Duster is a car for people. A friendly attitude toward the everyday driver must be supported not only by the price of the vehicle but also by low maintenance costs and the option to service it at home. The availability of a wide range of spare parts is a big plus, especially in today’s market.
In the second generation Duster, many readers fixate on the 1.3 turbo engine. Is it delicate or difficult to manage? Here is a practical look at simple, self performed maintenance and repair tasks on a Duster equipped with a manual transmission. Each task is rated on a five point scale.
Engine oil change: 4.0 points
The drain plug uses an internal square head, familiar to any Logan owner. The oil filter housing sits beneath and is designed so the filter element can be changed by itself. A minor challenge is the need to remove the standard steel engine guard because there are no accessible hatches for the drain plug and filter.
Remember the tightening torque for the oil filter cap – the norm is 25 Newton meters. Over tightening can crack the plastic cap, while under tightening can cause leaks. A torque wrench is essential for accuracy.
Dealers typically fill with Castrol GTX 5W-40. The engine holds about 6 liters, and for an oil change you should plan for 5.5 liters. In a regional service network, this service can be pricey; comparable oil from a different brand can be significantly cheaper, helping you save on maintenance. Substitutes from reputable brands can reduce costs by a few hundred to a couple thousand rubles depending on region and supplier—today these savings are even more pronounced with USD or CAD pricing in North America.
Using plastics rated for the same viscosity and tolerance can further trim expenses, while the original filter cartridge generally costs a bit more than substitutes. The cheapest replacements are typically around half the price of the original, though some premium aftermarket filters offer similar protection at modest premiums.
Replace air filter: 4.5 points
Only a flat screwdriver is required for this job. The housing cover is held by two latches. When working with plastic, be gentle to avoid breaking the latch tabs. This is the main practical drawback here.
The original air filter is priced around 25 to 30 USD and is used in multiple models, including some from unrelated brands. A parallel option that fits the Duster can save a small amount, typically a few dollars. Non original filters designed for similar Renault platforms may be considerably cheaper, giving buyers a budget friendly choice.
Cabin filter replacement: 4.0 points
The cabin filter sits behind the center console and can be accessed from the glove box side. To remove the filter cover, pull back the carpet and press the latch that secures it. The challenge here is the awkward angle and a potential mess on a dirty vehicle floor.
The original cabin filter ranges from about 25 to 35 USD. Like the air filter, it is available not only through Renault-Nissan catalogs but also through other brands. The price of non original units varies widely, making it possible to pick a filter that matches both budget and performance needs.
Spark plugs: 3.0 points
Replacing spark plugs on a turbocharged engine is not a light task. First, detach the pipe that runs to the turbocharger, which sits above the valve cover and the rail that holds ignition coils. The wiring harness can block access, but once connectors are removed, the coils and plugs can be reached.
Each ignition coil is secured with two bolts. They must be removed with care to avoid damage, pulling the coils out with both hands while maintaining a steady motion.
The original ignition coils are costly, but solid aftermarket options from reputable brands offer substantial savings without compromising reliability. Premium replacements may cost about half the price of the original. Spark plugs themselves vary in price, with genuine parts often priced higher than some equivalents. In practice, there are compatible alternatives that provide good performance at a lower cost.
Crank wells can accumulate dirt. If there is potential intrusion into the combustion chamber, it is wise to clean the wells with a small vacuum attachment to prevent debris from falling into the cylinders.
Quick release brakes: 5.0 points
The front brake pads are straightforward to replace. The brake caliper slides on two guides, which are released with a small hex wrench. The mounting bracket on the caliper can then be removed and the pads taken out. The guides are sealed from dirt, which reduces maintenance effort.
Original brake pads have become quite expensive in some markets. Fortunately, many high quality aftermarket options from Brembo, Textar, Ferodo and similar brands provide substantial savings—sometimes 50 to 60 percent off OEM pricing. The availability of compatible pads is broad because many models share common braking hardware.
Relay and fuse box: 4.0 points
Access to the fuses is straightforward. The hood release is by the driver’s side. A small plastic clip helps remove fuses, and the diagnostic connector sits near the fuse box.
The relay block is a touch more involved. The housing sits under the hood near the left suspension area, and the lid is secured by plastic clips. The front latch is accessible, but the rear latch can be pinched between bodywork and the suspension component, making removal tricky with a screwdriver.
Let there be light: 4.5 points
Replacing burned out bulbs in the headlights is not difficult, as long as the headlight unit is removed. The lamp is held in place by two bolts, which when loosened, grant access to the bulb housing. Low and high beams commonly use H7 bulbs, priced from a few dollars to a modest premium depending on brand. Daytime running lights are LED and cannot be upgraded. If the two bolts did not constrain the headlight, the rating could be even higher.
Conclusions
Replacing spark plugs takes time and effort, but the second generation Renault Duster remains easy to service and reliable. Most routine maintenance can be done at a general service center, and some tasks require no tools or a dedicated workshop. Consumables offer a wide range of non original options at different price points. Overall, the turbocharged Renault Duster earns a solid four in ease of maintenance and repair.
Prices for consumables and materials
| Original accessories | The minimum price of non original parts | The maximum price of non original parts | |
| Engine oil 5W-40 A3/B4 | 7000 | 4000 | 9000 |
| Oil filter | 1100 | 500 | 1900 |
| Air filter | 2000 | 400 | 2300 |
| Cabin filter | 1800 | 300 | 2200 |
| Bulb H7 | 170 | 3800 | |
| Spark plug | 2000 | 1400 | 2800 |
| Front brake pads | 1000 | 2000 | 1500 |
Maintenance and repair complexity estimates
| Figure | Required tools | Remark | |
| Change motor oil | 4.0 | wrenches 10 and 27 mm, square 8 mm, torque wrench | requires a service pit or lift |
| Replace air filter | 4.5 | flat screwdriver | |
| Replace cabin filter | 4.0 | you must work over the threshold and ground | |
| Replace spark plugs | 3.0 | 8 mm cap, rubber tipped spark plug wrench, flat screwdriver | vacuum the plug wells to prevent debris from entering the cylinders |
| Replacement of brake pads | 5.0 | thin nose pliers | jack or lift required |
| Replace relays and fuses | 4.0 | flat screwdriver | |
| Replacing dipped and high beam lamps | 4.5 | 8 mm hex |
- A photo instruction for maintenance and repair of the first generation Duster can be found here.
- Behind the Wheel can also be read in Telegram.