Car maintenance 101: How to look after your vehicle

Your essential guide to car maintenance

TL;DR: How do you keep a car in good condition?

Keep on top of the basics — servicing, tyres, fluids, lights, brakes and battery health — and you'll avoid most of the costly problems that come from neglect.

Check your tyre pressure and tread weekly, top up oil, coolant and screen wash as needed, and book a service every 1–2 years.

For EVs, keep charge between 20% and 80% where possible, and don't forget the smaller 12V battery still needs attention too.

The essentials of car maintenance

There is no worse feeling than when your car is in the garage for an expensive fix, especially when the problem was entirely preventable with a bit of routine maintenance.

Some regular TLC is all your car needs to keep it running smoothly for longer. You'll save money by avoiding unnecessary trips to the mechanic, protect your car's resale value, and steer clear of the bigger, costlier issues that come from neglect.

It also means less time without a car if something serious does crop up, which is never convenient for you or your passengers (the kids).

Beyond saving time and money, staying on top of maintenance keeps you safer on the road and gives you real peace of mind, reducing the chance of a collision caused by an avoidable fault.

To keep your vehicle in roadworthy condition, here are some easy ways to look after your car.

Annual vehicle servicing

Regular services ensure the smooth working of your car.

You should service your car every one to two years, or per your manufacturer schedule, and most cars now notify you when it needs a service.

Servicing catches problems early, before they become bigger, more expensive problems. It also maintains your car's value better, having a service history, which is why you must keep on top of servicing when you're leasing.

Maintain your car battery

You don't want to be caught out with a dead battery, unable to start the engine, so keeping your battery healthy is vital to keep your car going.

Regular driving keeps the battery healthy, but frequent short journeys don't give the alternator time to recharge it fully. Longer, less frequent journeys are better for it.

You should also avoid leaving lights on overnight, as this will drain the battery. A door left open slightly will keep the interior light on too, draining it just the same.

Most car batteries will last three to five years, so it's worth replacing before it fails.

Check your tyres

Your tyre pressure is important to keep an eye on too.

Overinflate them and you'll have reduced grip, stability and traction, which can also increase the risk of a blowout.

Leave them underinflated and you'll have heavier steering, a bumpier ride and increased wear, which will ultimately make your fuel economy worse.

You can keep a pump in your car so you can top up wherever you are, or most petrol stations offer air stations too, usually for a small fee.

Tread depth needs watching as well.

The legal minimum is 1.6mm, and driving below this risks a fine of up to £2,500 and three points per tyre. Many recommend replacing tyres at 3mm though, especially in wetter months when grip matters most.

Check your fluid levels

We say 'fluid' as there are a few different ones you need to keep an eye on: Oil, coolant, brake fluid and screen wash.

A warning will often appear on your dashboard when one of these runs low, but it's worth checking manually every so often, and knowing where everything is yourself.

Oil

Pop open your bonnet when the engine is cool and pull out the dipstick. Wipe it with a paper towel, then put it back in. Pull it out again and check the level sits between the minimum and maximum marks.

If it's too low, top it up with the oil your engine needs — this will be listed in your handbook.

Check this before any long journey, as oil keeps the engine running smoothly.

Coolant

Still under the bonnet, you'll be able to see the container that holds your coolant. This should also sit above the minimum line.

In winter, make sure there's antifreeze in the mix too, as coolant prevents your engine from overheating.

Brake fluid

Check the level sits between the minimum and maximum line in the reservoir.

Screen wash

This doesn't keep your engine running smoothly, but it does keep your windscreen clear of bugs, debris or bird mess.

Keeping it topped up is vital for your safety — a dirty windscreen is a dangerous one.

Test your lights

You'll need to check all your lights: Headlights, indicators, brake lights and fog lights.

This is easier with help from someone else, but you can check a lot of it yourself when parked near a reflective surface, such as a shop window.

Faulty lights can result in an MOT fail or even a fine. It's quick and easy to check, and could save you money in the long run.

Check your brakes and filters

Your brakes are checked every year as part of your MOT, but if something feels off, get them looked at sooner.

Signs to watch for include unusual noise when braking, the car pulling to one side, or a longer stopping distance. Most cars now have a dashboard warning light for brake issues too.

It's also worth checking your air filters. A clogged filter can reduce your car's performance. These are usually replaced as part of a service, but you can check yourself if you suspect one needs changing.

Keep your car clean

Keeping your car clean preserves the paintwork and helps prevent rust. A build-up of grit, dirt and grime is the main culprit, and regular washing keeps it at bay.

A clean car also helps maintain its value, which matters if you're leasing.

Automatic car washes are a quick, effortless option, or you can get it valeted or wash it at home to save money.

How does it differ for electric vehicles (EVs)?

EVs are often more reliable since they have fewer moving parts, and you won't need to worry about things like checking the engine oil. But there are a few areas that need slightly different attention compared to a petrol or diesel car.

Battery

For everyday use, it's best to keep your charge between 20% and 80% rather than running it right down or leaving it at 100% for long periods, as this helps extend battery longevity.

It's fine to charge to 100% before a long trip. Don't worry too much though — most EV batteries come with an eight-to-ten-year warranty, so this won't be a concern if you're leasing.

Brakes

EVs use regenerative braking, which significantly reduces wear on brake pads and discs compared to a combustion car. They'll still need checking and replacing periodically, just less often.

Tyres

Electric cars tend to be heavier due to the battery, and the instant torque can increase tyre wear. It's worth checking tread and pressure slightly more often than you might with a petrol or diesel car.

12V battery

All EVs also carry a separate 12-volt battery alongside the main high-voltage battery that powers the motor.

The 12V system runs things like the lights, power steering, wipers and infotainment, which are separate from the battery that drives the car.

If your EV sits unused for long periods, it's worth plugging it in occasionally or taking it for a drive to keep this topped up.

Your main maintenance focus will be the battery, tyres, brakes, windscreen wipers and general paintwork — significantly fewer components than a traditional combustion vehicle. Also make sure you're taking care of your charging cables to ensure a smooth charging experience.

Looking after your car for the long run

Car maintenance doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming.

Most of what keeps your vehicle running well comes down to small, regular habits: keeping an eye on your tyres and fluids, not ignoring warning lights, and staying on top of your service schedule.

Doing this consistently means fewer unexpected garage bills, a car that holds its value better, and one less thing to worry about day to day.

It also means you're less likely to be caught out with a breakdown at the worst possible moment.

If you're leasing, this matters even more.

A well-maintained car with a full service history makes for a smoother handover at the end of your contract, and helps you avoid any unexpected charges for wear that could have been prevented.

A little routine care goes a long way, so build these checks into your schedule and your car will thank you for it.