Essential car maintenance checklist

Tyre checks: pressure, tread depth 

Your tyres are your car’s only contact with the road, so keeping them in good condition is critical.

If stopped by the police while driving with tyres that don’t comply with legal standards, motorists can be fined up to £2,500 and can get three penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition. ^{Footnote [1]}  

• Legal tread depth: Law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Use a tread depth gauge or the 20p coin test—if the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread is illegal. ^{Footnote [1]}  
• Tyre pressure: Check monthly and before long journeys using a reliable gauge. Correct pressure improves safety, handling, and fuel efficiency.
• Visual inspection: Look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear, which could indicate alignment or suspension issues.
• Don’t forget the spare: If your car has one, check it too.
• MOT relevance: Worn or damaged tyres can lead to an MOT failure. ^{Footnote [2]}  
• Electric cars: Heavier weight and torque mean faster tyre wear—check more frequently.

Brake system: pads, discs, and fluid levels 

Brakes are vital for safety. So, regular checks are non-negotiable. Having faulty brakes will fail your MOT. ^{Footnote [3]}  

• Signs of wear: Squealing noises, a noticeable change in vibrations, or longer stopping distances often mean worn pads or discs. You’ll need to get any issues like these checked out by a qualified mechanic. Otherwise, they’ll be picked up at your MOT.
• Visual check: Inspect pad thickness and disc condition through the wheel spokes.
• Brake fluid: Low fluid can compromise braking performance. Check levels regularly and replace fluid every two years.  

Engine fluids: oil, coolant & antifreeze 

Keeping your engine in good working condition is crucial to make sure your car stays road-safe. Things like extreme weather can impact your engine by freezing or overheating, and low oil levels can cause rapid wear. It’s important that you’re able to control these things by keeping engine fluids topped up. 

• Checking engine oil levels: Your car will either have an oil level sensor that you can monitor on your dashboard, or you'll have a dipstick that's kept in your engine bay. If you have a dipstick, ensure you wipe it clean before you insert it back in. You should be able to see two marks on the stick indicating maximum and minimum oil levels.
• Coolant and antifreeze: Your car will have a coolant reservoir indicating maximum and minimum levels. Your car manual will tell you which type of antifreeze or coolant you can use, as they’re not all the same.  
• Car servicing: If you’d rather leave things up to the professionals, asking your local garage to carry out a service will usually include things like topping up coolant and engine oil.

Lights: headlights, indicators & brakes 

Your car’s lights are essential for visibility and to communicate with other drivers on the road. Regular testing ensures you can see clearly—and be seen by others—in all conditions. 

• Headlights: Check dipped and full beam to ensure they work and are properly aligned. 
• Indicators: Turn on your hazard lights and walk around the car to test all bulbs are working.
• Brake lights: Ask someone to help, or reverse near a reflective surface, like a window, to check they illuminate.

Windscreen cleanliness & visibility  

Clear visibility is a legal requirement and necessary for safe driving. If your view of your windscreen (front and back) is obstructed, you should not drive. Simple checks help you avoid sudden issues during poor weather or heavy traffic.

• Wipers: Replace them if they smear, squeak, or leave streaks.
• Washer jets: Keep them unclogged for proper spray coverage. Make sure you clear the gulley of any leaves and debris. 
• Screen wash: Topping up is a legal requirement for safe visibility. ^{Footnote [4]}