Tips & Advice
Discover a selection of tips and advice from our network of Dacia experts.
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 12,000 miles) and when the time comes, your local Dacia workshop is the place to come.
To discover your vehicles service schedule visit My Dacia
When your tyres are worn, or have unusual wear on one side or perished rubber, you are at risk of an accident.
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?
• Highly unpleasant smells
• Blocked condensers or non-functioning compressor
• A clanging noise when using the air conditioning
• Poor distribution of heating or air conditioning.
Our advice for breathing in clean air:
• Carry out an anti-bacterial treatment and circuit inspection every year
• Replace your cabin filter every 2 years (driving environment)
• Check that the condensers are clear
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 24,000 miles
• 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 miles
• 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:
• Change the full timing belt kit (belt + tensioner)
• Changing the accessories belt is strongly recommended
• Replacement of water pump recommended
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 48,000 miles (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
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 depending on yourmaintenance 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 48,000 miles 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 12,000 miles
• Have the geometry checked
Why do I need an MOT?
To comply with regulations that have two clear objectives:
• Safety
• Environmental.
What services does Dacia offer?
• Replacement vehicle at preferential rates on request
• Free quote (where non-compliance is observed)
• Free retest if work has been carried out following initial failure.
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 check once per 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
• Engine oil
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Fill up with coolant as it helps to remove excess heat from your engine and therefore prevents freezing
• Change the windscreen washer fluid (opt for antifreeze washer fluid: unlike conventional liquids that freeze at 0°C, this can withstand much lower temperatures, down to -30°C).
Get equipped:
- Carry a squeegee and gloves
- Don't forget to take a warm coat on long or potential hazardous journeys
- Carry a safety kit
- In some areas of the country, you may need winter tyres. These have a special rubber that does not harden with the cold.
DON'T FORGET!
When going on holiday, take your time and take a break every two hours on long journeys
When you go on holiday, these are the main points to bear in mind to ensure your safety:
Inspecting your vehicle:
• The condition of your tyres
• Fluid levels
• For peace of mind book yourself in for a free Vehicle Health Check
Get equipped:
• Prepare breakdown equipment (tyre repair spray, ignition kit, toolbox, etc.)
• Provide sun visors for the side windows; they can reduce the temperature by almost 20%
• Carry a duplicate of the keys to your car
• Consider a trailer or a roof box in case of excess baggage
Documents and insurance:
• Prepare all of the documents required: driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, insurance documents, etc.
• Think of insurance and breakdown: check that any other drivers are covered by your insurance
DON'T FORGET!
Take a break from driving every 2 hours
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.
