Regular car maintenance can help prevent potential mechanical issues from spiraling out of control, leading to expensive repair costs if left untended. While car maintenance may feel unnecessary if there aren’t any clear signs of an issue, keeping a checklist and following the maintenance outlined in your owner’s manual can help avoid problems down the road and keep your car running smoothly.
Keep reading to learn what to include in your ultimate car maintenance checklist and get various car maintenance tips.
| Key Takeaways -Doing regular car maintenance according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual can help reduce mechanical issues and preserve your car’s resale value. -Check your car’s motor oil levels once a month, and inspect your engine air filter, tire pressure and tire tread depth at least every three months. -Wax and wash the exterior of your car every six months or 6,000 miles, but if you drive on wet, salt-covered winter roads, do so once a month. -Along with warning lights on your dashboard, unusual sounds or smells from your car could indicate that it needs maintenance. -The average driver spends $936 on car maintenance annually, although the amount varies by location, driving habits, and car model. |
Why Is Car Maintenance Important?
Regular car maintenance helps extend your vehicle’s life, ensuring mechanical problems are resolved before they worsen. Additionally, ensuring you keep up with maintenance can help retain resale value. Outside of specific services, car maintenance doesn’t always require a visit to a dealership, garage or auto parts store — many tasks can be done on your own or with the help of a friend or family member.
While maintenance may seem unnecessary, especially if your car appears to be running fine, addressing a problem early can help reduce overall costs. For example, failing to notice thinning tire tread could lead to a flat tire, resulting in a hefty towing fee or even an accident. Costly repairs caused by wear and tear that could have been prevented through maintenance aren’t typically covered by your insurance, so keeping up on maintenance can help lower your out-of-pocket expenses.[1]
Car Maintenance Checklist
Keeping a car maintenance checklist of the tasks you should do and how often you should perform them can help ensure your car is functioning correctly. Waiting until an engine warning light or low oil indicator appears on your dashboard before bringing it to a mechanic can let more minor issues you might not have noticed get worse over time, which may lead to more expensive repairs. Fix everything at once instead of having to maintain the car throughout the year.
Later on, we’ll discuss a few items you should include in your ultimate car maintenance checklist and how frequently you should address them.
Short-Term Car Maintenance
Short-term car maintenance tasks should be performed multiple times a year, though frequency may vary depending on your driving habits.[2][3] Some of these tasks include:
Check Engine Oil and Coolant Levels
Checking your engine oil and engine coolant levels takes only a few moments and can often be done while filling your car with gas or before driving to work. Try to check once a month, or once every few fill-ups at the gas station. The locations of your motor oil and coolant system areas may vary by car, so check your car’s owner’s manual for instructions for your specific vehicle.[3]
Change Your Engine Air Filter
Your engine air filter cleans the air that flows through your engine components, removing contaminants and helping keep your engine cool. A functional engine air filter will appear white or off-white, while a dirty one may be filled with leaves or other debris. You should replace a dirty air filter as necessary, checking at least every three months or 3,000 miles.[2]
However, you should replace the filter annually — even if it doesn’t look dirty — to maintain proper engine performance and efficiency.[2]
Check Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
Check the tire pressure on all of your car’s tires — including the spare tire, if you have one — at least every three months or 3,000 miles.[2] The recommended pressure for your car’s tires is listed in your owner’s manual, as well as on the label inside the driver’s side door.
Take a moment to inspect your tire tread and sidewalls for uneven wear, which could indicate alignment issues or other mechanical problems. Once tread depth reaches 2/32 inch or less, the tire is considered worn out and should be replaced.
If you regularly drive in wet conditions, replace your tire when the tread has worn down to 4/32 inch or less. You can also use a quarter for this test — if Washington’s head remains covered, your tread is still sufficient.[2]
Check Car Lights
Inspect your car’s lights at least once a month, including the headlights, turn signals, brake lights and parking lights.[3] You can typically do this by parking and walking around your vehicle to ensure each light is bright enough and properly aligned. You may need help from a friend or family member to check your brake lights.
