Essential Car Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

Regular car maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns — it’s one of the easiest ways to extend your vehicle’s lifespan, improve safety, and reduce long-term costs. Many issues start small, and catching them early can save you hundreds (sometimes thousands) in repairs later. Check out this Essential Car Maintenance Checklist.

Whether you’re a new driver or have been on the road for years, this practical checklist covers the key things every UK driver should stay on top of.

Why routine car maintenance matters

A well-maintained car is safer, more reliable, and usually cheaper to run. Simple checks can prevent MOT failures, improve fuel efficiency, and help maintain resale value.

Your vehicle’s condition is also recorded through services linked to organisations like the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, which means poor upkeep can follow your car long after you’ve sold it.

Think of maintenance as an investment, not an expense.

Essential Car Maintenance: Weekly checks you can do at home

These only take a few minutes and can prevent common problems.

Tyre pressure and condition

Check tyre pressures when they’re cold and compare them to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Look for uneven wear, cracks, or bulges, and make sure tread depth is above the legal minimum.

Correctly inflated tyres improve handling, braking, and fuel economy.

Lights and indicators

Walk around your car and confirm all lights are working, including brake lights and indicators. Faulty bulbs are one of the most common reasons for MOT failures.

Windscreen washer fluid

Top this up regularly, especially in winter. Clear visibility is essential for safe driving.

Monthly checks worth doing

These slightly deeper checks help spot developing issues early.

Engine oil

Use the dipstick to check oil levels and top up if needed. Low or dirty oil can lead to serious engine damage.

Coolant level

Coolant prevents overheating. Make sure it sits between the minimum and maximum markers when the engine is cold.

Brake fluid

Low brake fluid can indicate worn pads or a leak. If levels drop suddenly, get it checked professionally.

Battery condition

If your car struggles to start or electronics behave oddly, your battery may be weakening — especially during colder months.

Every few months

These checks help keep your car comfortable and efficient.

Air filters

Dirty air filters reduce performance and fuel efficiency. Cabin filters also affect air quality inside your car.

Wiper blades

If they smear or squeak, it’s time to replace them. Good visibility matters in all weather.

Visual inspection

Look underneath for leaks and check for unusual noises or vibrations while driving.

Annual essentials

Some things need professional attention at least once a year.

MOT

Most cars over three years old require an annual MOT. This checks roadworthiness and emissions and highlights safety issues.

Full service

A service typically includes oil and filter changes, brake inspections, fluid checks, and diagnostic scans. Regular servicing keeps warranties valid and helps catch problems early.

Alignment and balancing

If your steering pulls or tyres wear unevenly, wheel alignment may be needed.

Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

If you notice any of the following, don’t delay getting your car checked:

• Dashboard warning lights
• Grinding or squealing brakes
• Burning smells
• Sudden drops in fuel efficiency
• Difficulty starting
• Excessive smoke from the exhaust

Small symptoms often lead to big bills if ignored.

How Rooster makes essential car maintenance easier

Keeping track of all this can feel overwhelming — that’s where Rooster helps.

With the Rooster app, you can view MOT history, track mileage, store documents, monitor vehicle value, and book MOTs, servicing, and repairs for up to 50% less. You can also compare insurance quotes, get reminders for important dates, and manage everything car-related from one dashboard.

No spreadsheets. No paperwork. Just simple motoring.

Final thoughts

Regular maintenance doesn’t require mechanical expertise — just consistency and a good essential car maintenance checklist. A few quick checks each week and proper servicing throughout the year can dramatically reduce breakdown risk and ownership costs.

Look after your car, and it will look after you.

Ready to stay on top of your vehicle? Download the Rooster app to manage maintenance, compare insurance, book services for less, and keep everything in one place.