What is apk keuring and why is it important?
If you own a vehicle in the Netherlands, you may have heard of the term "apk keuring". But what does it mean and why is it important? In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about apk keuring, including its history, purpose, legal requirements, benefits, consequences, and tips on how to prepare for it. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what apk keuring is and why you should get your vehicle apk keured regularly.
What is apk keuring?
Apk keuring is short for Algemene Periodieke Keuring, which means General Periodic Inspection in English. It is a mandatory technical inspection for vehicles in the Netherlands, similar to the MOT test in the UK or the TÜV test in Germany. The aim of apk keuring is to ensure that vehicles are safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly on the road.
apk keuring
The history and purpose of apk keuring
The first apk keuring was introduced in 1985 as a result of an EU directive that required all member states to implement periodic vehicle inspections. The purpose of this directive was to improve road safety and reduce air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Since then, the apk keuring has been updated several times to reflect the changes in vehicle technology and environmental standards.
The legal requirements and frequency of apk keering
The legal requirements and frequency of apk keering depend on the type, age, and fuel of your vehicle. You can check the RDW website or use the RDW kentekencheck to find out when your vehicle needs to be apk keured. Generally speaking, the following rules apply:
Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles that run on petrol need to be apk keured for the first time after four years, then every two years until they are eight years old, and then every year after that.
Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles that run on diesel, gas, or electricity need to be apk keured for the first time after three years, and then every year after that.
Heavy commercial vehicles, buses, and trailers need to be apk keured every year.
Mopeds, motorcycles, and tractors are not subject to apk keering.
If your vehicle is already apk keured, you can find the expiry date of your current apk certificate on your registration card or online. You need to get your vehicle re-apk keured before this date. You can also get your vehicle apk keured earlier than required, up to two months before the expiry date. This will extend your next expiry date by one or two years, depending on your vehicle type.
Why is apk keering important?
Apk keering is important for several reasons. First of all, it helps to ensure that your vehicle is safe and reliable on the road. By checking various aspects of your vehicle, such as brakes, tires, lights, steering, suspension, emission, etc., the apk inspector can identify any defects or problems that may affect your vehicle's performance or safety. This way, you can prevent accidents, breakdowns, or fines caused by faulty vehicles. Secondly, apk keering helps to protect the environment by reducing the emission of harmful substances from your vehicle. By measuring the emission level of your vehicle, the apk inspector can determine if your vehicle meets the environmental standards set by the government. This way, you can contribute to a cleaner and greener planet. Thirdly, apk keering helps to maintain the value of your vehicle by keeping it in good condition. By having a valid apk certificate, you can prove that your vehicle has been inspected and approved by a professional. This can increase your vehicle's resale value and attractiveness to potential buyers. How to prepare for an apk keering
Preparing for an apk keering is not difficult, but it does require some planning and attention. Here are some tips on how to prepare for an apk keering:
What are the main aspects of an apk keering?
An apk keering consists of several checks and tests that cover different aspects of your vehicle. The main aspects of an apk keering are:
How to prepare your car for apk keuring
Apk keuring costs and prices comparison
Apk keuring checklist and requirements
Best apk keuring stations near me
Apk keuring tips and tricks
Apk keuring online appointment and reservation
Apk keuring rules and regulations
Apk keuring exemptions and exceptions
Apk keuring failure and retest
Apk keuring certificate and validity
Apk keuring vs rdw inspection
Apk keuring for electric and hybrid cars
Apk keuring for old and classic cars
Apk keuring for imported and foreign cars
Apk keuring for motorcycles and scooters
Apk keuring for caravans and trailers
Apk keuring for campers and motorhomes
Apk keuring for trucks and buses
Apk keuring for taxis and rental cars
Apk keuring for company and fleet cars
How to pass apk keuring with flying colors
How to avoid apk keuring scams and frauds
How to find a reliable and trustworthy apk keuring mechanic
How to get a discount or coupon for apk keuring
How to get a free or cheap apk keuring
How to get an apk keuring reminder or notification
How to get an apk keuring extension or postponement
How to get an apk keuring exemption or waiver
How to get an apk keuring refund or compensation
How to get an apk keuring second opinion or appeal
What to do if you miss or forget your apk keuring date
What to do if you lose or damage your apk keuring report
What to do if you disagree or dispute your apk keuring result
What to do if you sell or buy a car with apk keuring
What to do if you move or travel with a car with apk keuring
What are the benefits and advantages of apk keuring
What are the risks and consequences of skipping apk keuring
What are the most common and frequent apk keuring failures and faults
What are the latest and upcoming changes and updates in apk keuring standards and criteria
What are the best and worst times and seasons for apk keuring
Aspect
Description
Identification
The apk inspector will check your vehicle's identification number, license plate, registration card, and mileage.
Brakes
The apk inspector will test your vehicle's braking system, including the brake pedal, brake fluid, brake pads, brake discs, handbrake, and anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Tires
The apk inspector will check your vehicle's tires, including the tire pressure, tire tread depth, tire size, tire type, and spare tire.
Lights
The apk inspector will check your vehicle's lights, including the headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, fog lights, reverse lights, and license plate lights.
