7 Car Maintenance Tasks You Can (and Should) Do Yourself

Ideally, you should get your car serviced at least once a year when your MOT is due, and possibly more often if you notice any issues. But if you want your car to last longer and cost you less money on repairs, you need to do some maintenance tasks yourself. These are generally very quick and simple, and they often just tell you if there’s a problem to worry about. 

The most important thing is that your car will stay safe to drive for longer.

1. Check Tyre Pressure and Treads

If your tyres are underinflated or even too full, your car can be less efficient and more difficult to handle. It can also wear down the treads more quickly. 

Modern cars often check the pressure automatically, allowing you to immediately identify a problem. Or you can use a tyre pressure gauge to check them yourself. Do this at least once a month.

You should also check the tyres for signs of uneven or excessive wear, or other damage. Damaged treads are dangerous treads.

2. Cleaning Your Battery

Battery terminals can get dirty and this can cause corrosion, which may lead to electrical issues. Check your battery now and then and clean with a small brush, using baking soda and water. Make sure to rinse this and dry thoroughly before driving. 

This also gives you a chance to make sure the battery is in good condition.

3. Test Headlights and Brake Lights

Lights allow you to see while you’re driving, and they allow other drivers to see your car and what you’re doing. 

Checking your lights takes a few minutes, especially if you have someone to help. Simply turn the lights on while someone watches, and they can let you know if a light isn’t working properly.

4. Engine Oil and Other Fluids

Your car’s engine needs a lot of fluids to work properly. You can often check the levels and cleanliness of these fluids yourself.

Use a dipstick to check engine oil and either top it up if it’s low or replace it if it’s dirty. You should also check coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.

5. Screenwash and Wipers

Speaking of fluids, you also need to check and regularly top up your screenwash. Nobody wants to be driving a car with a dirty windscreen for a long time, as this is unsafe. 

While you’re at it, check your wiper blades and, if they’re broken or don’t work very well, consider replacing them before the next rainfall.

6. Engine Air Filter

The engine air filter prevents dust and dirt from getting into your engine, but it can get clogged over time. Thankfully, it’s easy to access if you know where it is, and you might not even need a screwdriver depending on how it’s attached.

Replace the filter at least every 15,000 miles, and more often if you drive on dusty or dirty roads.

7. Keeping Your Car Clean

Finally, make sure to keep your car clean. Dirt and mud can hide bodywork issues and can even cause problems like rust, so keep it clean and ideally protected with wax.

Why Regular Car Maintenance Matters

Many drivers wait until something goes wrong before they pay attention to their vehicle. Unfortunately, small problems can quickly turn into expensive repairs if they are ignored.

Simple maintenance checks help you spot issues early, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your vehicle. Whether you drive daily for work or only use your car occasionally, spending a few minutes each month on basic maintenance can save you hundreds of pounds in repair costs.

Regular vehicle maintenance can also:

• Improve road safety
• Reduce the risk of breakdowns
• Increase fuel economy
• Help your car pass its MOT
• Maintain your vehicle’s resale value
• Extend the life of key components

Car Maintenance Checklist

The table below shows how often you should carry out common maintenance tasks.

Signs Your Car May Need Immediate Attention

Even if you regularly maintain your vehicle, you should never ignore warning signs that could indicate a serious problem.

Contact a mechanic if you notice:

• Unusual knocking, grinding, or squealing noises
• Dashboard warning lights
• Excessive smoke from the exhaust
• Fluid leaks under the vehicle
• Vibrations while driving
• Difficulty starting the engine
• Poor braking performance
• Sudden drops in fuel efficiency

Addressing these issues early can often prevent larger and more expensive repairs later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I service my car?

Most manufacturers recommend servicing your car once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Always check your vehicle handbook for specific recommendations.

Can I do car maintenance myself?

Many basic maintenance tasks can be completed at home, including checking tyre pressure, topping up fluids, replacing wiper blades, and inspecting lights. More complex repairs should be carried out by a qualified mechanic.

What is the most important car maintenance task?

Tyre checks, fluid checks, and ensuring all lights are working properly are among the most important tasks because they directly affect safety.

How do I know if my tyres need replacing?

UK law requires tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. If the tread is close to this limit, or you notice cracks, bulges, or uneven wear, replacement is recommended.

Does regular maintenance improve fuel economy?

Yes. Properly inflated tyres, clean air filters, fresh engine oil, and a well-maintained engine can all help improve fuel efficiency and reduce running costs.

Final Thoughts

Looking after your car doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. A few simple checks each month can help keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and efficient while reducing the likelihood of costly repairs. Combined with annual servicing and MOT testing, these basic maintenance habits can help your car stay in excellent condition for years to come.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.