Car maintenance FAQs & checklist

Maintenance task	When to do it	DIY Mechanic	Notes
Fluids
Do an external visual check for fluid leaks	Weekly	DIY
Check engine oil	Every two weeks	DIY	Top up or change if needed
Check coolant or antifreeze	Monthly, or twice a month in particularly hot or cold spells	DIY	Top up or change if needed
Check brake fluid	Every 3 months	DIY Mechanic	Top up or change if needed Check: DIY Change: Mechanic
Check transmission fluid	Monthly	DIY Mechanic	Top up or change if needed Check: DIY Change: Mechanic
Check differential fluid	Monthly	DIY	Top up or change if needed
Check windshield wiper fluid	Monthly	DIY	Top up or change if needed
Check power steering fluid	Monthly	DIY	Top up or change if needed
Radiator flush	Every 5 years or 10,000 miles	DIY
External
Bodywork inspection	Monthly	DIY
Inspect your windscreen	Monthly	DIY
Check the condition of the hoses	Every three months	DIY
Replace windscreen wipers	Every six months	DIY
Tyres
Check tyre pressures	Monthly, or twice a month in cold weather, and before every long journey	DIY	Top up or deflate if needed
Check tyre tread	Monthly	DIY
Rotate tyres	Every six months	DIY Mechanic	With experience: DIY Without experience: Mechanic
Filters
Change engine air filter	Yearly or every 15,000 miles, whichever comes first	DIY
Change cabin air filter	Yearly or every 15,000 miles, whichever comes first	DIY
Change fuel filter	Every 20,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on filter condition	DIY Mechanic	With experience: DIY Without experience: Mechanic
Breaks
Change brake pads	Every 30,000 to 70,000 miles	DIY Mechanic	With experience: DIY Without experience: Mechanic
Change brake discs	Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles	DIY Mechanic	With experience: DIY Without experience: Mechanic
Bleed the brakes	Every two years	DIY
Battery
Check car battery for corrosion	Every six months	DIY
Charge car battery	Unused cars (Monthly) Driven often (Weekly)	DIY
Change car battery	Petrol/Diesel: Every three to six years EV: Every 10 to 20 years	DIY Mechanic	With experience: DIY Without experience: Mechanic
Electrics
Car lights check	Every three months	DIY
Aircon service	Every two years	Mechanic
Belts & Plugs
Replace timing belt	Every 40,000 to 100,000 miles	Mechanic
Replace serpentine belt	Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles	Mechanic
Change glow plugs	Every 80,000 to 100,000 miles	Mechanic
Change spark plugs	Every 30,000 to 90,000 miles	Mechanic

Supporting article: Car Maintenance FAQs and Checklist