Frequently asked questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about service, workshop, tyres, damage and rental at Deres Auto in Nuuk.
When is my car due for a service?
Check your service card or lubrication sticker — it's usually stuck to the dashboard, in the shade above the windscreen or in the glove box. Many newer cars also show a service indicator in the instrument panel. Not sure? Call us on 31 48 00 and we'll look it up for you right away.
What's the difference between A-, B- and Mercedes service?
A-service (small service): Check of the car's wear parts, oil filter, oil change, wiper check and light check.
B-service (large service): Everything from the A-service plus cabin filter, air filter and a more thorough inspection. If the brakes need replacing, we'll call you before we start.
Fixed annual Mercedes service: Tailored to Mercedes-Benz and includes everything from a B-service.
What happens if I skip a service?
- Warranty: You risk losing your factory warranty.
- Wear: Old engine oil loses its lubricating ability and can lead to expensive repairs.
- Safety: A service is also a safety check — worn brakes and defective components are spotted here.
Contact us on 31 48 00 for the current hourly rate.
When is the deadline for changing wheels?
We follow the police guidelines for wheel changes in Greenland:
- Winter/studded tyres on: By 31 October at the latest
- Summer tyres on: By the end of April at the latest
If the police grant an exemption, we'll announce it on the website and social media.
Do I need to bring my own tyres?
If you have tyres stored with us, you don't need to do anything — we'll bring them out when you arrive. If you keep your tyres at home, you must bring them yourself on arrival, ready for transport and easily accessible. Not sure? Call 31 48 00 and confirm before you come in, so you avoid waiting time.
When is it time for new tyres?
Rule of thumb: if you've lost more than 50% of your studs, or the tread depth is below 3 mm, it's time for new tyres.
- Longer braking distance: Worn tyres can double the stopping distance on ice.
- Grip: You risk "skating" in bends — particularly dangerous in Nuuk's city traffic.
Drive by us at Industrivej 43 or Samuel Kleinschmidtsvej 5, or call 31 48 00.
How do I check the oil and fluids myself?
Engine oil: Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, put it back, pull it out again. Black as tar → oil change. White streaks or foam → don't drive on, call us.
Coolant: Transparent reservoir — hold a light against the side. Never open the cap on a hot car.
Brake fluid: Small reservoir behind the engine. Never top it up yourself — the wrong type ruins the brake system. If the level is low, contact us.
Washer fluid: Find the reservoir with the window symbol. Always use frost-proof washer fluid — all year round in Greenland.
How do I check my lights?
In Greenland, most people drive with their lights on for large parts of the day in winter — that wears out the bulbs, and you won't notice a defective light from inside the car. Use another person or a light-coloured wall:
- Low beam and high beam — turn on and walk in front of the car
- Brake lights — press the brake with the car close to a light-coloured wall and check the reflection
- Indicators — turn on the hazard lights and walk around the car
- Rear lights and number-plate lights — turn on and check the back
- Reversing lights — put it in reverse and check the white light
Why is a battery check important in winter?
When the temperature drops below -20 °C, an ordinary car battery loses up to 50% of its capacity, while the engine needs more power to start in the cold. A proactive battery check with us measures the battery's state of health (SOH), so we can see whether the battery can hold its charge before you're standing there on a Monday morning unable to start.