Car service checklist: what you need to know

In this guide, we’ll show you how to take care of the most basic car maintenance tasks so you can use it as a checklist when it comes to servicing your own vehicle. 

You’ll need some tools to perform a service on your car, and if you plan to service your own car regularly these tools will prove a worthwhile investment. 

Checklist: tools and materials

Many parts of the car can be tested, checked, and maintained without the use of specialist tools.

Nevertheless, you should have the following items in your toolkit for different kinds of essential car maintenance:

• Spanners (in varying sizes)

• Screwdrivers (in varying sizes)

• Socket wrench set

• Spark plug socket

• Torque wrench

• Car jack

• Car jack stands

• Wheel chocks

• Nitrile gloves

• Funnel

• Oil drain pan

• Tyre pressure gauge

• Multimeter battery tester

• Pliers

• Headlamp

• Vehicle inspection mirror

You should also keep a supply of the following materials for your car:

• Engine oil

• New oil filters

• Engine coolant

• Brake fluid

• Windscreen washer fluid

• Grease

• Silicone spray

• WD-40

Aim to keep a few old cloths and rags to hand, too, as part of your car maintenance kit. 

You should aim to keep all of your car maintenance materials together, so you can grab them all and take care of everything in one checkup. 

We’ve separated the car maintenance tasks into monthly, biannual, and annual checks. 

If you think there’s an issue with any part of your car, check it right away using the guide below. 

These checks can be completed easily once per month and will make sure your car is in tiptop condition. 

Check your oil levels

Oil is essential for any car. It needs to be kept at the appropriate level to properly lubricate the parts in your engine. 

Once you know how much oil to put in your car, then you can make sure it’s topped up at all times. 

Checking the oil couldn’t be easier, and it should be done each month, not just when the oil light is showing on your dashboard.

There are lots of different engine oils, so check your manufacturer’s guide to make sure you’re using the right one for your car. 

You’ll need an old rag to check the engine oil level, and a funnel to pour the new oil in. 

Check your screenwash

Windscreen washer fluid should be added to your car each month, if required. 

A dirty windscreen that you cannot clean can pose a serious safety hazard, and keeping this topped up means you always have fluid when you need it.

Some people prefer to use regular water to top up their windscreen fluid levels, however, in winter this can freeze and leave you with nothing to clean your windows. 

To get the most out of your windscreen washer fluid, choose a type that can be diluted with water. 

If your screenwash has run out completely, when you add the new liquid, make a note of how many litres the tank holds so you know exactly how much to add in future. 

Check your brake fluid

To keep your car safe on the road, check your brake fluid regularly. 

If your brake fluid is too low, then you’ll experience greatly reduced performance, possibly at a time when harsh braking is needed. 

When adding brake fluid, the plastic tank should have MIN and MAX level markers that can be easily seen from the side. 

Brake fluid is usually clear or tinted yellow, so if it’s looking quite dark or you can see bits floating in it, it’s a sign it needs to be changed. 

You should check your brake fluid monthly, or whenever your brakes feel spongy. 

Check coolant levels 

Engine coolant is necessary for any vehicle to prevent it from overheating. 

If you notice that your car is overheating or isn’t performing well in cold temperatures, then it could be down to a lack of coolant. 

It can be checked from the side of the plastic tank underneath your bonnet, making sure it is between the MIN and MAX lines. 

Engine coolant that is dark in colour or appears to be rusty should be fully replaced instead of just topped up. 

If you have to top up the coolant regularly, there could be a leak in the system that needs further investigation. 

For that, you’ll need to hire a mechanic.

Check tyres

Tyres can deflate over time, so use a pressure gauge to make sure they’re fully inflated to the recommended PSI.

You can find the pressure required for your specific vehicle in the manufacturer’s handbook, but it can often be found on the inside of your door too. 

If your tyres are underinflated, then you can use more fuel on each journey, but if they’re over inflated then it can lead to a loss of traction. 

In the UK, your tyres must also have an appropriate tread depth of 1.6 mm, so be sure to check that aspect of your tyres too. 

Look for any signs of bulging on the tyre, or if the tread has worn down around the edges and needs to be replaced. 

This is also a chance to spot emerging issues, like nails in your tyres. If required, you can then either change the tyre yourself, or hire a mobile tyre fitter.

Check lights

Lights are an important part of road safety, so frequent checks are essential. 

It couldn’t be easier to check your brake lights, headlights, and your indicators too. 

