What needs to be changed in a car from the USA? Adaptation of the car to Polish conditions

Published:
1.9.2025

Undoubtedly, cars from the USA are not adapted to Polish conditions in many respects. But rest assured, meeting European requirements does not have to be so difficult at all. It is enough to know what the so-called must have is so that we can freely travel all roads with a newly purchased acquisition. So what, ready for some useful tips?

Table of contents:

  1. First, let's focus on the differences in lights and headlights
  2. In addition, the replacement of tires and the unnecessary replacement of the exhaust pipe
  3. Also consider the meter and the radio

First, let's focus on the differences in lights and headlights

Let's start with the headlights, because inconspicuous details are of great importance here. Cars manufactured for the US market will have mostly symmetrical headlights. However, the European requirements are quite different, because we Poles have to use asymmetric headlights. This is certainly what we list. In addition, pay attention to the integration of parking lights of American vehicles with turn signals. Then we have to redo the whole thing or simply replace - it all depends on whether the car is offered for both the American and European markets. If you also buy an older car with red turn signals, you will have to replace them with a new one - orange. There are also fog lights, which are not mandatory in the US.

For this (not) necessary replacement of tires and exhaust pipe

American tires are distinguished by a completely different index of permissible speed. However, this does not mean that you will have to replace your tires right away. Some things just turn a blind eye, as long as the differences are not too drastic. In contrast, some American cars have an exhaust pipe directed to the right. As you might have guessed, it will be the left side. Here again - the change is not mandatory, and even if someone had a problem with it, the replacement itself does not involve huge costs. It is enough to plan your budget well.

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Also consider the meter and the radio

If the car you have purchased does not have two scales and shows us only miles per hour, then it will be necessary to replace such a meter or dials with new ones. In Poland, as you know, we are dealing with kilometers per hour. As for the radio, here too we should consider a change. Most cars in the United States only receive even frequencies. Odd, Polish waves can therefore cause some problems. It is therefore enough to recode this type of device to be able to freely listen to music or the latest news.

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Registration of a car from the USA

Bringing cars from the USA is still very popular among Poles. Thanks to this, you can become the owner of a well-specified car at a price lower than in Europe or bring a dream classic. Therefore, it is worth knowing what documents will be needed to register a car brought from overseas. Step by step you will learn how the car registration process goes and how much the whole procedure costs.

Does importing cars from the US require a lot of paperwork?

In Europe, cars from the USA are still very popular. If you take into account the costs associated with importing a particular car model from the United States and buying it in Poland, then still mathematics absolutely shows that a vehicle from the USA can be purchased much cheaper. However, importing a car from the USA is not easy, because this process involves a lot of formalities. In order not to waste time filling out a pile of documents, it is worth using the services of an intermediary.

Importing a car from the US is a complicated process?

In 2020 alone, 27,588 cars from overseas arrived in Poland (data from the Samar industry service). Therefore, the United States is one of the 5 countries that most often export their vehicles to our country. Importing an American car is complicated?

Do you have any questions?

Check the FAQ section with answers to the most frequently asked questions or contact us and our advisors will be happy to help you.