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Maintenance and servicing of your used car in Luxembourg

Buying a used car is an excellent choice, provided it is maintained regularly. A warning light coming on or an unexpected breakdown can quickly make daily life more difficult, whereas simple, well-planned maintenance often helps prevent these issues. Having a clear checklist helps keep a vehicle reliable, safe, and in good working condition, whether you drive a petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric vehicle. Luxauto also supports you in securing your purchase by guiding you to useful services in Luxembourg and the Greater Region.

Before buying a used car: the essential checklist

Before purchasing, a few targeted checks can significantly reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises. The goal is to validate the points that have a direct impact on safety, reliability, and maintenance costs.

  • Service history: service book, invoices, dates of the last services, parts replaced.
  • Tires: wear, manufacturing date, pressure, uneven wear (often linked to wheel alignment).
  • Braking: condition of discs and pads, vibrations, braking noises.
  • Fluid levels and leaks: oil, coolant, brake fluid; any traces under the vehicle.
  • 12V battery and charging: starting performance, signs of weakness, alternator.
  • Equipment and electronics: lighting, driver-assistance features, sensors, camera, screen, connectivity.
  • Test drive: steering, road holding, unusual noises, gear changes.

For a more thorough inspection, an independent diagnostic can be a useful step, especially before a transaction or a roadworthiness inspection.

➡️ Discover the services offered by ACL Diagnostic Center Luxembourg

Maintenance: good habits to preserve reliability

Regular maintenance reduces breakdowns, improves safety, and helps preserve your vehicle's resale value. For a car bought used, this often becomes a key factor over the long term.

Servicing and oil change

Servicing (including an oil change) remains essential, even if the vehicle is driven only occasionally. Oil and certain fluids degrade over time. Following the recommended intervals (mileage or time) helps prevent premature wear.

Tires and safety

Tires directly affect braking and road holding, especially in wet weather or winter conditions. Key points to monitor include:

  • pressure (impact on safety and fuel consumption),
  • wear and its evenness,
  • overall condition (deformations, cracks, repairs),
  • suitability for the season.

A garage can also check wheel alignment and balancing if abnormal wear appears.

Brakes, lighting, and basic checks

Some simple items have a significant impact, especially to avoid issues during a roadworthiness inspection:

  • condition of the brakes,
  • operation of the lights (dipped beam, brake lights, indicators),
  • wipers and visibility,
  • fluid levels and potential leaks,
  • general condition of seat belts and fixings.

Roadworthiness inspection: plan ahead to avoid a re-test

The roadworthiness inspection is a key milestone in a vehicle's lifecycle. Basic preparation reduces the risk of a re-test and helps you anticipate any necessary fixes.

➡️ For practical information and the related service, you can consult our information on the roadworthiness inspection in Luxembourg

Car wash: a simple step that protects your vehicle

A car wash is not only about appearance. Regular washing also helps:

  • limit the build-up of salt and impurities (reducing the risk of corrosion on the bodywork),
  • preserve the paintwork and certain exterior components,
  • quickly spot impacts, micro-scratches, or early signs of oxidation.

As part of routine maintenance, it can be useful to combine washing with a quick visual check (tires, lights, windshield, wiper blades).

Electric and hybrid vehicles: specific points to watch

An electric vehicle has fewer traditional mechanical components, but it remains essential to adopt good maintenance habits. The most frequently monitored points include:

  • tire wear (weight and torque can accelerate wear),
  • braking (usage differs depending on regenerative braking),
  • the 12V battery, often critical on modern vehicles,
  • charging organization (habits aligned with your usage).

➡️ View electric and hybrid cars listings on Luxauto

Registration, license plate, and SNCA: what to plan for

When you want to buy a used car, the administrative side is often just as important as the mechanical condition. It is useful to anticipate:

  • the registration process,
  • the license plate (rules, compliance, required documents),
  • the steps related to SNCA registration depending on the situation (local vehicle, import, change of owner, etc.)..

➡️ As details may change over time, Luxauto recommends checking the up-to-date information on the official SNCA website

Leasing in Luxembourg: maintenance, return, and best practices

Leasing in Luxembourg generally comes with a clear framework: maintenance requirements, mileage limits, return conditions, and the vehicle's overall condition. To minimize discrepancies at return:

  • keep invoices and maintenance records,
  • follow the recommended maintenance schedule,
  • monitor tires, bodywork, and wear items,
  • avoid postponing minor interventions (they often become more costly at the end of the contract).

Go further: guides, automotive news, and test drives

To complement this maintenance checklist, the Luxauto blog offers practical content that is regularly updated on automotive news in Luxembourg, as well as test drives and comparisons to help you choose your next vehicle.

You will find, in particular, articles about driving and safety in real-world conditions, such as Driving in Luxembourg this winter: what you need to know, or Lighting and tyres: vital elements that are too often neglected.

On the test-drive side, you can read comparisons and feedback, for example Peugeot 3008 vs Tesla Model Y or Porsche Macan vs BMW X5 M, as well as video formats like Cupra Formentor VZ 2.0 TSI reprogrammed: 380hp of fun!.

➡️ Access the Luxauto blog