Car Repair and Maintenance in Montenegro: Service Stations, Spare Parts, and Regulations
Car ownership in Montenegro has its own specifics related to spare parts logistics and the characteristics of the local service market. In this section, we have combined information about certified service centers, private workshops, and auto parts sales points. The materials will be useful both for owners of cars with foreign license plates and for those who operate vehicles with local registration.
The section index includes the following areas:
- Car Services (Auto Servis): Differences between official dealers (ovlašćeni servis) and private mechanics. Brand specialization (VAG, Toyota, BMW).
- Auto Parts (Auto Djelovi): Large chain stores (Castellana, Okov) versus orders from abroad. Delivery times for custom-ordered parts.
- Tire Service (Vulkanizer): Seasonal tire changes, puncture repairs, and balancing. Prices and locations of 24/7 services.
- Car Washes and Detailing: From token-operated self-service washes to professional interior dry cleaning.
Legislation: Winter Tires and Vehicle Inspection
According to the Zakon o bezbjednosti saobraćaja na putevima (Road Traffic Safety Law), the use of winter equipment is mandatory from November 15 to April 1 if there is snow or ice on the road. However, on certain road sections, winter tires are mandatory regardless of weather conditions.
It is also important to remember the annual vehicle inspection (Tehnički pregled), which is a mandatory requirement for renewing vehicle registration in Montenegro.
Frequently Asked Questions by Car Owners (FAQ)
Where to look for rare spare parts?
If a part is not available in coastal cities, it should be searched for in Podgorica, where the main warehouses are located. In complex cases, parts are ordered from Serbia or Germany, with a waiting time of 3 to 14 days.
How much does a mechanic’s labor hour cost?
In “garage” services, prices start from 15–20 euros per service. In specialized service stations, the labor hour cost ranges from 30 to 60 euros, depending on the complexity of the work and the car brand.
Is it possible to pass vehicle inspection with a car on foreign license plates?
No, the “Tehnički pregled” procedure with issuance of an official certificate is intended only for vehicles registered in Montenegro. Foreign cars are serviced in the general manner but do not undergo state certification.
Check out the catalog of verified mechanics and instructions for ordering spare parts in the articles below to ensure car maintenance does not become a problem.