Long-Term Car Maintenance
Long-term car maintenance tasks should be performed at least once a year, though frequency may vary depending on your car usage.[2][3] Some of these tasks include:
Change Your Oil and Filter
You should change your engine oil and oil filter every 3 months or 3,000 miles, though this may vary by car model and oil type. For example, newer vehicles may only need an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.[3] Check your owner’s manual for recommendations on how often to change your car’s oil.
Rotate Your Tires
Tires don’t wear evenly, which can cause your car to handle unevenly or reduce traction. Rotating your tires helps distribute wear more evenly and should be done about every 5,000 miles.[2]
Wax Your Car
Keep your car clean and polished by waxing it roughly every six months or 6,000 miles to help prevent exterior damage and rust. However, if you frequently drive on wet, salt-covered roads during the winter months, consider waxing your vehicle monthly to help protect against increased corrosion.[2]
Check Spark Plugs
There’s no set lifespan for spark plugs, as it varies by vehicle make and model. Even if one or two spark plugs fail, your engine may still run — but performance and fuel efficiency can decrease. Check your spark plugs every 30,000 miles to ensure they’re in good condition.[2]
Seasonal Car Maintenance
Seasonal car maintenance typically needs to be performed once a year or around major seasonal changes. Some of these tasks include:
Replace Windshield Wipers
Replace your windshield wipers at least once a year, or sooner if they stop working properly. During winter months, consider switching to winter wiper blades designed for sleet and snow to maintain visibility and protect against ice buildup.[3]
Change Your Tires
On average, tires last between six and 10 years, but it may be worth switching to winter tires if you live in an area with cold seasonal weather. These tires are designed to resist hardening in low temperatures, which can reduce traction and increase braking distance. Winter tires also provide better handling on snowy, slushy or icy roads due to their deeper tread patterns.[3]
Check Your Car Battery Performance
Most car batteries last between three and six years, but performance can decline in extreme temperatures.[2][3] Test your battery regularly to ensure it’s holding a charge and hasn’t started to fail early, which could leave you stranded on the road.
Common Signs Your Car Needs Maintenance
Many signs of needed maintenance can be detected by noticing unusual noises, smells or behaviors. If you observe anything out of the ordinary with your vehicle — even if it doesn’t point to a specific issue — consider bringing it to a repair shop for a professional inspection.
Below, we’ll cover a few common warning signs and the types of maintenance they may indicate.
Dying Battery
A dying car battery could be indicated by the following signs:[4]
- Dimmed headlights when the engine is off
- A rotten egg smell is coming from under the hood
- Corrosion on the battery terminals
- Swelling or bulging of the battery case
- A slow-cranking engine or clicking noises when turning the ignition
Needs Alignment
Your car may need an alignment if you notice any of the following.[4]
- A crooked steering wheel when driving straight
- The vehicle pulls to one side
- Uneven tire wear
- A vibrating steering wheel
Needed Oil Change
You may need an oil change if your oil looks dark brown or black and clings to the dipstick when checked. A burning or unusual oil smell may also indicate a possible oil leak.[4]
Overheating Car
Your car may be overheating if the temperature gauge on your dashboard moves toward the “H” position. Overheating can severely damage several engine components if left unaddressed.
Steam billowing from under your car’s hood, or a slow or seizing engine, can also indicate that your car is overheating. Certain smells, such as a burning or sweet smell, may indicate a coolant or heater core leak, which can lead to overheating.[4]
When Should I Take My Car to a Mechanic for Maintenance?
If you notice any signs of trouble — such as the check engine light turning on or a vibrating steering wheel — schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Blown headlights or taillights, faulty wiper blades and low windshield washer fluid should be replaced right away, although many of these tasks can be done on your own with the right tools.
Bring your car in for routine maintenance at least once every 12 months to keep it running smoothly; however, you may need service more often depending on how much you drive.[5] Check your owner’s manual for specific mileage thresholds for various maintenance services, as they can vary by car make and model. We’ll talk more later about how mileage corresponds to certain car maintenance services.
