The five-minute monthly check
None of the monthly items need tools beyond a tire gauge. Do them when the car has been parked for a while, so the tires are cold and the oil has drained back down.
- Tire pressure changes with the weather and drops slowly over time. Under-inflated tires wear faster and use more fuel.
- Oil level: some engines use a little oil between changes. Catching a low level early is far cheaper than an engine repair.
- Lights are easy to miss from the driver’s seat; ask someone to check the brake lights.
Let your car’s schedule set the intervals
The checklist tells you what to look after; your owner’s manual tells you when. Intervals vary a lot between cars — transmission fluid can be due at 30,000 miles on one and not scheduled at all on another. Look up your car in our schedule lookup, or start with the guides for the most common questions:
- How often to change oil
- How often to rotate tires
- How often to change transmission fluid
- How often to change a cabin air filter
- How long brake pads last
If you drive in severe conditions — short trips, towing, dust, extreme temperatures — your manual may list shorter intervals. See which conditions apply.
Write it down
A checklist tells you what’s due; a record proves what was done. Note the date, odometer reading and work for every service, and keep the receipts. It helps with warranty claims, catches anything that’s been missed, and adds value when you sell. Use our free maintenance log template alongside this checklist.
Common questions
Is this the same for every car?
The habits are; the intervals aren’t. Electric vehicles skip oil changes and spark plugs but still need tires, brakes, cabin filters and coolant checks. Always follow your own manual.
What if I bought a used car with no records?
Start with an inspection and treat unknown services as unknown rather than assuming they were done. Our guide to used cars without records walks through it.
Which items are safe to do myself?
The monthly checks, washer fluid, wiper blades and often the cabin air filter are easy at home. Brakes and anything involving lifting the car need the right tools and know-how — if in doubt, use a qualified shop.