ATU Car Inspection Guide Explained
Nov 06 2025
If your TÜV sticker is about to expire or you are wondering where to get your car checked without spending a fortune, ATU (Auto-Teile-Unger) is one of Germany's most popular and trusted options. With over 600 branches across the country, ATU makes getting your Hauptuntersuchung (HU) and Abgasuntersuchung (AU) simple, fast, and affordable.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about the ATU car inspection — what it covers, how much it costs, how to book it, and how to make sure your car passes without any nasty surprises.
What Is the ATU Car Inspection (Hauptuntersuchung)?
The Hauptuntersuchung (HU), commonly known as TÜV, is a mandatory vehicle inspection required by law in Germany under §29 of the Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO). Every car on German roads must pass this test regularly to confirm it meets safety and environmental standards.
ATU organises this inspection through officially approved testing organisations such as TÜV Nord, TÜV Süd, DEKRA, FSP, GTÜ, and KÜS. The emissions test (Abgasuntersuchung or AU) is carried out directly by ATU staff. Since 2010, the HU and AU are completed together as a single combined check.
In short: ATU handles all the paperwork and logistics. You drop off your car, a certified inspector does the HU, ATU handles the AU, and you get the sticker, all in one visit.
Why Choose ATU for Your HU/AU in Germany?
Many German drivers choose ATU over going directly to TÜV or DEKRA for a few good reasons:
Competitive pricing with regular online deals
Nationwide availability, over 600 workshop locations across Germany
Open on Saturdays, inspections available daily including weekends
Easy online booking, buy a voucher online, then book your nearest branch
Everything handled for you, no separate appointments at multiple locations
SMS notification when your car is ready
ATU Car Inspection Prices 2026
Here is a clear overview of the current ATU inspection pricing compared to standard market rates in Germany:
Service | ATU Price | Standard Market Price |
HU + AU Combined (PKW up to 3.5t) | €149.99 | €150 – €200 |
Re-inspection (Nachprüfung) | ~€15 – €20 | ~€15 – €25 |
AU only (Emissions Test) | Included in HU/AU package | €20 – €40 |
HU for Motorcycles | From ~€70 | €70 – €90 |
Note: The €149.99 HU/AU package is valid for passenger cars (PKW) up to 3.5 tonnes. It does not apply to LPG/gas-powered vehicles and does not cover deep inspections under §29 Abs. 1 StVZO for vehicles overdue by more than 2 months. The voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Book Your ATU HU/AU Appointment Online Now
How Often Do You Need a Car Inspection in Germany?
The inspection interval depends on the type of vehicle. Here is a quick reference table:
Vehicle Type | First Inspection | Recurring Interval |
Passenger car (PKW) | After 3 years | Every 2 years |
Taxi / Rental car | After 1 year | Every 1 year |
Motorcycle | After 2 years | Every 2 years |
Truck (up to 3.5t) | After 2 years | Every 2 years |
Caravan / Trailer | After 2 years | Every 2 years |
Important: If you exceed your HU deadline by more than 2 months, the inspection fee increases by approximately 20%. Driving without a valid HU sticker can also result in a fine and a point on your licence.
What Does ATU Check During the Car Inspection?
During the Hauptuntersuchung, over 150 individual points are examined on your vehicle. ATU works with certified inspectors who go through every important system. Here is a breakdown of the main areas:
Safety Systems
Inspection Area | What Is Checked |
Brakes | Brake pads, discs, brake fluid, handbrake function |
Steering | Steering play, tie rods, rack condition |
Suspension | Shock absorbers, springs, wheel bearings |
Tyres | Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), sidewall condition, age |
Lights | Headlights, indicators, brake lights, rear lights, alignment |
Environmental Check (AU)
Inspection Area | What Is Checked |
Exhaust Emissions | CO₂, CO, hydrocarbons (petrol engines) |
Diesel Particulates | Soot particle levels (diesel engines) |
OBD Scan | On-board diagnostics error readout |
Technical and Structural
Inspection Area | What Is Checked |
Bodywork and Frame | Structural rust, underbody condition |
Engine Bay | Oil leaks, coolant lines, fuel system |
Electrical System | Battery, wiring, fuses |
Seatbelts and Airbags | Functionality and condition |
Windows and Wipers | Cracks, wiper functionality, visibility |
How to Book an ATU Car Inspection: Step by Step
Booking your ATU HU/AU is straightforward. Here is how it works:
Go to the ATU website and purchase the HU/AU package online for €149.99
Receive your voucher by email immediately after purchase
Book a slot at your nearest ATU branch (same website, over 600 locations)
Drop off your car at your chosen time — inspections run daily, including Saturdays
Get an SMS when your car is ready for collection
Pick up your car with the new TÜV sticker (if passed) or an inspection report
Find Your Nearest ATU Branch in Germany
How to Prepare Your Car for the ATU Inspection
A little preparation can save you from failing the inspection and having to pay for a follow-up check. Here is a practical checklist to go through before your appointment:
Pre-Inspection Checklist:
Check all lights work, front, rear, indicators, hazards, brake lights
Check tyre tread depth, minimum 1.6mm (3mm is the recommended safety level)
Check tyre pressure and look for sidewall damage or cracks
Make sure the windscreen has no large cracks in the driver's field of view
Check that windscreen wipers clear the screen properly
Top up all fluid levels, oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid
Check the handbrake holds on a slope
Look under the car for any visible oil or fluid leaks
Make sure no warning lights are permanently on
Ensure the horn works
Check seatbelts click and retract properly
Remove any objects blocking the rear view
Going through this list before your ATU appointment could be the difference between passing first time and paying an extra €15–€20 for a re-inspection.
