Preparing for the APK: 15 Checks Before the Inspection

APK inspection soon? With the right preparation, you significantly increase your chances of immediate approval. In this article, we share 15 practical checks you can perform yourself before going to the inspection station.

Why APK Preparation Is Important

Good preparation for the MOT inspection:

• ✅ Increase your chances of instant approval with 80%
• ✅ Saves you time (no second visit required)
• ✅ Prevents re-inspection costs
• ✅ Provides insight into the condition of your car
• ✅ Prevents surprises

15 Points to Check for MOT

1. Check All Lights

Most common point of rejection! Check:

• Headlights (high/low beam)
• Taillights
• Brake lights (also third brake light)
• Turn signals (front and rear)
• License plate lighting
• Fog lights (front and rear)
• Reversing light

Tip: Ask someone to help or park in front of a wall to see a reflection.

2. Tire check

Tires are crucial for safety:

• Tread depth: Minimum 1.6 mm over full width
• Injury: No cuts, tears or bumps
• Voltage: Correctly inflated (see sticker in door)
• Wear: Evenly worn (not on one side)

NB: Measure the profile in several places with a tread depth gauge (€2 at a gas station).

3. Brake Testing

While you can't fully test the brakes, note:

• Brake light works (see point 1)
• No squeaking or scraping noises
• Car brakes straight (does not pull to one side)
• Handbrake works well
• Reaction level between MIN/MAX

4. Windshield Wipers and Washers

• Windshield wipers wipe clean without streaks
• Rubbers not torn or hardened
• Wiper blades are securely attached
• Windshield washers working (front and rear)
• Spray reservoir full

Cost of wiper blades: €10-25 per set – easy to replace yourself!

5. Check Mirrors

• All mirrors complete and intact
• No cracks or tears
• Electric mirrors should work
• Folding mirrors must fold and unfold

6. Horn Testing

Simple but often forgotten:

• Horn must be clearly audible
• Works instantly when pressed
• No crackling or weak sound

7. Check Seat Belts

• All belts roll up and out properly
• No cracks in the tire
• Buckles click securely into place
• No tangled or tightened tires

8. Body Inspection

Please note safety issues:

• No sharp edges: Rust holes or protruding parts
• Doors: Close well
• Hood/trunk: Locks correctly
• Bumpers: Sit firmly
• Wheel arch cladding: Stuck, not hanging loose

9. Exhaust system

• No holes or serious rust
• Exhaust does not hang too low (ground clearance)
• No loose parts
• With diesel: no excessive black smoke

10. License plate

• Easy to read and clean
• Not dented or bent
• Correctly attached (no tape!)
• Lighting works
• Reflection not damaged

11. Windows and Glass

• Windshield: no stars/cracks in driver's field of view
• Rear window and side windows intact
• All windows clean for good visibility

12. Engine compartment

• No major oil spills
• Battery properly secured
• No loose cables or hoses
• Coolant level correct

13. Topping up fluids

• Motor oil: Between MIN and MAX
• Coolant: To correct level
• Brake fluid: Not under MIN
• Windshield washer fluid: Refill (empty tank = rejection!)

14. Steering and Suspension

Difficult to test yourself, but note:

• Steering wheel turns smoothly without play
• No knocking noises when turning
• Car doesn't pull to one side
• No strange noises over bumps

15. Car Wash

A clean car really helps:

• Inspector can see control points better
• Shows that you take good care of your car
• Especially clean the bottom (rust more visible)
• Clean windows for windshield wiper test

APK Checklist [Printable]

• ☐ All lights work
• ☐ Tires: profile >1.6mm, no damage
• ☐ Brakes work well
• ☐ Windshield wipers wipe clean
• ☐ Windshield washers work
• ☐ Mirrors complete and intact
• ☐ Horn works
• ☐ All belts OK
• ☐ No sharp body edges
• ☐ Exhaust no holes/loose parts
• ☐ License plate legible + lighting
• ☐ No cracks in the field of view
• ☐ Engine compartment no major leaks
• ☐ All fluids at the correct level
• ☐ Car washed

What If You Find a Problem?

Minor problems (lights, wiper blades): Replace it yourself or have it done before the MOT.

Bigger problems: Contact your garage. At Faay Auto Groep, we offer "APK with repair" – we inspect, repair if necessary, and inspect again. All in a single appointment!

APK Inspection at Faay Auto Group

At our APK inspection in Nieuwegein you will receive:

• ✅ RDW approved inspection station
• ✅ APK from €17.95
• ✅ Quick inspection (30 minutes)
• ✅ Immediate repair possible in case of rejection
• ✅ Free re-inspection
• ✅ Combination deals with maintenance
• ✅ Digital inspection report

Call 030 601 99 15 to make an APK appointment.

Conclusion

With these 15 checks, you'll be optimally prepared for the MOT inspection. You can check most of the points yourself and resolve them if necessary. For more serious issues or if you're unsure, schedule an inspection at Faay Auto Groep first. We're happy to help you get your car MOT-ready!