When it comes to replacing an APK battery, it’s best left up to professionals. A mechanic has access to sophisticated tools that allow them to inspect repairs with accuracy while performing tests to make sure everything functions perfectly as intended.
Passenger cars using diesel, gasoline or an electric motor must undergo their initial APK inspection four years after being put on the road and every two years thereafter.
How do I get my car inspected?
For your car to pass inspection and approval from the RDW (Rijksdienst voor het wegverkeer), and legally drive on Dutch roads legally. There are various requirements you must fulfill in order to receive this approval – these include periodic technical inspection or APKs as well as registration and maintenance of your vehicle.
APK (Autopaat (APK) inspections are compulsory for most motor vehicles registered in the Netherlands and must be performed by a garage or testing station recognized by RDW as an APK-keurmester. Each garage or testing station must possess both light vehicle (APK lichte voertuigen) and heavy vehicle inspection approval signs in order to demonstrate they follow stringent safety protocols during their inspections.
At an APK inspection, technicians put your vehicle through various driving scenarios to test out repairs accurately and ensure optimal tyre inflation for improved road handling and increased tire lifespan. For instance, this ensures proper tyre pressure which ultimately improves handling while prolonging tread lifespan.
What happens during an APK?
To conduct APK inspections, one must become an approved APK-keurmeester. All information regarding how to become one can be found on the IBKI website (in Dutch).
Once you have obtained your credentials, vehicle inspection can begin. All results should be reported back to RDW for their review and professional qualifications should be extended every two years.
Checking on the RDW website to see when your APK renewal is due is easy; they’ll send a reminder six weeks before its expiration.
If you are dissatisfied with the result of your APK inspection, you can raise an objection at RDW and arrange for another inspection to take place. Make sure to go to an APK-approved garage – that way you’ll know you are getting quality service for an affordable price – also ask around in your neighbourhood; large chains like Kwikfit and Profile may offer great deals in many locations throughout the Netherlands.
What is an APK inspection?
The APK inspection (Algemene Periodieke Keuring) is designed to assess whether your car is roadworthy. Only vehicles approved by APK may legally travel on Dutch roads; otherwise they could incur fines and may cause your insurance company not to cover a claim if an accident should happen.
Your car should undergo its first APK test four years after it has been registered and then every two years thereafter; classic cars may be exempt.
If your car has advisory points, these are things that do not lead to APK rejection but will need replacing or repairing in the near future – for instance tyres, brakes or belts. How much does an APK inspection cost?
Cost: An APK inspection costs differently in every garage; however, most have set prices that cover both an inspection and repairs should your vehicle fail the test. In addition, many offer to combine their MOT check with major service work to save even more time and money for you.
Garages and testing stations must obtain approval from the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) before conducting APK tests, identifiable by an approval sign with text such as ‘RDW erkend”.
In the Netherlands, passenger cars using petrol, diesel or gas must undergo an APK inspection four years after initial registration and annually thereafter. RDW will send a reminder six weeks prior to your car’s APK expiry. An APK Keuren Den Haag checks that your car meets European road safety and environmental standards. Upon passing an APK, a report called “keuringsrapport” shows which issues still need addressing within your car.