Step-by-step car maintenance process

Keeping your car healthy is easiest when you follow a simple, repeatable routine. Below is a practical step-by-step process with when-to-do-it guidance so you can maintain reliability, safety, and resale value.

Daily / Before every drive

Quick visual check — Look for flat tires, fluid leaks under the car, or anything hanging loose.
Confirm lights & signals — Test headlights, brake lights, indicators, and hazard lights if you notice anything odd.

Weekly

Check tyre pressure — Use a gauge and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (sticker inside driver door or owner’s manual).
Inspect tyre condition — Look for cuts, bulges or uneven wear; check tread visually.
Top up windshield washer — Keeps visibility good and prevents scratches when cleaning.

Monthly

Check engine oil level — Park level, engine off for a few minutes, pull dipstick, wipe, reinsert, read level. Top up if below the safe mark.
Check coolant level — Only when the engine is cool; top to the recommended level if low.
Check brake fluid & power steering fluid — Top up if low and note any fast drops (possible leak).
Battery quick check — Look for corrosion on terminals and ensure connections are tight.
Clean the car (interior + exterior) — Prevents grime, which can cause wear and rust.

Every 3–6 months (or ~5,000–7,500 km)

Oil & oil filter change — Follow your owner’s schedule; many modern cars use synthetic oil and longer intervals, but check the manual.
Rotate tyres — Promotes even wear and extends tyre life.
Wiper blades inspection — Replace if they streak or chatter.
Inspect belts and hoses — Look for cracks, fraying, or softness; replace early if worn.
Check air filter — Replace if dirty — good for fuel economy and engine breathing.

Every 12 months (or ~12,000–15,000 km)

Full inspection/service — Professional check of brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust, and engine diagnostics.
Replace cabin air filter — Improves HVAC performance and cabin air quality.
Check wheel alignment & suspension — If you notice pulling, uneven tyre wear, or rough handling.
Flush fluids as recommended — Brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant flushes per manufacturer schedule.

As needed / Watch for symptoms

Address unusual noises or smells immediately — Squeals, grinding, burning smells, heavy vibrations — don’t ignore.
Warning lights — Diagnose any check-engine, ABS, or oil lights promptly (use OBD-II scanner or pro).
Brake performance — If brakes feel soft, spongy or make noise, get them checked right away.

Seasonal tasks

Prepare for summer — Check AC system, coolant strength, tyres.
Prepare for winter/monsoon — Check battery, anti-freeze/coolant, wiper blades, and tyre tread; consider weather-appropriate tyres.

Tools & supplies to keep at home

Tyre pressure gauge and portable inflator
Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, wrench set)
Funnel, spare engine oil, coolant (type per manual)
Microfiber cloths, car shampoo, and glass cleaner
Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
Tire repair kit and portable tyre inflator

Safety tips

Work on level ground with the parking brake on.
Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
Use jack stands if you lift the car — never rely solely on a jack.

Best way to maintain a car