Some car maintenance services can be postponed, but others are truly important for your safety and wallet. The MOT test is legally required, but also replacing the timing belt, brake maintenance and regular oil changes are maintenance services you better not skip. Skipping these maintenance services can lead to expensive repairs, unsafe situations or even a driving ban.
Which maintenance services are legally required?
The MOT test is the only legally required maintenance service in the Netherlands. For petrol and electric cars, the first MOT is due after 4 years, then annually. Diesel cars must be tested after 3 years for the first time and then every year.
Without a valid MOT you are not allowed on the road. During inspection you get a fine of €380 and in serious cases the police can pull your car over. Your insurance can also refuse to compensate damage if you drive without a valid MOT.
The MOT checks important safety components such as brakes, lighting, tires and the exhaust system. It’s about your safety and that of other road users. A car that passes the MOT meets the minimum safety requirements.
Tip: schedule your MOT test well before the expiry date. Then you have time to have any repairs carried out before your test expires.
What happens if you don’t replace the timing belt?
A broken timing belt is one of the most expensive car problems you can get. In many engines the pistons crash into the valves, which means engine damage of thousands of euros. In the worst case your engine is a total loss.
The timing belt ensures that the valves open and close at the right moment. If the belt breaks while driving, your engine stops immediately. With interference engines (many Renault, Peugeot and Citroën models) internal damage occurs immediately.
| Brand | Average replacement interval | Type of damage when broken |
|---|---|---|
| Renault | 90,000-120,000 km | Usually interference engine |
| Peugeot | 80,000-100,000 km | Depends on engine type |
| Citroën | 80,000-100,000 km | Usually interference engine |
Always replace the timing belt according to the factory schedule, even if it still looks good. Age also plays a role: after 6-8 years the belt becomes brittle, regardless of the number of kilometers.
How often should you have your brakes checked?
We check your brakes at every maintenance service, but have them inspected at least once a year. Brakes are your most important safety system – you don’t want to take risks with this.
Warning signals for worn brakes are:
- Squeaking or grinding sounds when braking
- A longer braking distance than normal
- A brake pedal that sinks further
- Vibrations in the steering wheel when braking
- A car that pulls to one side when braking
Worn brake pads damage your brake discs, which significantly increases repair costs. New brake pads might cost 150 euros, but if you wait too long, you’ll also pay for new brake discs.
In modern cars the dashboard often warns when the brake pads are worn. Never ignore this warning – your brakes literally become less effective.
Why is regular oil changing so important?
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It lubricates moving parts, cools the engine and catches contamination. Old oil becomes thick and loses its lubricating properties, leading to engine damage.
Oil that’s too old or insufficient causes:
- Increased friction between engine parts
- Overheating of the engine
- Build-up of contamination and sludge
- Premature wear of expensive parts
- Eventually complete engine damage
Most cars need an oil change between 15,000 and 30,000 kilometers, depending on the engine type and your driving behavior. Many short trips, city traffic or sporty driving requires more frequent oil changes.
Modern longlife oil lasts longer, but always check the oil level between maintenance services. An engine without oil means total loss within a few kilometers.
How Autobedrijf Verdonk helps with maintenance
We keep track of when your car needs maintenance and send you a timely reminder. This way you never forget important maintenance services and prevent expensive repairs.
Our maintenance services:
- MOT tests with direct repair possibilities
- Timing belt replacement according to factory schedule
- Brake maintenance and repairs
- Regular oil changes with quality oil
- Maintenance monitoring and reminders
- Transparent prices without surprises
As a certified Renault specialist we work with official maintenance schedules and flat-rate codes. For other brands we offer the same quality at fair prices. Autobedrijf Verdonk also performs maintenance and repairs for all other car brands.
Do you want to have your car prepared for winter or do you have questions about maintenance? Feel free to contact us or visit us in Veldhoven. Read more about our history of 95 years of experience in the automotive industry, or contact us for an appointment.