Are German cars safer?
Are German cars really safer than Japanese cars? Is this really the case?
Not only that, in addition to imported cars and domestic cars, there are also joint venture cars that have different levels of comparison. This is why many people think that German cars are better and safer than Japanese cars. Is this really the case? Why would anyone have such a conclusion?
As Chinese people have been thinking about fuel consumption when driving, Japanese cars have begun to «work hard» on the weight of the whole car, so that everyone has a «crispy» perception of Japanese cars. For example, the Mazda 2 that was crashed into two sections, the unrecognizable Nissan Yixuan, and the fit that disappeared from the rear of the car after the crash, etc., are all the fixed images of Japanese cars.
However, due to the diversity of the actual car environment and the complexity of the collision after an accident, it is obviously not rigorous to judge the quality of the car even in the face of a tragic accident. So this is why third-party testing agencies will appear to conduct the most rigorous and scientific crash tests in accordance with the relevant regulations of the country’s road traffic safety law, costly building huge laboratories, etc., to judge the safety level of the tested models.
However, once a vehicle collides, as one of the main bodies of the collision, the only criterion for vehicle damage and occupant casualties after the actual traffic accident is not so, but the basic rigidity and strength of the body structure.
Take the eighth-generation Camry as an example, it has achieved excellent evaluations in domestic and foreign crash tests, and Tiguan L participated in the Zhongbao research and other tests. (The test conditions are the same) The former has also received full excellence,The latter received only a general evaluation when participating in the evaluation (the occupant part of the car was insufficient), and was rated as poor in 25% of the offset crash tests because of the serious deformation of the car price. As a result, the domestic Tiguan L has a serious distribution reduction problem, not because of any relationship, but because of the benefits of domestic production, the link is greatly discounted.
Fortunately, the continuous development of technology, the advent of assisted driving and active safety systems further decompose the protective pressure of basic passive safety performance. For example, nowadays popular automatic braking and lane keeping functions can be «actively adjusted» when the driver is fatigued. Even if it is unavoidable, the occurrence of a collision accident can also reduce the speed of the collision to the greatest extent, thereby ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers to a minimum.
However, even when and where the Hyundai car develops (it will not change for at least ten years), the collision problem still occurs in real time, and it has not been avoided because of the improvement of technology. Moreover, it cannot be said that the safety performance of German cars is higher than that of Japanese cars, because the safety performance of the vehicle and the touch are different.
The most important thing in driving is safety, which requires drivers and passengers to have safety awareness. It’s not that vehicles are expensive and inviolable. This is a common-sense misconception. Don’t think that a certain series of models are safe and unscrupulous. This is even more undesirable.
German periodic technical inspection (Hauptuntersuchung / TÜV)
By law, all vehicles must be routinely tested to ensure they meet German safety standards. After a car has been in use for three years, it must be tested every 24 months. The testing is carried out on behalf of the federal government by private organisations like TÜV and DEKRA. Consequently, the technical inspection is often colloquially referred to as a “TÜV”.
If you are importing a car, you will need to subject it to a TÜV test before you can legally drive it, and you may need to pay for modifications to ensure your car meets safety standards. If you are buying a car with a valid TÜV certificate, you do not need to have it re-tested, but you will need to take out your own car insurance policy and make sure you are paying vehicle tax.
What is tested during the TÜV?
During the TÜV, your car will be inspected to make sure that it conforms with regulations on road safety and environmental protection. The inspection typically consists of tests on:
- Braking systems
- Frame and bodywork
- Exhaust system
- Steering and steering wheel
- Lighting and light-signalling devices
- Wheels and types
- Rear-view mirrors and other visual aids
- Seatbelts
After the test, you will receive a full written report, outlining the results of the inspection and any causes for concern. You should keep this written report safe. If your car has passed, you will be issued with a round inspection sticker to display on your rear licence plate.
What happens if my car fails the TÜV?
If your car fails the test, you will be given one month to fix any problems. You then need to bring your car back for re-inspection (a small fee is payable). If you fail to submit your vehicle for re-inspection within one month, you will need to pay for a complete re-examination.
Where can I get a TÜV?
You can book a technical inspection through any mandated garage. Try searching “Hauptuntersuchung” and your location, or search for a “HU + AU” appointment on the Autoscout24 website. You can often book online by providing your personal details (e.g. car make and model and driving licence number).
How much does the TÜV cost?
Depending on your location, the periodic technical inspection usually costs 70 to 80 euros for motorcycles and between 100 and 200 euros for cars and other vehicles, depending on weight. Bear in the mind that this is only the cost of having the inspection carried out — you will also need to fund any necessary repairs.
How do I know when my next TÜV is due?
The round inspection sticker is stamped with the date of your next inspection. Usually, the year is in the centre of the badge, and the month at the top (i.e. the 12 o’clock position). You can also opt for a reminder service from your garage.
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