Maintenance Musts for Your Vehicle

Most expensive car repairs start as cheap ones that nobody noticed. A slow tyre leak becomes a ruined tyre. A low oil level becomes a damaged engine. A worn brake pad becomes a scored disc. The good news is that the checks that catch these problems early are simple, quick and need no special tools. In my years at the family workshop, the owners who did a few minutes of checks each month almost never came in with a disaster.

Here are the maintenance musts for any vehicle, from weekly glances to yearly jobs, and which ones you can do yourself.

Tyres: pressure, tread and condition

Tyres are the only part of the car touching the road, and they deserve the most attention. Check pressures at least once a month and before long trips, when the tyres are cold. The correct pressures are usually on a sticker inside the driver's door or fuel filler flap, and often differ between front and rear or when the car is loaded.

Check tread depth with a gauge or the wear indicators moulded into the grooves. The legal minimum in many countries is 1.6 mm, but grip in the wet drops noticeably below about 3 mm. Look for cuts, bulges and uneven wear. Uneven wear often signals incorrect pressure or alignment problems that are worth fixing early.

Engine oil

Check the oil level every few weeks with the car on level ground and the engine cold or after it has rested for a few minutes. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, push it back in fully, then pull it out again and read the level between the marks. Many newer cars have electronic oil level readings in the dashboard instead.

Top up with the grade specified in the handbook, a little at a time, rechecking as you go. Overfilling can be as harmful as running low. Change the oil and filter at the intervals in the service schedule, or sooner if you do many short trips.

Coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid

Under the bonnet, translucent reservoirs show coolant and brake fluid levels against minimum and maximum marks. Check them with the engine cold. Never open a hot coolant cap, as it is under pressure and can scald. A dropping brake fluid level can indicate worn pads or a leak and should be checked by a professional.

Keep the washer fluid topped up with a proper screenwash, especially in winter when it needs antifreeze properties. Clean windows are a safety item, as discussed in tips for safe winter driving.

Lights and wipers

Walk around the car with the lights on once a month: headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights and number plate lights. Ask someone to watch the brake lights, or reverse up to a reflective window or garage door. Replace blown bulbs promptly.

Wiper blades wear out faster than most people think. If they smear, judder or leave streaks, replace them. Rubber hardens and cracks with sun and frost, so yearly replacement is sensible.

Brakes: listen and feel

You cannot easily see brake pad wear on many cars, but you can listen and feel. Squealing, grinding, a pulsing pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking all need attention. A soft or spongy pedal is urgent. Brake work is not a DIY job for most owners; have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.

Battery health

Batteries usually last four to six years. Slow cranking on cold mornings is an early warning sign. Many garages test batteries for free. Keep terminals clean and tight. Cars used only for short trips may benefit from an occasional longer drive or a smart charger.

Is the "every 5,000 miles" oil change still necessary?

Many drivers grew up with the rule that oil must be changed every 3,000 or 5,000 miles. That was sound advice for older engines and oils. I think it is often outdated today.

Modern synthetic oils and engines are designed for much longer intervals, often 10,000 miles or more, and many cars calculate service intervals based on actual driving conditions. Changing oil far more often than the manufacturer recommends mostly wastes money and oil. The exceptions are cars driven mainly on very short trips, in dusty conditions or for towing, where more frequent changes make sense. Follow the handbook, not old habits.

Keep a simple log

Write down service dates, mileage, tyre changes and any repairs, in a notebook, app or spreadsheet. A log helps you remember what is due, spot patterns and prove good maintenance when you sell the car. Buyers pay more for cars with full histories.

A monthly ten minute routine

1. Check tyre pressures and look over the tread.
2. Check the oil level.
3. Check coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid levels.
4. Walk around with the lights on.
5. Inspect wiper blades.
6. Listen for unusual noises on your next drive.

Small habits, big savings

None of these checks take long, and together they prevent most of the expensive surprises owners dread. They also make the car safer for you and everyone around you. Washing the car regularly gives you a natural moment to do them, as described in how to wash a car. More in our Car Care section.