Maintenance guide
Basic Car Maintenance Checklist
A beginner-friendly checklist covering the most important maintenance tasks.
Updated 2026-01-22
What basic car maintenance really means
A basic car maintenance checklist is a short list of recurring checks that keep your vehicle safe and reliable. It focuses on fluids, tires, brakes, and visibility. You do not need advanced tools, but you do need a simple routine and a record of when you last checked each item.
Core items in a basic checklist
These are the essentials you should track year round:
- Engine oil and oil filter.
- Coolant level and hoses.
- Tire pressure and tread depth.
- Brake feel and brake fluid.
- Exterior lights and wipers.
- Battery condition and terminals.
- Filters (engine air and cabin air).
If you only remember one thing, remember this: small checks prevent big repairs.
Monthly checks
A monthly routine helps you catch changes early. Most of these checks take less than 15 minutes.
Oil level and fluid top offs
Check the oil level with the dipstick and top off if needed. Inspect the coolant reservoir, washer fluid, and brake fluid. If any fluid is consistently low, look for leaks and schedule a mechanic visit.
Tires and tread
Set tire pressure to the door label and inspect tread for uneven wear. Uneven wear often signals alignment or rotation issues. The 3 month checklist has a faster routine you can repeat quarterly.
Lights and wipers
Turn on headlights, brake lights, and signals. Replace bulbs as soon as they burn out. Test wipers and replace them if they leave streaks.
Every 3 to 6 months
These tasks take a little more time, but they keep the car running smoothly.
- Oil change and filter replacement.
- Tire rotation to balance wear.
- Cabin air filter check if airflow feels weak.
If you drive in stop and go traffic or short trips, lean toward the 3 month interval instead of 6.
Every 12 months or 12,000 to 15,000 km
This is the annual health check for your car.
- Brake inspection and brake fluid check.
- Battery test and terminal cleaning.
- Engine air filter replacement.
- Alignment check if the car pulls or tires wear unevenly.
Here is a simple summary schedule:
| Interval | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Fluids, tires, lights, wipers |
| 3 to 6 months | Oil change, tire rotation |
| Yearly | Brakes, battery, filters, alignment |
Fluids and filters explained
Fluids keep the engine and brakes cool and lubricated. Filters keep debris out of the engine and cabin. Use your owner manual to confirm the correct fluid types.
- Engine oil: protects moving parts and prevents heat damage.
- Coolant: controls engine temperature and prevents corrosion.
- Brake fluid: maintains braking pressure and safety.
- Washer fluid: keeps visibility clear in bad weather.
Filters are simple but important. Replace the engine air filter if it looks dirty. Replace the cabin air filter if airflow drops or you notice dust and odors.
Use the right parts and specs
Always match fluids to the specs in your owner manual. The correct viscosity and coolant type keep seals healthy and prevent corrosion. When you replace bulbs or wiper blades, buy the right size so the fit stays tight and the beam pattern remains safe.
Tires and brakes: the safety core
Tires and brakes are your main safety systems. Keep tire pressure correct and check tread depth regularly. If the brake pedal feels spongy or you hear grinding, do not delay a brake inspection.
Battery and electrical basics
Clean battery terminals once or twice a year and check for corrosion. If the engine cranks slowly, test the battery before winter or long trips.
Keep a simple record
A small log can save you money because you will not repeat work too soon or miss a due item. Record the date, mileage, and what you checked.
| Date | Mileage | Task |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-07-01 | 32,450 km | Oil change and tire rotation |
| 2024-08-01 | 33,100 km | Monthly fluids and tire pressure |
DIY vs professional service
Many checks are DIY, but a professional inspection is best for:
- Brake pad measurements and rotor checks.
- Alignment and suspension issues.
- Electrical diagnostics and warning lights.
If you are new to this, the car maintenance checklist for beginners gives step by step guidance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping checks because the car feels fine.
- Overfilling fluids, which can cause leaks.
- Ignoring uneven tire wear.
- Waiting too long to replace wipers.
The common maintenance mistakes guide covers each issue in depth.
Build your personalized plan
Use this basic checklist as your baseline, then generate a personalized schedule based on mileage with the car maintenance checklist tool. For seasonal tuning, see the seasonal maintenance guide.