APK checklist: how to get your car through the test

What exactly is the APK?

The APK (Algemene Periodieke Keuring) is the legally required safety and environmental inspection for vehicles in the Netherlands — the Dutch equivalent of the APK. The test may only be carried out by an inspection station with RDW approval. Petrol passenger cars go for the first time after four years, then every two years, and annually from the eighth year. Shorter intervals apply to diesel and LPG.

An important distinction: we do not carry out the test itself — for that you go to an RDW-approved inspection station. What we do provide is the APK preparation: going through all the inspection points and repairing defects, so that you are not caught out by surprises.

The checklist: what you can check yourself

1. Lighting

By far the most frequently recorded reason for failure. Walk around the car with someone else and have everything switched on: dipped beam, main beam, side lights, front and rear fog lights, brake lights (including the third one), reversing light, indicators all round, number plate lighting. Also look for misted or cracked headlight lenses and check the alignment: if one headlight clearly shines higher than the other, have it adjusted.

2. Tyres

• Minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the full width — measure in several places, not just in the middle.
• No cracks, bulges or exposed cords on the sidewall.
• All four tyres of the same type per axle, in the correct size according to the registration document.
• Correct pressure; under-inflated tyres wear unevenly and the tester will notice.

3. Wipers and visibility

Wipers that smear or skip sections will fail. Also check the washer jets (working and correctly aimed) and the reservoir. Chips or cracks in the windscreen within the wiped area on the driver's side are a failure point — a small chip can often still be repaired.

4. Brakes

Limited scope for checking yourself, but watch for the signs: squealing or grinding, a vibrating brake pedal, a pedal that sinks, or a car that pulls to one side under braking. Look through the wheel to see whether the disc has a pronounced lip or deep grooves. Do not forget the handbrake: the car must hold on a slope.

5. Fluids and leaks

Park the car overnight on a clean surface and check in the morning for stains underneath. Oil, coolant and above all brake fluid are immediate failure points. While you are at it, check the level of engine oil, coolant and brake fluid.

6. Rust and bodywork

Rust is only a failure point on load-bearing parts: floor pan, chassis rails, suspension turret mountings, seat belt anchorage points and the area around suspension components. Surface rust on a door is cosmetic. Feel carefully around suspect areas — if it flakes and there is a hole behind it, welding is needed.

7. Exhaust and emissions

Listen for an exhaust that sounds louder than usual and check that the system is not hanging loose or rusted through anywhere. Blue or thick black smoke points to problems that will surface during the emissions measurement. If the engine warning light is on, that alone is a failure point.

8. The small things

• Do all seat belts run smoothly and latch properly?
• Is the horn fitted and does it work?
• Are both door mirrors intact and adjustable?
• Is there still clutter in the boot above the spare wheel well? Clear it out.

When should you book the APK preparation?

Preferably come in two to four weeks before the expiry date. That leaves time to order parts without running out of time. Incidentally, you may have the car tested up to two months before the expiry date without losing those months — the new expiry date is calculated from the old one.

No longer sure when your APK expires? You can look it up free of charge on the RDW website using your registration number. There is also an APK check on our home page that retrieves the date directly.

What do we do during the preparation?

We go through the same list of points the tester uses: brakes and brake lines, lighting and alignment, tyres, suspension and steering, exhaust and emissions, rust on load-bearing parts, seat belts, wipers and visibility. Anything that is not in order we discuss with you — with a clear quote before anything is replaced. After that your car goes to an RDW-approved inspection station for the official test.

Frequently asked questions

Do you carry out the APK test yourselves?

No. We provide the APK preparation: checking and repairing all inspection points. The official test takes place at an RDW-approved inspection station.

How long does an APK preparation take?

The check itself takes about an hour. If parts need replacing, it depends on what is required and whether the part is in stock. You will hear the expected turnaround time in advance.

My engine warning light is on. Is there any point in testing?

No, an illuminated engine warning light is a failure point. Have the cause read out first. It is often a sensor that can be replaced quickly.

What does an APK preparation cost?

That depends on what needs doing. You always receive a clear quote first — call us for a quick estimate.

Want this fixed before the test? That is our APK preparation in Tilburg.