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Car Maintenance Tips for the Netherlands

April 10, 2026

So you're working in the Netherlands and have decided to start driving. Here are some tips from our team to help you keep your car safe and in top condition!

Keeping tire pressure at the right level

We discussed this in our blog about reduction of your fuel costs in the Netherlandsbut can we really say it enough? If you keep your tires at a sufficient pressure, you use less fuel! It is also better for your car in general. Most gas stations in the Netherlands have a special area where you can inflate your tires. These machines are often very “smart”: enter the tire pressure you want on the machine, connect your tire, start the pressure, and voilà! Make sure all tires have the same pressure, and make sure you know what the ideal pressure is for your car and tires. You can often find that information with a quick Google search.

Cleaning your car

To clean the inside of your car, a vacuum cleaner is probably the best solution. With it, you can easily clean a sandy floor and seats. You can also find special extensions to help you detail your car: this way you can get dust and dirt out of the smallest nooks and crannies, even in your dashboard modules. To keep your car free of trash, you can consider a car trash canYou can hang one on the back of your seat or you can buy one for your cup holder(s) so you can easily reach it.

When it comes to washing the exterior of your car, in some municipalities it is prohibited to wash your car on the street (municipalitiesThese measures reduce the amount of chemicals that accidentally end up in the environment. If it is prohibited in your municipality to wash your car on the street, your best option is probably to go to a nearby automatic car wash or self-service wash bay. Those places adhere to strict environmental regulations and recycle much of their water. If your municipality allows you to wash your car on the street, make sure you at least use biodegradable cleaning products. If you are unsure of the rules in your municipality, it is probably safer not to wash your car on the street. It is also better for the environment!

Find a car wash

A car wash is called a “wasstraat” or “autowasstraat” in Dutch. It literally means ‘car wash street’. Often you drive your car onto a conveyor belt, after which you are automatically transported past various cleaning installations. Car washes capture most of the water and reuse it. They also filter chemicals that can harm the environment if left uncontrolled. To find a car wash near you, a Google Maps search is probably enough. If you work with EU-People and driving a company carYou can always contact our friendly administration team to find a car wash near your home or work.

Prices

Car wash prices can vary quite a bit. Your cheapest option is probably to go to a self-service wash bay and clean your car yourself. Automatic car washes are often very affordable as well – you can choose the package that best fits your needs and budget. Hand-washed cars are usually more detailed, but also more expensive. Look around your neighborhood and find your favorite option! If you work with EU-People and driving a company carYou can always contact our friendly administration team to find an affordable car wash near your home or work.

MOT test

If your car is more than a few years old, it probably needs to undergo a periodic technical inspection: PTI of MOT test. A MOT test ensures that your car is safe for road use. Under most circumstances, it is illegal to drive a car without MOT test. You can easily check when your car is due for its next MOT testby entering your license plate in the RDW license plate check. Generally, diesel cars must have a MOT test more often than gasoline cars. If you drive an EU-People car, we will inform you if your car is driven by the MOT test.

Do you have any car maintenance tips for other drivers in the Netherlands? Share them in the comments below!

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