![]()
Rainer Treinen is a familiar face to many ACL members as he’s the one who grants the TÜV certifications at the ACL Diagnostic Center every Tuesday. We met him.
The TÜV, an institution, a mandatory procedure, but above all, a real safety issue.
What is the TÜV?
TÜV stands for Technischer Überwachungsverein, which translates as ’Technical Inspection Association’ in English. It’s an independent organisation that tests, inspects and certifies new products, systems and technologies to ensure that they are safe to use. The origins of the TÜV date back to the Industrial Revolution in Germany, when the idea of a technical inspection by an independent body came about following a boiler explosion.
How does the collaboration between the ACL and the TÜV work?
Until nine years ago, Luxembourg residents had to travel to Germany to obtain certification for any modifications they’d had made to their vehicles. We asked ourselves why a citizen of Luxembourg should have to go abroad to be allowed to drive in their own country, and as soon as we started offering the certification at the ACL, requests for an appointment started pouring in. Why the ACL? Because it’s an institution in Luxembourg and a trusted partner.
What advice do you have for achieving certification?
Every technical modification made to a vehicle must be certified. Whether it’s changing your rims or your exhaust pipe or getting a new engine, the TÜV must certify the modification out of concern for both your safety and that of others. It’s not enough to simply carry the documents outlining the changes made to your vehicle in your glove compartment— you have to bring them along to the ACL to have the changes certified.
Making an appointment
The ACL offers a modification certification service for privately-owned cars every Tuesday. The bridge at the Diagnostic Center is available to hire at a special members’ rate. Call +352 45 00 45-6007 or e-mail dc1@acl.lu to make an appointment.