How often you must to do the MFK? and what means for Export in advertisements?

about every 3 years between 4 - 10 years, then about every 2 years.
For export implies it will cost something to get through a CH MFK.

I've just had the pleasure of receiving my first invitation to take my car to have its MFK. The car is in good shape and regularly maintained by the main dealer, so I'm pretty confident it shouldn't have too much trouble passing. My view is that I won't pay for a pre-inspection service, but I will have the engine and underside cleaned.

Two questions:

1. Does anyone have a suggestion of where I can have the engine and underside cleaned reasonably inexpensively, near Basel? My initial thoughts were that one of the garages in Weil-am-Rhein might be my best bet. I know others have recommended 'Stop & Go' before, although I'm not sure if they offer this service or not.

2. What happens if I fail? Am I given a certain period of time in which to fix my car, during which I can still drive it? Or do I have to keep it off-the-road (aside from to/from the garage & test centre) until the repairs are completed?

I don't speak a word of German, but I may beg a Swiss-German friend to accompany me as I'm guessing this might help to facilitate the process.

As to 2., yes, you have time to fix the problems.

You can ask a friend to come along but I've found that when they realize my Swiss-German isn't perfect they ban me to the waiting room and run the tests themselves ... much better for both of us!

5 minutes at any jet wash place will sort out most minor oil drips.

If you fail one of the following will occur:-
1) You sign a paper to say you will fix a light and pass
2) Return within 3 weeks for a partial retest
3) A new appointment needs to be made for a another test
5) The vehicle cannot be ever driven again on a road in CH

Sign launguage goes along way, it's not very difficult.

Good luck, what sort of age / condition is your car? The test is no more difficult than a UK MOT, I have got really shitty cars through in CH much to my surprise.

Depends on the canton, here 3-10 years is the norm.

Tom

The car is ten years old but it's in excellent condition - serviced by the main dealer according to schedule, all minor problems fixed when they occur, regularly washed and waxed, no leaks. I'd have no doubt about it getting through a UK MOT, but wasn't sure how the MFK compared.

I doubt you will have any issues at all, if you do it will be minor, some testers can be a pain others very easy.

Hello everybody,


I bought a Vespa in Zuerich. There is a stamp in the Fahrzeugbrief, that shows, that MFK exam was done on 8th July 2011. I'd like to register the bike abroad. I was told by my home country officers, that if I can show any written proof about the MFK that was done, then they accept it, no need to re-do at home.
Where can I obtaib such a document? From police stations? Or places where MFK is made? I bought it from a garage, they sell motos, they made it, bt they just gave me the Fahrzeugbrief (logbook).
Help please, I will only have 2 days at home and such document would speed up the process! The bike would be a gift to my girlfriend!

Thanks a lot!

Thomas

The stamp is the written proof.

Does anyone know of some sort of general list of the items that are inspected? So far i het the imoression they just want to make sure you wash your car!

Lights, brakes, suspension, tyres, rust, horn, oil leaks, modifications, anything loose/missing, windscreen wipers & washers. Much the same as an MOT in the UK or CT in France. I actually think it's easier than the UK as you just have to sign you will fix minor things!

I guess I'll have an ok time then. I just have two worries.

1) I have a little rust patch on the back door. Can I just paint over it?

2) My odometer doesn't work. Speedometer works, but not the odometer. Will they notice?

quick question.

what if you have the certificate, but you did not report it to the strassenverkehrsamt will you still pass it or a definite fail?

I heard when you register it, it appears on the car's grey paper? is this correct?

No problem for the rust if it's not rusted through, but a non-working odometer will fail you.

Tom

I have some visible rust on my car. I do not think there are any holes however. I was told by a garage that I have to fix these fir MFK. I am not sure if he is right. Can visible rust fail the test?

My van passed with some surface rust, the inspector just tapped it to make sure it was solid underneath.

Well, I guess I slipped one by this time. It passed with no problems. I was certain it would fail and was planning on going again after I knew what needed to be fixed, and I'm so glad I did. I certainly saved a couple thousand francs. I'm now convinced this is the way to go, use the MFK as an estimate and only fix what's necessary. The whole idea of taking the car to a mechanic is yet another typical Swiss scare tactic to get you to buy unnecessary "insurance". The mechanics are making a fortune and the people are none the wiser. Everyone I know who brings their car to a garage first walk out with at least 1000.- bill.

Buyer beware.

__________________

I went to the Coop B+H and bought a can of car spray paint. It's not a permanent solution but it will cover the rust sufficiently to pass, as long as it's just surface rust.

I don't suppose it's any different elsewhere in the world.