MFK Vehicle Inspection: How to Prepare Your Car Perfectly

What is the MFK and why is it so important?

The Motorfahrzeugkontrolle, or MFK for short, is the mandatory technical inspection for all vehicles registered in Switzerland. It ensures that your car is roadworthy and meets environmental standards. The MFK is not the same as the TÜV in Germany: it is an independent Swiss institution carried out by the cantonal road traffic offices (Strassenverkehrsämter).

Failing the MFK means a re-inspection, additional costs and, in the worst case, a driving ban. With the right preparation, however, you can spot and fix most problems in advance.

When do I have to go for the MFK?

The intervals for the MFK depend on the age of the vehicle:

New cars: First inspection after 4 years (since 2017, previously 3 years)
Vehicles 4–8 years old: Every 2 years
Over 8 years: Every 2 years (annually for certain vehicle categories in some cantons)

You will receive a notice from the road traffic office in good time. Don't miss the appointment: driving without a valid MFK is a punishable offence.

What is checked during the MFK?

The inspection covers over 100 checkpoints. The most important areas are:

Lighting and signalling

Headlights (dipped beam, main beam)
Front and rear indicators
Brake lights
Rear lights and number plate lighting
Fog lights (if fitted)
Headlight alignment

Brakes

Service brake (braking performance and evenness)
Parking brake (handbrake)
Brake fluid level
Condition of the brake discs and pads
Brake lines (corrosion, leaks)

Suspension and steering

Shock absorbers (function test)
Track rod ends and ball joints
Axle boots
Steering play
Springs

Exhaust emissions

Petrol cars: CO and lambda values
Diesel vehicles: opacity measurement (soot particles)
OBD diagnostics (from certain model years)

Bodywork and chassis

Rust on load-bearing parts
Condition of the sills and chassis rails
Underbody protection
Seat belts and airbag system
Windscreen (cracks, stone chips in the field of vision)

Tyres and wheels

Tread depth (legal minimum: 1.6 mm)
Tyre condition (cracks, bulges, age)
Correct tyre size according to the vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugausweis)
Wheel nuts

15 tips for preparing perfectly for the MFK

1. Start early enough

Start preparing at least two weeks before your MFK appointment. That gives you enough time to fix any defects.

2. Check all the lights

The most common reason for a complaint: faulty bulbs. Check all lights systematically. Ask someone to press the brake and switch on the indicators while you walk around the car.

3. Check the wipers

Worn wiper blades leave streaks and are a common defect. Replace them if necessary: it is cheap and quick to do.

4. Measure the tyre tread

The legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but MFK inspectors often flag tyres from 2 mm. Measure the tread depth in several places and check for even wear.

5. Inspect the brake pads and discs

Look through the rims or have the wheels removed. If the pads are below 3 mm or the discs are heavily grooved, they need replacing.

6. Check the oil level and fluids

Check the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and screen wash. A level that is too low points to possible problems.

7. Check the underbody for rust

Especially on older vehicles, rust on the sills, chassis rails and in the wheel arches is a deal-breaker. Look under the car or have it inspected on a lift.

8. Check the exhaust system

A leaking exhaust system leads to higher emission values and a failed inspection. Listen for unusual noises and check the mountings.

9. Test the horn

Sounds trivial, but it is checked. Make sure the horn works.

10. Check the handbrake

The parking brake must be able to hold the vehicle securely on a slope. If you notice that the lever has to be pulled up a long way, it needs adjusting.

11. Check the steering play

With the engine off, turn the steering wheel slightly. More than a few degrees of play points to worn track rod ends or steering components.

12. Check the seat belts

All belts must click into place and retract correctly. Damaged or frayed belts will be flagged.

13. Inspect the windscreen

Stone chips in the driver's field of vision are a defect. Small damage can often be repaired cheaply: have it done before the MFK.

14. Clean the car thoroughly

A clean vehicle, inside and out, makes a good impression. Clean the engine bay and the underbody in particular, so that inspectors can spot any defects more easily and don't become unnecessarily critical.

15. Check the warning triangle and breakdown kit

In Switzerland, a warning triangle is mandatory and is checked during the MFK. Make sure it is in the car and easy to reach.

What happens if defects are found?

The MFK distinguishes between:

Minor defects: Must be fixed within a deadline, no re-inspection needed
Major defects: Re-inspection required (additional costs)
Dangerous defects: Immediate driving ban until fixed

The most common defects concern lighting, brakes and rust. The good news: with careful preparation, most of them can be avoided.

How much does the MFK cost?

The fees vary from canton to canton. Expect:

Passenger cars: CHF 50–80
Re-inspection: an additional CHF 30–50
Emissions test: Often included in the basic fee

On top of that come any repair costs for defects found.

Buy from a dealer and forget about MFK worries

When you buy a used car from a professional dealer such as Car Trade24, you are spared the MFK stress: every vehicle is technically inspected before sale and any defects are fixed. That way, you can be sure that your new car won't hold any nasty surprises at the next MFK.

Find out about our vehicle warranty, which gives you additional peace of mind. Or browse our current stock directly: every vehicle is MFK-ready.

Conclusion

The MFK doesn't have to be stressful. With systematic preparation and a critical look at the most important points, most vehicles pass the inspection without any problems. Take the time: it pays off financially and for your safety on the road.

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