SÜD: Need for further efforts to improve bus and coach safety (26.10.2011)

1. Meticulous care and maintenance is still a priority need for bus and coach companies and drivers in order to improve safety levels in their vehicles. This conclusion was announced by TÜV SÜD today on the occasion of the publication of "Bus Report 2011" by the Association of Technical Inspection Agencies (VdTÜV) in Berlin. Although over half of the 50,000 roadworthiness tests which formed the basis of the report's evaluations showed no faults, the statistics on light systems, brakes and corrosion indicate that a need for action still remains. Wolfgang Eichler, Member of the Management Board of TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH, underlined that although buses and coaches perform significantly better than cars in vehicle inspections, with only 13.8 per cent showing major faults, their key role in passenger transport means that plentiful efforts must be made in collaboration with bus and coach operators to produce improvements.

TÜV SÜD: "More has to be done about children's safety in cars" (26.09.2011)

1. The latest crash tests for children's car seats carried out by TÜV SÜD on behalf of German special-interest magazine auto motor und sport have delivered some alarming results: only five out of nine seats tested received a 'recommended' rating, and the restraint system of one seat failed entirely. Yet all the seats in the tests complied with the statutory requirements of the ECE R44 regulation. In this context, TÜV SÜD points out that the statutory approval standard demonstrates compliance of the products with specific minimum requirements. However, parents seeking more effective protection for their children as car passengers should be sure to investigate the results of the latest independent consumer tests, which generally apply more rigorous criteria than legal standards – as, indeed, was the case in the tests for the car magazine auto motor und sport.

TÜV SÜD: Sharing is good – inspection is better (17.08.2011)

1. No need to hunt for parking spaces, the newest model at your beck and call, and still a money-saving option? Car sharing is growing into a major trend. While a few years ago spur-of-the-moment car hire was still the province of a few eco-freaks, more and more people are turning to car sharing as a viable alternative to owning a car – especially in large cities. Almost 200,000 car drivers in Germany now share over 5,000 vehicles. But what about safety aspects when drivers hand over cars without an interim inspection? TÜV SÜD's experts bring reassurance; this need not be a problem if a few points are taken into consideration.

e-miglia 2011: Acid test for e-cars to kick off at TÜV SÜD (13.07.2011)

1. Bigger, higher, further – the 2011 e-miglia will represent the most gruelling challenge yet for e-mobility as the difficulty of the rally is ramped up still further over last year's race. Before the 32 registered teams set off on the 800-plus route to St. Moritz, TÜV SÜD will set up a public drivers' paddock at its Munich location at 57, Ridlerstrasse on Monday 1st August, where visitors and spectators can experience the 'nuts and bolts' of e-mobility up close. TÜV SÜD is not only the technology partner of the rally, but is also entering two teams of its own. Horst Schneider and Dr Peter Klein, both Members of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD AG, will be driving an e-Mini.

TÜV SÜD warns about accident blackspots at motorway service stations (21.06.2011)

1. Congested motorways, heavy truck traffic, streams of holidaymakers, overrun service stations - the number of trucks on Germany's roads is predicted to double by 2030. Motorway service stations and car parks are already experiencing periods of excessive overcrowding as a result of the overwhelming traffic density and the regulations governing breaks for truck drivers - and this overcrowding is increasing the risk that accidents will occur. Plans to expand service stations will aim to ease the situation in the future, but until they take effect, TÜV SÜD offers tips on how cars and trucks can get along at rest stops.

TÜV SÜD activities reduce the number of road deaths in Turkey (06.06.2011)

1. The Turkish Ministry of Transport has announced a clear drop in the number of road casualties since the introduction of German-style vehicle inspection in Turkey. According to Minister of Transport Binali Yildirim, the number of road deaths has declined from 5,000 to 3,000 since the TÜV SÜD subsidiary TÜVTURK took up German-style motor vehicle inspection across Turkey. Since 2009, TÜVTURK, which is run by a consortium of TÜV SÜD, Doğuş Automotive and Bridgepoint, has been the only organization approved to carry out periodic roadworthiness testing of vehicles in Turkey.

e-miglia 2011: E-cars face tough endurance test with TÜV SÜD (14.04.2011)

1. TÜV SÜD is once again the official technical partner of the 2011 e-miglia. The rally, regarded as one of the toughest in the world for electric vehicles, will cover a route of around 800 kilometres between Munich and St Moritz from 1 – 5 August. The hardest stretch for the entrants will be the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, reaching an altitude of 2504 metres. On 1 August, the evening before the start, TÜV SÜD will set up a public drivers' paddock at its Ridlerstrasse headquarters in Munich, where the cars will receive technical approval and teams and drivers will be introduced to the general public.

TÜV SÜD: Don't be fooled by 'too good to be true' used-car bargains (11.04.2011)

1. A new Germany-wide survey of over 400 car dealers by TÜV SÜD confirms the trend that prices for used cars are slowly rising. A reason for this development is the increase in sales of new cars, leading to a revival of the market as a whole. Any prospective purchasers of used cars should therefore start looking now. TÜV SÜD's experts have assembled five tips for purchasing used cars, and five factors that are clear 'red lights'.

Car trade anticipates increased sales and higher prices for used cars (07.04.2011)

1. Germany's car trade is looking forward to rising sales and higher prices for used cars in 2011, in addition to growing importance of the used-car business compared to new-car sales. A key driver for sales of used cars is the use of the Internet as a sales channel. These results were revealed by a representative survey of 406 car dealerships and garages throughout Germany, conducted in March by market research institute Technomar on behalf of TÜV SÜD. The results of the survey were presented at AMITEC in Leipzig.

