How to read your Dekra condition report

Published:

01.10.2026

Welcome to a closer look at your condition report. As you'll notice, there are a few different types of reports, and this page introduces the two most common ones.

Dekra:

Dekra condition report main image
First, the vehicle identification details are listed, showing which car the inspection covers, who ordered the inspection, and when it was carried out.
The example report's vehicle was first registered in December 2023 and had been driven just under 46,000 kilometers at the time of inspection, indicating fairly moderate use. The car was inspected by DEKRA on behalf of Saka in May 2026. M1 refers to a standard passenger car.
Brake measurements are taken using a brake dynamometer, and the results show braking forces in kilonewtons. The most important figure in the report is the "Difference" percentage. Both the vehicle inspection and the condition check require that the left and right wheels on the same axle brake as evenly as possible, so the car doesn't pull to one side during braking. The difference for the front brakes is only 9%, and there is no difference for the rear brakes. The parking brake difference is 9%. Braking performance is therefore at a good level, and the differences are not significant or outside of the required limits.

Body

Dekra Condition Inspection inspection target car body
What parts: The car's load-bearing steel or aluminum frame, exterior panels, bumpers, windshield, side windows, and mirrors.
Why it's inspected: The body protects passengers in a collision and maintains the car's structural rigidity. Rust damage can weaken the structure. In modern cars, the windshield is part of the load-bearing structure. Damaged mirrors or poor-condition glass directly reduce the driver's visibility and road safety.

Undercarriage and underbody

Dekra condition inspection floor and base
What parts: The car's underbody panels, box sections, rust protection, and exhaust system.
Why it's inspected: The underbody is exposed to stone chips, moisture, and road salt. Rust damage can weaken the load-bearing structures of the undercarriage, and a leaking exhaust system can allow dangerous exhaust gases into the cabin or cause unpleasant noise.

Axles, wheels, and suspension

Dekra condition inspection Axles, wheels and suspension
What parts: Front and rear axles, springs, suspension components such as control arms, and tires.
Why it's inspected: A well-maintained axle and suspension ensure driving stability and comfort. Play in suspension components makes the car feel "floaty" to drive and, in the worst case, unpredictable.

Interior

Dekra condition inspection of the interior
What parts: The passenger cabin, upholstery, seats, and interior controls.
Why it's important to inspect: The condition of the interior also reflects the car's overall upkeep and any potential moisture damage.

Engine

Dekra condition inspection engine
What parts: Engine, fluid levels, and OBD test (diagnostic system).
Why it's important to inspect: Leaks can cause premature engine wear or failure, start a fire, or pollute the environment. The OBD test reveals whether the engine management and emissions system are functioning correctly without any visible faults, and whether there are any developing issues.

Drivetrain and drivability

Dekra Powertrain and Driveability
What parts: Transmission, drive shafts and CV joints, and drivetrain oil leaks.
Why it's important to inspect: The drivetrain transfers the engine's power to the wheels. Worn CV joints or damaged seals or boots lead to premature wear or even failure of drivetrain components.

Brake system

Dekra Braking Systems
What parts: Brake hoses, brake lines, brake discs, brake pads, fluid leaks, and the ABS system.
Why it's important to inspect: A brittle brake hose or excessively worn brake pad can lead to a loss of braking power in an emergency. Brake performance is checked on a brake dynamometer, and the condition of the discs and pads is assessed visually and by measuring their thickness. The brakes may not be brand new, but they are functioning safely at the time of the condition inspection.

Steering and controls

Dekra Steering and Control Devices
What parts: Steering components, steering gear, tie rods, joints, and their protective boots.
Why it's important to inspect: Worn steering components make steering imprecise, and damaged protective boots on rods and joints cause premature wear of the parts.

Auxiliary systems

Dekra assistive devices
What parts: Traction control system functions and related electronics.
Why it's important to inspect: Prevents wheel spin and loss of vehicle control on slippery surfaces or during acceleration.

Other devices and equipment

Dekra other devices and equipment
What parts: Seat belts, other safety equipment, steering and gear locks, and wipers and washers.
Why it's important to inspect: Seat belts keep passengers in place during a collision and minimize personal injuries. Wipers and washers ensure visibility in poor weather.

Air conditioning and heating

Dekra air conditioning and heating
What parts: Air conditioning system and defrost system.
Why it's important to inspect: In summer you get cool air, and in winter you get warm air. In addition, the defrost system ensures that the windshield and windows stay clear of frost and moisture in rain and freezing conditions.

Lights and electrical systems

Dekra lights and electrical equipment
What parts: Lights, reflectors, headlight alignment, instrument cluster, warning lights, battery, battery cables, horn, and fault codes.
Why it's important to inspect: The lights are checked to ensure no bulb is partially burned out or completely dark. A poorly secured battery poses a risk of short circuit and fire. Please note that "inspected" does not mean that bulbs have just been replaced with new ones or that the battery is fully charged. See here for information related to the car's wear items.

Powertrain

Dekra Drive Powers
What parts: Electric vehicle or hybrid system components and high-voltage components.
Why it's important to inspect: Damage to the battery's protective casing or cables can expose the system to moisture and impact, causing insulation faults, short circuits, risk of electric shock, or fire hazard. The high-voltage system may have sustained damage if there is visible external damage to the vehicle. Please note that this section will be empty for internal combustion engine vehicles.