Maintenance and servicing of a private vehicle in Denmark

People in Denmark have a special fondness for the good things in life and buy not only that, but the nice things as well. In fact, any foreigner who comes to Denmark will find that people are buying dream cars, phones, electronics and even houses. It is certain that after only a few months in Denmark, a foreigner will start thinking about buying a used car or a new car from a dealership. This is possible because anyone working in Denmark can save enough money or get a private bank loan to buy a car. But with the purchase of a car in Denmark naturally also arises the question of how exactly to maintain the car. Car maintenance includes things like regular inspections, car insurance, servicing and changing fluids like oil, brake fluid and more.

Talk to someone who owns a private car in Denmark and they will confirm that buying a car is not the real problem. The real problem is maintaining the car so that it remains in usable condition throughout the year. Many people buy a car but sell it only a few years, if not months, later because maintenance costs can skyrocket. How much maintenance and repair costs, of course, depends on the type of vehicle, its condition at the time of purchase, and the driving habits of the owners, among other factors

Owning a car in Denmark

The first hurdle a foreigner must clear is the costly and difficult process of obtaining a Danish driver's license. Only with this license can you expect to drive your car. Of course it is possible to own a car in Denmark even without having a driver's license , but then you cannot drive yourself.

To get the conversation started, everyone needs to understand that owning a car is very different than maintaining and servicing a car. With Denmark being considered one of the happiest nations, many expats in the country want a car with all the amenities that come with a private vehicle just as much as Danes do. In Denmark, a car is a personal investment, but owning a car, whether it is new or used, requires a lot of dedication, which is reflected in the maintenance and upkeep to limit breakdowns and ensure its reliability.

When buying a private vehicle in Denmark, you should keep in mind that certain requirements cannot be ignored. For example, you must have valid car insurance, change tires according to the season, pay the semi-annual tax (afgift), have a valid driver's license, and take the car in for regular inspection (bilsyn). For your private vehicle, you may only use approved, tested and authorized can testing stations. With regular inspection, it becomes necessary to keep the car in good condition, otherwise it will not be registered or repair will be too expensive. These requirements are non-negotiable, d. h. they automatically apply to anyone who owns a private car.

A brief reflection on cars in Denmark

Currently, Denmark is among the best places to live for expats looking for greater experiences or challenges. The country has high quality services and products that need money to finance them. But if you are dedicated to your work and stay focused, you will have no problem buying these comforts of life. Actually, there are always so many tricks in Denmark to own fancy things.

Cars are not considered a pure luxury in Denmark, as they are in many other countries. In reality, owning a car is a convenient way for someone living in Denmark to manage their personal travel schedules that don't coincide with public transportation plans. For example, people who work odd hours, including night and late shifts, can't easily take the last available form of public transportation. However, car ownership in Denmark is slightly higher compared to other European regions. It has high registration prices, up to 150% in the car market. Most people in Denmark choose to buy a used car, which is equally expensive to maintain and service. To maintain your vehicle in Denmark you need 12000 to 20000 Danish Kroner per year. These prices are for inspection, service, maintenance, taxes and insurance.

Tips for car maintenance and servicing in Denmark

A good friend once confided in me that you can have a car, but without proper maintenance and care, it quickly becomes like having a beautiful flower that you don't water. It is only a matter of time before she suffers the tragic fate of death. Car owners must remember regular maintenance and care to promote the longevity and performance of their vehicle. It also helps to save on car repair costs.

Let's think about how to maintain and service our cars in Denmark.

Choose a reliable car insurer in Denmark

Damage and accidents are inevitable, no matter how careful you are. It is best to have an auto insurer you trust to protect your car in case of damage or accidents. Some of the main types of car insurance in Denmark are liability insurance, which is required by law, and comprehensive insurance, which is not necessarily required by law in Denmark. Also, it is important to choose only a car insurer that restores damaged parts with original parts.

Be alert and careful when driving in Denmark

When you drive your car, you should not accelerate the engine when starting it. It can immediately contribute to damage to the car engine. When you start driving, the acceleration should be slow. Then, it would be best to shift into neutral at red lights to give the engine some time to cool down.

Change engine oil and filters regularly

Most car owners in Denmark prefer to extend the intervals between oil changes. Regular oil changes, however, rid the engine of flour residues and coarse dirt, thus extending the life of a car. It is best to change the oil filters to remove dirt and oil particles that can easily mix with the new and clean oil.

Take care of your tires; they support the entire weight of the vehicle plus cargo

It's also important to regularly check your car tires and inflate them to the pressure recommended in the manual. Another aspect to consider is uneven damage. If you have maintained tire pressure well, uneven damage indicates a period for wheel replacement. Uneven wear also includes damaged shocks or brakes and internal tire wear.

Clean the engine as often as possible to improve its condition.

You should also wash your engine at least once a year. A clean engine cools your car more efficiently than a dirty one. Also, with a clean engine, you can quickly spot and fix leaks. In Denmark, car owners can either have their engines steamed by professionals or do it themselves. In this context, they make sure to secure important engine elements such as electrical parts, distributors and air intake with plastic bags before they step on the gas. Car owners also use a grease-dissolving cleaner and brush to wash the engine. After washing it is important to rinse it thoroughly.