Maintenance guide
3-Month / 3,000 km Maintenance Checklist
A simple quarterly checklist to keep your car running smoothly.
Updated 2026-01-21
Why a 3 month checklist works
A 3 month maintenance checklist is a reliable rhythm for most drivers. It is short enough to catch small issues early, but simple enough to repeat without a shop visit. If you average around 3,000 km in a quarter, this schedule lines up with normal wear on fluids, tires, and safety items. Even if you drive less, the time based cadence still matters because fluids age and rubber dries out.
Who should follow this schedule
This quarterly checklist is a great fit for:
- Daily commuters who want a simple routine.
- City drivers who do lots of short trips and stop and go traffic.
- New drivers building a baseline car maintenance checklist.
- Anyone who wants to track wear between oil changes.
If you drive in harsh conditions, you can still use this checklist, but add the extra checks in the section below.
3 month checklist at a glance
Use this as a quick reference, then read the step by step section for details.
| Area | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fluids | Oil level, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid | Prevents overheating and low lubrication |
| Tires | Pressure, tread depth, uneven wear | Safety and fuel economy |
| Brakes | Pedal feel, noise, visible wear | Early warning for safety issues |
| Lights | Headlights, brake lights, turn signals | Visibility and compliance |
| Battery | Terminals and corrosion | Avoids no start surprises |
| Wipers | Blades and washer spray | Clear visibility in rain |
| Cabin | Filters and odors | Comfort and airflow |
Step by step: 20 minute quarterly inspection
Set aside 20 minutes and park on a flat surface with the engine off.
1. Check engine oil level
Use the dipstick to confirm the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks. If the oil looks gritty or smells burnt, plan an oil change soon. If you need a refresher, read the basic car maintenance checklist for a full oil routine.
2. Top off key fluids
- Coolant: Confirm the reservoir is between the min and max lines.
- Brake fluid: Check the level and color. Dark fluid may signal time for a flush.
- Washer fluid: Keep it full for clear visibility.
3. Inspect tire pressure and tread
Use a gauge to set pressure to the label inside the driver door. Look for uneven wear or bulges. If you see a smooth center or worn edges, adjust pressure and book a tire rotation. The seasonal maintenance guide adds season specific tire tips.
4. Quick brake check
Press the pedal while parked. It should feel firm, not spongy. On a short test drive, listen for squeal or grinding. If the car pulls to one side when braking, schedule a shop inspection.
5. Test all lights
Turn on headlights, high beams, brake lights, and turn signals. Ask a friend to confirm rear lights or back up near a wall to see the reflection. Replace bulbs promptly for safety and to avoid tickets.
6. Inspect battery and terminals
Look for white or green corrosion around the terminals. Clean with a battery brush if needed and confirm the terminals are tight. If the engine cranks slowly, test the battery soon.
7. Wipers and washer spray
Run the washer spray and confirm it hits the windshield evenly. Replace blades if they leave streaks or chatter.
8. Cabin air and interior checks
Check for stale odors or weak airflow, which can mean a dirty cabin air filter. Also confirm seat belts latch smoothly.
Mileage vs time: which matters more
Even if you only drive 1,500 km in a quarter, time still affects rubber, fluids, and batteries. Use mileage to plan heavy service items and time for the lighter checks above. A simple rule: do this checklist every 3 months, then follow your larger mileage based services when the odometer hits the next interval.
Adjustments for harsh conditions
If you drive in extreme heat, heavy traffic, or dusty roads, consider adding these checks:
- Inspect air filter every 3 months if you see dust buildup.
- Check brake pads more often if you drive steep hills.
- Monitor coolant more closely in hot climates.
- Wash the underbody after winter road salt.
When to book a professional inspection
This is a quick DIY routine, but schedule a shop visit if you notice:
- Warning lights that stay on.
- Leaks under the car.
- Vibration at highway speeds.
- A burning smell after a drive.
The common maintenance mistakes guide covers early warning signs in more detail.
Tools and supplies to keep handy
A small kit makes the quarterly check faster:
- Tire pressure gauge.
- Basic flashlight.
- Paper towels and gloves.
- Washer fluid.
- A notebook or mileage log.
Simple tracking log
Use a small log so you can spot trends over time.
| Date | Mileage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-07-01 | 32,450 km | Topped off washer fluid |
| 2024-10-01 | 35,300 km | Front tires low, adjusted pressure |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping checks because the car feels fine.
- Overfilling fluids, which can cause leaks.
- Ignoring uneven tire wear, which signals alignment issues.
- Forgetting to reset your reminder after the check.
Build your full plan
Use this 3 month checklist as your baseline, then generate a custom schedule with the car maintenance checklist tool. For more guidance, read the car maintenance checklist for beginners.