It’s best to check headlights at night by turning them on and walking around to the front of the car, then do the same with the full beam on. 

You can press the warning light (the exclamation mark inside of a triangle) when parked to check your indicators front and back at the same time. 

For the brake lights, you’ll need a helper to press the brake pedal as you examine the back of the car for bulbs that no longer work. 

Every 6 months you can check the following components on your car to keep them in good working order. 

Check air filter

Having a clean air filter can help prevent restrictions in the airflow which can make the engine work harder than it needs to, reducing its lifespan. 

Check your manufacturer’s guide to locate the air filter box and open it to inspect the quality. 

If the air filter is very dirty and has lots of debris in it, then it’s best to replace it with a brand new one. 

However, if it looks clean with only light discoloration, then it should be fine until the next check in 6 months. 

Filters usually need to be replaced around every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

Check spark plugs

Spark plugs that aren’t working as they should can cause your engine to lose power as they can’t ignite properly. 

They should be replaced approximately every 30,000 miles, but it may be less than this depending on your type of vehicle. 

If you notice heavy vibrations from your car, then it could be a sign the spark plugs need changing. 

Spark plugs can be replaced easily simply by removing them, cleaning the area, then adding the new sockets into place. 

Tighten by hand at first, but then you can use a spark plug socket to adjust them to the required tightness. 

Check battery

Batteries are housed underneath the bonnet, and you should be careful never to let any metal object touch both terminals of the battery at the same time during handling. 

For a thorough inspection, read our guide on how to check your car battery, which explains in detail how to make sure your battery is in top condition. 

Batteries need replacing every 5 years, on average, but you should also check the physical condition of your batteries. 

Corrosion can build up on the terminals which needs to be cleaned off, and batteries should be removed if they are cracked, leaking, or bulging. 

For help with this maintenance, check out our guide on how to clean battery corrosion.

A good battery should have a reading of 12.6V when it's fully charged. 

You can do your annual maintenance check before your MOT is due to give it the best chance of passing first time. 

Perform an oil change

If you discover your car needs an oil change, that’s probably something you can handle.

For instructions, check out our guide on how to change the oil in your car, which outlines every step you need to take. 

Replacement oil filters can be purchased for your specific vehicle, and having an oil drain pan at home means you can take care of this yourself. 

It’s a messy job, but it can save you money instead of taking it to a mechanic. 

Check cabin air filter

The cabin air filter prevents things like dust and pollen from entering your vehicle, especially when you’re using the heating and cooling systems. 

It’s usually located inside the car behind the glove box or near the windscreen, and can be removed by opening up the plastic housing. 

Consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to access it.

Once you’re in, check it for signs of damage or dirt, and replace it if necessary. 

Check under your vehicle

Rust and corrosion can often appear underneath your car where you can’t easily see.

Checking this with a vehicle inspection mirror can help you to identify any problems in advance without having to jack the car up. 

If you’d prefer to get a clearer view, read our guide on how to jack up a car.

Any holes caused by corrosion should be inspected by a mechanic. 

Check serpentine belt

The serpentine belt (or fan belt) is essential for keeping components like the water pump and alternator working properly, so it should be checked at least annually. 

You should be able to see it without having to remove any other parts, and you can check it visually for any cracks or fraying edges. 

When the car is turned off, check the tension by pushing down on it. It should not feel slack, but firm. 

You can learn the basics of car maintenance with the right tools and knowledge, but sometimes it’s best to get a full service of your vehicle by a professional.

When trying to fix or inspect your own vehicle, you might accidentally break a component which could end up being a costly mistake. 

There are lots of wires and moving parts under the bonnet of a vehicle, so you should only touch them if you are confident you know how to check them safely. 

If you don’t fit a component correctly, then you could risk injuring yourself or others on the road. 

What’s more, you could invalidate your warranty if you try to fix parts on your vehicle which are not approved. 

A full service is a good option if you’re not confident with the parts of your vehicle, and it can cost around £200 for a medium-sized car. 

They’ll be able to check everything in this checklist, plus lots of other aspects of your vehicle that require it to be lifted up and parts removed for inspection. 

On Yell, you can search for mechanics and garage services offering a full car service near you. 

Alternatively, you can post a free enquiry and qualified mechanics and mobile mechanics can get in touch with you directly, at your convenience.

For more auto care tips, DIY guides, and money-saving advice, check out the Yell blog today.