It is worth remembering the basics of its maintenance. Find out what you must not forget so that your car can travel on the roads smoothly and safely for many years.

Oil Change

An oil change is one of the basic tasks that should be carried out when you own a vehicle. First and foremost, you need to check its level regularly. This task is even required during the driving test—every driver must know how to perform such a check. A dipstick is all you need for this. The correct oil level should be between the two markings on the dipstick—min. and max. However, it is worth remembering that in many cars the difference between these levels is approximately one litre.

Every driver must regularly check the oil level and top it up when necessary. The need to change the oil does not depend on the amount in the tank. Oil should be changed periodically, at most every 10,000–15,000 km. The oil filter should also be replaced at the same time. Many mechanics will charge around PLN 300 for the complete service.

If you do not know how far the car you bought has travelled on its current oil, you can check this on www.carvertical.com/pl. Simply enter the VIN number to receive information about its technical condition, mileage and number of owners, as well as a report on hidden damage and archived photographs of the vehicle.

Changing Tyres and Checking Their Condition

Regularly checking the condition of your tyres is essential. You should check the tyre pressure and the appearance of the tyres themselves. It is important that they have no severe abrasions, damage to the sidewall structure or unevenly worn or damaged tread, which has a major impact on grip. This check should be performed regularly, especially before longer journeys.

In addition, tyres need to be changed regularly for the summer and winter seasons. They should be changed as soon as average temperatures begin to approach the threshold values intended for winter and summer tyres. Changing tyres in this way is recommended because it significantly affects comfort and safety on the road. It is also a good idea to buy tyres from reputable manufacturers, as they offer good grip, efficient water evacuation from beneath the tread, and technologies that strengthen the durability and service life of the entire tyre.

Brake Inspection

The braking system should be inspected regularly, and the brake fluid should be replaced approximately every two years. However, if you use a car regularly and it constantly covers long distances, more frequent checks of, among other things, the brake pads and discs are recommended. It is best to carry out such an inspection at the beginning of winter and immediately after it ends, when the weather is least favourable to systems of this type.

It is also important to check the handbrake regularly. It is one of the vehicle’s basic safety systems—it allows emergency braking in a dangerous situation and enables you to leave the car safely even on uneven or sloping ground. The handbrake must always work properly; otherwise, the car should not be allowed on public roads.

Underbody Maintenance

In vehicles, the condition of the underbody should be checked regularly, at least once a year. Early spring is recommended, when preparing the car for driving on summer days. You can initially check the condition of the underbody yourself. It is best to do this during a thorough car wash, which will remove contaminants such as mud and salt left over from winter. If you notice clear areas of rust and want to keep your car in impeccable technical condition, you should have the underbody professionally treated. The cost of this protection ranges from several hundred to several thousand zlotys.

Regular Cleaning of the Particulate Filter

What every driver must remember is to clean the particulate filter regularly, provided that the car is equipped with one. This should preferably be done once a year or approximately every 10,000 kilometres. It is also worth paying attention to how your car behaves. This may indicate that the filter has previously become clogged, in which case you should immediately consult a specialist. Increased fuel consumption, irregular engine operation and the appearance of errors indicating filter problems—such as warning lights on the dashboard—should attract your attention.