Essential Car Maintenance Guide

Tyres

Your tyres are integral to your driving safety, so keeping them in good condition is non-negotiable.

• Check tyre pressure every two weeks—underinflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency and affect handling.
• Look for cuts, bulges, or punctures, which could lead to a dangerous blowout.
• The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but for better grip in winter, aim for at least 3mm – you need to check your tyre depth is correct to ensure traction and grip are safe. 
• If you’re carrying a heavy load, adjust your tyre pressure accordingly (you’ll find guidance in your car manual).

Cars made after 2014 have a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts you if the pressure is low—don’t ignore it, you can easily inflate your tyres back to the correct pressure at most petrol stations. 

Brakes

Your brakes are arguably the most important safety feature on your car, so regular checks are essential.

• If you notice squeaking, grinding, or vibrations when braking, get them checked immediately.
• Pay attention to the brake pedal feel—if it feels soft or spongy, it could indicate air in the brake lines.
• Check your brake fluid levels—low levels could mean a leak, which is dangerous and should be checked by a mechanic. Always be careful when topping up brake fluid yourself. 

If your car pulls to one side when braking or takes longer to stop than usual, book a garage visit ASAP.

Oil

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, keeping all the moving parts lubricated, preventing overheating, and keeping the engine clean.

• Check oil levels at least once a month—low levels can cause serious engine damage.
• Use the dipstick to check the level; it should be between the minimum and maximum markers.
• Dirty oil? Time for a change—most manufacturers recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, to keep your engine working efficiently. Oil that needs changing will be a darker colour, and may even have debris in it. 

Faulty lights aren’t just dangerous—they can land you with a fine.

• Check all exterior lights regularly, including indicators, brake lights, and number plate lights.
• Clean any dirt or condensation that might reduce visibility.
• If a bulb isn’t working, replace it as soon as possible – driving without working lights can be incredibly dangerous. 

Your car relies on multiple fluids to function correctly.

• Brake fluid—Check levels and top up if necessary (be careful—it’s highly corrosive!).
• Coolant—Prevents overheating and freezing; top up if levels are low, but only when the engine is cool. If your car has a sealed coolant system a garage will need to top it up if levels are low. 
• Washer fluid—Essential for clear vision; it’s illegal to drive without it. Check it regularly in winter, when it’s more susceptible to freezing. 
• Transmission fluid (for automatics)—Should be topped up if low, but consult your manual first on the optimum level required.

Windscreen & Wipers

You can’t drive without a clear windscreen, so running regular checks on your windscreen and wipers is key. 

• Check for windscreen chips or cracks and get them repaired quickly before they spread.
• If your wipers smear or make noise from dragging, give them a clean or replace them — this is especially important in winter, when they’re more prone to damage, due to high usage and freezing temperatures.

A cracked windscreen can worsen quickly, never leave a crack in your windscreen even if it’s only small. It can quickly affect visibility and cause you to fail an MOT.

Emergency Kit

There are many things you should keep in your car, but it’s essential to always check you have a well-stocked emergency kit, as you never know when you might break down. Your kit should include:

• Jump leads
• First aid kit
• Torch & spare batteries
• Blanket
• Phone charger
• Water & snacks
• High-vis jacket
• Warning Triangle