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TÜV registration of wheels & tyres: limits and process

Not every wheel and tyre combination needs to be registered – but every one must be permitted. Which route applies depends on the parts' documents.

ABE / ECE approval / Part certificate / No documentsABENo inspection – carry the ABEECE approvalUsually no inspection – carry documentPart certificateInspection § 19 (3) → update papersNo documentsIndividual approval § 21 StVZO
Which documents lead to which approval route

The four routes

  • ABE (general type approval): vehicle listed, no conditions → no inspection, carry the ABE.
  • ECE approval (e.g. UN-R124 for wheels): within scope and without conditions usually no registration – carry the document.
  • Part certificate (Teilegutachten): inspection under § 19 (3) StVZO at TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ or KÜS, then possibly update the papers at the registration office.
  • No certificate: individual approval under § 21 StVZO – laborious and expensive, often with strength tests.

Limits checked by the calculator

These values drive the calculator. Legal limits are binding, guidelines and orientation values help you assess.

Rolling circumference vs. stock-2 % to +1.5 %GuidelineVdTÜV-Merkblatt 751
Speedometer lead0 to 10 % + 4 km/h, never below real speedLegalUN-R39 / § 57 StVZO
Rim width for the tyreApproved range per ETRTO tableGuidelineETRTO Standards Manual
Load indexat least the value in the papersLegal§ 36 StVZO / COC
Speed ratingat least the papers' value (winter tyres: sticker)Legal§ 36 StVZO / COC
Wheel cover30° ahead to 50° behind the wheel centreLegalVO (EU) 1009/2010
Track wideningcheck closely above ±2 %OrientationOrientierungswert
Remaining fender gap≥ 5 mmOrientationOrientierungswert
Remaining strut gap≥ 5 mmOrientationOrientierungswert
Thread engagement≥ 1 × thread diameterGuidelineFaustregel (≥ 1 × d)

What the inspector checks

  • Wheel, tyre and vehicle match the certificate (size, offset, load index, speed rating).
  • Clearance at full lock and under compression, wheel cover.
  • Wheel bolts (seat, length), centering rings, spacers with their own certificate.
  • Conditions from the certificate, e.g. “roll fender lip” or “snow chains not permitted”.

The process in practice

  1. Check the wheel (and spacer) certificate: vehicle, sizes, conditions.
  2. Pre-check rolling circumference, clearance and indices with the calculator.
  3. Have the wheels fitted properly and book an inspection.
  4. Keep the inspection certificate; if required update the papers at the registration office.

Try it: enter your values in the calculator and see what changes live.

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General information without warranty – no legal advice. Vehicle documents, certificates and the inspector are authoritative.

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