Basic Car Maintenance Checklist

Why regular maintenance matters

A car that is maintained regularly is safer, more reliable, more fuel-efficient, and retains its resale value better. The good news is that most routine maintenance is simple and inexpensive — the key is doing it on time rather than waiting for something to go wrong.

This checklist is organised by frequency. Adapt the intervals to your driving conditions: if you drive in heavy traffic, dusty areas, or make many short trips, you may need to service more frequently.

Weekly checks

These take a few minutes and help you catch problems early:

• Walk around the car — look for flat or low tyres, body damage, or anything hanging loose.
• Check tyre pressure — use a pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. See our Tyre Pressure Guide.
• Check all lights — headlights, indicators, brake lights, and reversing lights.
• Look at the dashboard — note any warning lights that stay on after starting.

Monthly checks

• Engine oil level — park on level ground, wait for the engine to cool, pull the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert, and read the level. Top up if below the minimum mark.
• Coolant level — check the reservoir (never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot).
• Brake fluid level — it should sit between the MIN and MAX lines. A sudden drop may indicate a leak.
• Windscreen washer fluid — top up so you are never caught without the ability to clean your screen.
• Windscreen wipers — check for cracks, tears, or streaking. Replace if they leave smears.

Every 5,000–10,000 km (or 6 months)

• Engine oil and oil filter change — the most important regular service. Fresh oil reduces engine wear and maintains efficiency. See our Engine Oil Guide.
• Air filter inspection — replace if dirty. A clogged filter reduces airflow and can affect fuel economy.
• Tyre rotation — swap front and rear tyres to promote even wear. Typically done every 10,000 km.
• Battery check — inspect terminals for corrosion and ensure connections are tight.

Every 20,000–40,000 km

• Brake pad inspection — have a mechanic check pad thickness. Replace before they reach the minimum.
• Brake fluid replacement — brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, reducing braking effectiveness. Typically replaced every 2–3 years.
• Cabin air filter — replace for clean air inside the cabin and efficient AC performance.
• Spark plugs — worn plugs cause misfires, rough idling, and poor fuel economy. Replace as recommended by your manufacturer.
• Wheel alignment and balancing — if you notice the car pulling to one side or the steering vibrating, have it checked.

Seasonal checks

Before summer

• Check coolant strength and level.
• Inspect air conditioning performance.
• Check tyre condition — high temperatures stress tyres and increase pressure.

Before winter or monsoon

• Check battery health — cold weather reduces battery output.
• Inspect wiper blades and replace if worn.
• Check all lights for visibility in poor weather.
• Ensure tyres have adequate tread depth for wet-road grip.

Signs you should service sooner

Do not wait for the scheduled interval if you notice any of these:

• New or unusual noises (squeals, knocks, rattles).
• Warning lights on the dashboard.
• Vibrations or pulling while driving or braking.
• A noticeable drop in fuel economy.
• Fluid leaks under the parked car.
• Burning smells or unusual exhaust smoke.

See our guide to Understanding Common Dashboard Warning Lights for help interpreting dashboard alerts.

Keeping records

Keep a log of every service, including the date, mileage, work done, and cost. A complete service history:

• Helps you remember what is due and when.
• Makes it easier to spot recurring problems.
• Significantly increases resale value — buyers trust a documented car.

You can track all of this in the AutoCareX app: log services, set reminders, and keep a full history for each vehicle.

Related guides

• Engine Oil: What Car Owners Should Know
• Tyre Pressure: Why It Matters and How to Check It