What Happens If Your Car Fails the ATU Inspection?
Failing the HU is not the end of the world. Here is what happens:
You receive a written inspection report detailing all faults found
Minor faults (geringe Mängel): You still get the sticker, but faults must be fixed soon
Major faults (erhebliche Mängel): No sticker, you have one month to fix the issues and return for a re-inspection
Dangerous faults (gefährliche Mängel): The vehicle may not be driven must be repaired immediately
The re-inspection (Nachprüfung) at ATU typically costs around €15–€20, provided you return within the one-month window. If you miss that deadline, you will need to pay for a full inspection again.
Book a Repair Appointment at ATU Before Your HU
ATU Car Inspection vs. Going Directly to TÜV or DEKRA
Wondering whether to go to ATU or book directly with TÜV or DEKRA? Here is a simple comparison:
Factor | ATU | TÜV / DEKRA Direct |
Current HU/AU Price | €149.99 | €150 – €200+ |
Weekend Availability | Yes, including Saturdays | Limited |
Online Booking | Yes | Yes |
Inspection Organisation | TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ etc. (varies by branch) | TÜV or DEKRA |
One-Stop Workshop | Yes — repairs available on site | No |
Nationwide Branches | 600+ | Varies |
ATU's main advantage is the combination of competitive pricing, Saturday availability, and the fact that it is a full-service workshop, so if something needs fixing before or after the inspection, you do not have to go elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does ATU stand for?
ATU stands for Auto-Teile-Unger, one of Germany's largest automotive workshop and spare parts chains, with over 600 branches nationwide.
Does ATU carry out the HU itself?
No. ATU organises the Hauptuntersuchung (HU) through a certified inspection organisation (such as TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, or KÜS) that comes to the branch. ATU carries out the Abgasuntersuchung (AU) directly with its own trained staff.
How much does the ATU HU/AU cost in 2026?
The current combined HU + AU package at ATU costs €149.99 for passenger cars up to 3.5 tonnes. This can be purchased online as a voucher and redeemed at your local ATU branch.
Is the ATU inspection voucher valid for gas-powered cars?
No. The standard HU/AU package at ATU is not valid for LPG or natural gas vehicles. These require a different type of inspection.
How long is a TÜV sticker valid after the ATU inspection?
If your car passes, the new HU sticker is valid for two years for standard passenger cars. The exact validity date is printed on the round coloured sticker placed on your rear number plate.
Can I drive my car after failing the ATU inspection?
If you have minor faults only, you can drive but must get them fixed.
If you have major faults, you should not drive the car beyond getting it to a workshop.
If the inspector finds dangerous faults, the vehicle must not be driven at all.
How far in advance can I book an ATU HU/AU appointment?
You can book as soon as you purchase your online voucher. ATU accepts bookings up to several weeks in advance. It is a good idea to book 2–4 weeks early to get your preferred date and location.
What documents do I need to bring to ATU for the inspection?
Bring your vehicle registration document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I), your previous inspection report (if available), and the ATU voucher if purchased online.
Final Thoughts
Getting your car inspected does not have to be stressful or expensive. ATU makes the whole process simple — you buy a voucher, book your slot, drop off your car, and let the experts do the rest. At €149.99 for the combined HU + AU, it is one of the most competitive prices available in Germany for a full, official car inspection.
Make sure you do a quick check of your lights, tyres, and fluid levels before your appointment, and you should be well on your way to a fresh TÜV sticker with no surprises.
Book Your ATU HU/AU Online for €149.99 Today
Find the Nearest ATU Workshop in Your City
Prices and offers are based on currently available ATU listings and may be subject to change. Always verify the latest pricing directly on atu.de before booking.