Steering
The apk inspector will check your vehicle's steering system, including the steering wheel, steering column, power steering, and alignment.
Suspension
The apk inspector will check your vehicle's suspension system, including the shock absorbers, springs, axles, and wheel bearings.
Emission
The apk inspector will measure your vehicle's emission level using a special device that connects to your exhaust pipe. The emission level must meet the standards set by the government based on your vehicle type and age.
Bodywork
The apk inspector will check your vehicle's bodywork, including the doors, windows, mirrors, windshield wipers, horn, seat belts, airbags, and fire extinguisher.
How to find a reliable and certified apk keering station
Not every garage or workshop can perform an apk keering. You need to find a reliable and certified apk keering station that has the necessary equipment and expertise to conduct an apk keering. Here are some tips and resources for finding a good apk keering station:
Look for the RDW logo or the RDW erkend sign at the entrance of the station. This means that the station is authorized by the RDW to perform apk keerings.
Check the reviews and ratings of the station online. You can use websites like [apk.nl] or [apkcheck.nl] to find and compare apk keering stations near you.
Ask for recommendations from your friends, family, or colleagues who have had their vehicles apk keured recently.
Compare the prices and services of different stations. Some stations may offer discounts, free retests, or other benefits for their customers.
Make an appointment in advance to avoid long waiting times. You can also ask the station how long the apk keering will take and what documents you need to bring.
How to save money and time on an apk keering
An apk keering can cost you money and time, but there are some ways to save both. Here are some tips and tricks for saving money and time on an apk keering:
Maintain your vehicle regularly. By keeping your vehicle in good condition, you can prevent or fix any issues that may cause your vehicle to fail the apk keering.
Check your vehicle yourself before the apk keering. You can do some simple checks on your vehicle, such as checking the tire pressure, the lights, the windshield wipers, etc., and fix any minor problems yourself.
Choose a low-traffic time for your apk keering. By avoiding peak hours, you can reduce the waiting time and the traffic congestion on your way to and from the station.
Combine your apk keering with other services. Some stations may offer other services, such as oil change, tire rotation, car wash, etc., along with the apk keering. You can save money and time by getting these services done at the same time as your apk keering.
Use coupons or vouchers. Some stations may offer coupons or vouchers for their customers, either online or offline. You can use these coupons or vouchers to get discounts or freebies on your apk keering.
Conclusion
An apk keering is a mandatory technical inspection for vehicles in the Netherlands that ensures that they are safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly on the road. It is important to get your vehicle apk keured regularly, not only because it is required by law, but also because it has many benefits for you, your vehicle, and the environment. To prepare for an apk keering, you need to know what are the main aspects of an apk keering, how to find a reliable and certified apk keering station, and how to save money and time on an apk keering. By following these tips, you can make your apk keering experience easier and smoother.
If you have any questions or comments about apk keering, feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
And remember, don't wait until the last minute to get your vehicle apk keured. Book your appointment today and enjoy a safe and comfortable ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about apk keering:
What happens if I don't get my vehicle apk keured?
If you don't get your vehicle apk keured before the expiry date of your current apk certificate, you may face several consequences, such as:
A fine of up to 140 from the RDW or the police.
A suspension of your vehicle registration by the RDW.
A rejection of your insurance claim by your insurance company in case of an accident.
A lower resale value of your vehicle.
What happens if my vehicle fails the apk keering?
If your vehicle fails the apk keering, you will receive a report from the apk inspector that lists the defects or problems that need to be fixed. You will also receive a temporary approval that allows you to drive your vehicle for a limited period of time (usually two months) until you get it repaired and retested. You need to get your vehicle retested at the same station where you got it tested initially. If your vehicle passes the retest, you will receive a new apk certificate. If your vehicle fails the retest, you will not be allowed to drive it until you get it fixed and retested again.
How much does an apk keering cost?
The cost of an apk keering varies depending on the type, age, and fuel of your vehicle, as well as the station where you get it done. The RDW does not set a fixed price for apk keerings, so different stations may charge different prices. However, the RDW does provide a maximum price list that stations must follow. According to this list, the maximum prices for apk keerings in 2023 are:
34.50 for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles that run on petrol.
44.50 for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles that run on diesel.
72.50 for heavy commercial vehicles, buses, and trailers.
These prices include VAT and the RDW fee, but they do not include any additional costs for repairs or retests.
Can I get my vehicle apk keured in another country?
If you are traveling or living in another EU country, you can get your vehicle apk keured in that country if your current apk certificate expires while you are there. However, you need to make sure that the station where you get it done is authorized by the local authorities to perform periodic vehicle inspections. You also need to make sure that the inspection meets the Dutch standards and requirements. You will receive a foreign apk certificate that is valid in the Netherlands until the next expiry date.
Can I appeal against an apk keering result?
If you are not satisfied with the result of your apk keering, you can appeal against it by contacting the RDW within six weeks after the inspection date. You need to provide your vehicle details, your contact information, and the reason for your appeal. The RDW will review your appeal and conduct a re-inspection of your vehicle if necessary. The RDW will inform you of their decision within eight weeks after receiving your appeal. If you disagree with their decision, you can file a complaint with the National Ombudsman . 44f88ac181