How Much Does Standard Car Maintenance Cost?
The average annual car maintenance cost is $936, though it can vary depending on your vehicle type. For example, in 2025, the estimated yearly cost for Honda-branded vehicles is $583, while Porsche owners can expect to pay about $1,712.[6]
Individual service costs also vary by make, model and location. For instance, a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox owner in suburban Atlanta could pay up to $128 for an oil change, while the owner of the same model in a small Ohio town might pay around $95.[5]
Some car maintenance services, such as replacing windshield wipers or a cabin air filter, are often cheaper if you do them yourself. Since not all services are needed at the same time, maintenance costs will vary based on the specific services required. Below is a list of common maintenance services and their estimated costs:[6]
| Maintenance Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Oil change | $80 |
| Tire balance and rotation | $120 |
| Basic inspection | $200 |
| Windshield wiper replacement | $70 ($20 if you DIY) |
| Engine air filter change | $60 |
| Alignment | $150 |
| Cabin air filter change | $70 ($20 if you DIY) |
| Brake pad replacement | $500 per axle |
| Installing four new tires | $800 |
| Replacing brake pads and rotors | $600 per axle |
| Battery replacement | $200 |
How Often Should I Take My Car to the Mechanic for Car Maintenance?
Bring your car to a mechanic for routine maintenance at least once a year.[5] However, how often you schedule service depends on your annual mileage and driving habits. Vehicles used more heavily will experience faster wear and tear than those driven occasionally, such as a pleasure vehicle.
Below is a list of common mechanic services and how frequently you should plan to bring your car in for each, on average:
| Service | Average Frequency |
|---|---|
| Oil change | Every 5,000-7,500 miles |
| Tire balance and rotation | Every 5,000-7,500 miles |
| Basic inspection | Every 10,000 miles |
| Windshield wiper replacement | Annually |
| Engine air filter change | Annually |
| Alignment | Annually |
| Cabin air filter change | Every 15,000-20,000 miles |
| Brake pad replacement | Every 30,000-50,000 miles |
| Installing four new tires | Every 50,000 miles |
| Replacing brake pads and rotors | Every 50,000 miles |
| Battery replacement | Every 4 years |
Review your owner’s manual for specific services to perform at the mileages recommended for your car’s make and model.
Depending on your state and county, you may also be required to have your vehicle inspected or undergo a smog check when renewing your registration to ensure it meets environmental and safety standards, regardless of how often you drive. However, these inspections are typically less extensive than a standard maintenance inspection, focusing only on registration compliance.[5]
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FAQs
DetroitAuto48204
What does it mean to maintain your car?
Maintaining your car includes regularly checking components for damage, cleaning and replacing them as necessary. Routine maintenance helps extend your car’s lifespan, improve performance, enhance safety and reduce repair costs over time.[7]
Does car insurance cover basic maintenance?
Standard car insurance typically doesn’t cover basic maintenance or mechanical issues caused by wear and tear, as insurers consider these the vehicle owner’s responsibility.[1]
How do I know when my car needs maintenance?
If your check engine or other dashboard lights are yellow or red, it should be brought in for maintenance.[3] Even if there are no visible signs, you should generally have your car serviced every 12 months.[5]
Can I perform basic car maintenance tasks myself?
Many basic car maintenance tasks can be performed in your own garage, such as inspecting oil levels, tire pressure, belts and hoses, cabin and engine air filters, wiper blades and washer fluid levels, light bulbs and battery terminals. Replace or clean these components as needed.[8] Tasks that are dangerous or complex, such as tire rotation, are often safer and more convenient to have done at a repair shop.
How often should I check my car’s engine oil levels?
Check your engine oil levels every three to four fuel fill-ups, 1000 miles or once a month — whichever comes first. Also check your oil before taking a long drive or road trip to avoid low oil pressure or engine damage that could leave you stranded.[9]
