TIPS & ADVICE

Why should I have my vehicle serviced?
Servicing allows your vehicle's performance to be optimised and helps to extend its lifespan.

What are the alerts to look out for?
The key warning light is illuminated on the dashboard when your service is due.

I have not had my vehicle serviced... When do I need to have it serviced?
We recommend you get your car serviced every year (or every 15,000 km) and when the time comes, your local Dacia workshop is the place to come.

What are the key check points during servicing?
Oil change, oil filter change, air conditioning, topping up of all fluid levels (windscreen, air conditioning, brake, etc.) and the inspection of all of your vehicle's safety features (brakes, battery charge).

When your tyres are worn, or have unusual wear on one side or perished rubber, you are at risk of an accident.

What are the warning signs?

• Inspect the surface of your tyres: they should not be worn beyond the wear indicator.
• The indicator level must be a minimum of 1.6 mm to allow water to run off effectively.

Our advice for driving in complete safety

• Inspect your tyre pressure at least once a month and before any long journeys.
• Change your tyres in pairs (identical sizes, references and markings).
• Ensure you have a puncture repair kit. Check your spare wheel.

Ensuring your tyres are correctly inflated guarantees:

• greater safety (improved road-holding)
• + savings (reduced fuel consumption)

I haven't serviced my air conditioning this year... What are the risks?
Badly serviced air conditioning can lead to highly pollutant gas leaks and the premature breakdown of the compressor. In addition, failing to service the unit can cause allergies due to the presence of mould in the filter.

What are the warning signs? 

The braking system is an essential safety feature.

What are the warning signs?

• Increased braking distance
• Vehicle swerves and vibrates when braking
• Noise when braking
• Brake light is illuminated (warning light on dashboard)
• Brake pedal feels soft

Our advice for driving in complete safety:

• Inspect your brakes every 2 years or every 30,000 km
  
• Change the brake fluid every 2 to 4 years according to the manufacturer's recommendations
  
• New brake discs and pads require a running-in period of between 200 - 300 km
  
• Contact Dacia professionals to ensure optimum inspections
  

Check the timing belt replacement date and mileage as part of your Dacia maintenance schedule.

What are the warning signs?

• Abnormal engine noise
• Loud noises on starting

Our advice for avoiding engine failure (to be carried out every 5 years or between 60,000 and 160,000 km):

• Change the full timing belt kit (belt + tensioner)
• Changing the accessories belt is strongly recommended
• Replacement of water pump recommended

What are the functionalities of the battery?
The battery serves principally to start the engine and to power the vehicle's different elements (headlights, on-board electronics)

What are the warning signs?

• Difficulty starting the vehicle
• Alternator deterioration
• Battery light is illuminated

When does your battery need to be changed?

• After 4 years or 60,000 km

Advice for maintaining your battery charge:

• Check your battery every 2 years
• Test it before the winter

It is an electrical system essential for the correct starting of the vehicle.

What are the warning signs?

• Difficult or impossible to start
• Engine lacking power
• Excessive fuel consumption
• Alternator deterioration
• Loss of acceleration

When do they need to be changed?

• Immediately if the "engine management fault" light is illuminated on your dashboard
• After 4 years or 60,000 km (to be checked in your maintenance schedule).

Our advice for driving in complete safety:

• Replace all four spark plugs at the same time to avoid any imbalance on starting.
• Check your battery every 2 years.

Your visibility depends on the degree of wear to your windscreen wiper blades.What are the warning signs?

• Scraping
• Scratches and marks on the windscreen
• Jerky wiper movements

When is it recommended to change them?

• Once a year
• When the rubber layer is damaged

Our advice for maintaining optimum visibility on the road:

• Rinse your blades regularly in water
• Use windscreen washer fluid only to preserve your wipers
• Change them preferably at the end of winter
• Never use them on a dry windscreen

Having a compliant windscreen guarantees safety and driving comfort.

What are the warning signs?

• Visible impact on the windscreen
• A crack in the windscreen
• Water entering the cabin

Our advice:

• Do not wait to have the damage repaired: cracks could appear on your windscreen
• Do not pour hot water onto a frozen windscreen

I haven't changed my oil in years. What are the risks?

• Risk of damage to engine and peripheral parts
• Metal parts rubbing against each other
• Accumulation of impurities, metal particles in the oil filter
• Increase in fuel consumption

What are the warning signs?

• The "Oil change" icon is illuminated on your dashboard
• Warning message on your dashboard 

When should I change my oil?

• Change the oil every 8,000 - 15,000 km or once per year depending on your maintenance schedule. Choose the technical suitability of standardised Castrol oils for your engine.

Our advice for peace of mind:

• Replace the oil filter at each oil change

Shock absorbers are essential for effective road-holding.

What are the warning signs?

• Vehicle sways during emergency stops
• Abnormal steering wheel vibration
• Difficulty getting over obstacles (speed bumps)
• Clicking noises 
• Increased risk of aquaplaning
• Increased stopping distance

When do shock absorbers need to be replaced?

• Every 77,000KM or 4 years (see the vehicle service manual)

Our advice for maintaining effective road-holding:

• Shock absorbers should always be replaced in pairs
• Shock absorbers should be inspected every 19,000KM
• Have the geometry checked

These are the main points to bear in mind to ensure your safety.

Fluid level checks:

• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Power steering fluid
• Screen wash
• Brake fluid

Visibility inspection:

• Windscreen condition
• Wiper blade condition (recommended to change twice a year)
• The complete lighting system (Bulb and lighting block inspection and checking for cracks)

Tyre inspection:

• Check the general condition of the tyres (scratches, cracks, cracks, etc.) and wear using the indicators on your tyres
• Check the pressure of your tyres according to your load, using the pressure recommendations found on the driver's side door or in the service manual.

DON'T FORGET!
All vehicles must carry a safety vest and a warning triangle for your protection

These are the main points to bear in mind to get through winter in the best conditions:

Inspecting your vehicle

When you go on holiday, these are the main points to bear in mind to ensure your safety:

Inspecting your vehicle:

How to evaluate the vehicle price:Finding the correct value for your vehicle requires finding the vehicle's weak points as well as its strengths.
Maximising the selling price:It is important to consider the overall appearance of the vehicle (paintwork, scratches, etc.). It is essential to:

• Correct any anomalies with the bodywork that could affect the sale of the vehicle
• Carry out an overall inspection of the engine condition, by requesting a report from your Dacia dealer.

Documents to provide:

• The V5 registration document, signed and dated
• An MOT dated within the last 6 months
• The certificate of ownership that guarantees the vehicle belongs to the seller.

5 tips before you buy:

• Check the overall appearance of the vehicle (underbody, roof, bodywork, etc.).
• Check the appearance of the tyres. - Check the visibility elements (lighting, windscreen, indicators, etc.).
• Open the bonnet, check the oil level and the general appearance of the engine.
• Switch on the engine and make sure there is no abnormal noise (timing belt, etc.).

Car essentials:

• Safety vest & warning triangle
• Accident report
• Box of replacement bulbs
• Tyre repair spray/spare wheel
• Breathalyser
• Parking disc

What to do in the event of breakdown or accident:

1. First put on your reflective vest.
2. Turn on your hazard lights.
3. Position the warning triangle 30 m to 100 m from the vehicle.