TÜV SÜD: Finding out whether the car is approved for E10 is a must (03.03.2011)

1. As TÜV SÜD Service Centres have already noticed, widespread uncertainty reigns among motorists regarding the new E10 fuel. The most frequent questions asked by motorists are, "Can E10 really seriously damage an engine?", "Is it certain that cars approved for E10 will not suffer any damage?" and "Can I fill up my car with E10 fuel without first checking whether the car is actually approved for it?" The TÜV SÜD experts have clear answers: "Yes, E10 may cause damage, in particular to the seals and gaskets of the fuel system and to components made of aluminium. Given this, motorists absolutely must clarify whether their car is approved for E10 before refuelling", warns Philip Puls, TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH. To assist motorists further, the TÜV SÜD Service Centres provide information about the fuel, which comprises up to 10 % of bioethanol. Among other services, extensive information material is available at the inspection centres.

TÜV SÜD: Going international – with the right plates (02.03.2011)

1. Thinking of taking your classic car to a rally abroad? No problem, with Germany's H-type car number plates. But what about the 07 plates that enable historic vehicle owners to drive to and from car events and take part? Are they still valid when you cross the border? And whatever happened to the government's plans to introduce a single set of transferable licence plates for multiple classic cars? Correct registration of historic vehicles is just one of an array of themes to be addressed at Retro Classics, held in Stuttgart from 11 to 13 March (Hall 1, Stand J54).

TÜV SÜD: Don't forget the new toll stickers (02.12.2009)

1. Austria, Switzerland, Italy or France: anyone planning to visit the mountains in Germany's neighbouring countries this winter will have to put their hand in their pocket to use the motorways. Failure to do so may result in heavy fines. The new 2010 one-year toll stickers for Austria and Switzerland are available from this December. TÜV SÜD's experts explain what to watch for on toll routes – and what kind of fines may be due.

TÜV SÜD: Used correctly, a parking heater protects the environment (26.11.2009)

1. For many motorists, sub-zero temperatures bring frozen door locks, icy windscreens and poor visibility over the first few metres. When it's freezing outside, heat from the inside – supplied by a parking heater – may be the answer, ensuring good visibility and providing both warm feet and safety right from the start. Another plus is that parking heaters can protect the environment. TÜV SÜD experts advise motorists on what to look out for when purchasing a parking heater and on retrofitting options.

TÜV SÜD: Retrofit technologies protect against being barred (18.11.2009)

1. Three years ago, many German cities began to restrict access to their city centres to cars displaying an emission sticker on their windscreens. In phase one of the low-emission-zone (LEZ) scheme, German cities issued the now-familiar green, yellow and red stickers, and clearance to enter the city centres was given to all cars with a green or yellow sticker – until now.

Getting winter all chained up (10.11.2009)

1. If you plan to drive to the mountains or take a skiing holiday this winter, don't forget to buy snow chains in good time, to avoid grinding to a halt on snow-covered roads. But what aspects should you look at when selecting chains? And what should you watch for when using the chains? TÜV SÜD's product pros provide helpful hints.

Warning: winter's arrived! (23.10.2009)

1. Sudden change in weather in many parts of Germany. This year, autumn has come early and suddenly, bringing in its wake winter road conditions in some parts of Germany. However, only a few motorists have already changed over to winter tyres. How should you react if you are caught by snowy or icy conditions with summer tyres? TÜV SÜD's experts explain how driving dynamics work on icy roads, and give tips for emergencies.

Always replace car light bulbs in pairs! (14.06.2007)

1. Every time a car light bulb blows, driving becomes that little bit more dangerous. According to the experts at TÜV SÜD, the solution is to keep a stock of reserve bulbs in the car at all times. Even drivers who are unwilling – or unable – to change a bulb themselves will agree that spare bulbs are always useful. After all, drivers should not expect all brands to be available in every country! A particularly sensible idea is to buy the sets of spare bulbs sold as accessories by car manufacturers, giving drivers the certainty that they have packed the correct bulb types.

TÜV SÜD Tip: Avoiding arguments at the wheel ensures safer driving (07.05.2007)

1. Arguments between passengers are bound to happen on many car trips, note traffic psychologists of TÜV SÜD Life Services. Arguing at the wheel, however, increases the risk of accidents. Experts give tips on how to get along safely and without stress when travelling by car.

Worn shock absorbers – when road grip starts to fail (24.04.2007)

1. Almost one in seven cars on German roads has at least one worn shock absorber even though shock absorbers and springs could be said to form the backbone of a vehicle. Worn shock absorbers thus result in soaring accident risk, as their condition directly influences braking distance, cornering performance, ABS and anti-skid systems such as ESP. TÜV SÜD has compiled information about actual shock absorber condition, their impact on driving performance and typical indicators of worn shock absorbers:

Navigation systems: The driver is still in charge (19.04.2007)

1. There's no doubt that car navigation systems are a thoroughly practical and useful aid. But, say the traffic experts at TÜV SÜD, this only applies if drivers treat the system as a support, not a distraction, and do not blindly follow its directions. The TÜV SÜD experts have assembled a list of aspects that drivers should watch out for.

Warning: grit and dirt can be as dangerous as ice on roads (13.02.2007)

1. When the winter snow has melted, residues of grit and dirt on the roads can be as slippery as ice, warns TÜV SÜD.

From March on: Only clean cars allowed in city centres (28.12.2006)

1. Motorists should endeavour to obtain emissions stickers for their cars as soon as possible. The sticker ensures clearance for environmental zones which city councils may signpost from March 2007. Stickers are available in green, yellow and red depending on vehicle emissions.