It’s no surprise that the rising cost of living has led many UK drivers to delay car repairs. In fact, 49% of drivers admit to postponing essential fixes such as worn brakes, bald tyres, or broken wipers.
While skipping a service might feel like a harmless way to save money, the reality is that it’s a ticking time bomb for both your wallet and your safety.
“According to Nationwide Building Society, vehicle repairs can be costly — with the average owner spending £437 in the last year, and 1 in 20 drivers paying £1,000 or more.
— Nationwide uk
And so, avoiding vital repairs may feel smart today — but it almost always costs more tomorrow.
In this blog post, We’ll break down the essential checks and services that every driver should know, so you can prevent small issues from turning into big, costly headaches. — it’s about keeping your car safe, efficient, and affordable to run.
Keep Your Car Battery in Good Health
Your car’s battery is one of the most common causes of breakdowns, especially in cold weather or if the car isn’t driven regularly. A healthy battery means a reliable start every time and fewer surprises on the road. Here are a few ways to:
1. Check Battery Health Regularly
If your car has a built-in battery monitor (often via the manufacturer’s app), use it to track performance. Alternatively, a small manual battery tester can help you spot problems early. During routine checks, ensure the terminals are clean and tightly connected. If you notice corrosion, clean it carefully with hot water and protect it using a product designed for battery terminals.
2. Spot Signs of Trouble Early
If your engine struggles to start, have the battery tested at a garage. Ask them to also check the charging system and whether anything is draining the battery. Since most car batteries last 3–5 years, replace yours before it reaches the end of its life to avoid unexpected failure.
3. Avoid Common Causes of a Flat Battery
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Don’t leave lights or electronics running when the engine is off.
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Unplug accessories like dashcams when the car isn’t in use.
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Limit frequent short trips, as these don’t allow the battery to fully recharge.
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Keep a set of jump leads in the car for emergencies.
Cold weather puts extra strain on batteries, so extra care in winter can help prevent breakdowns. A few minutes of preventative maintenance can save you from being stranded.
Liquids: Essential Car Fluids You Need to Maintain
Your car relies on several important fluids to function properly and safely. Neglecting them can lead to breakdowns, poor performance, or costly repairs. Here’s how to check and maintain the key fluids in your vehicle.
1. Engine Oil
Why Changing Your Engine Oil Regularly is Important
Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps keep the engine cool. Over time, oil degrades and loses its ability to protect your engine. Changing it regularly:
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Improves performance and fuel efficiency
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Extends engine life
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Prevents costly repairs due to wear and tear
Most manufacturers recommend an oil change every 5,000–7,500 miles, but always check your owner’s manual.
How to Check Your Engine Oil Level
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Park the car on level ground and let the engine cool.
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Open the bonnet and locate the brightly coloured dipstick.
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Pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it, then pull it out again.
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Check the oil level against the dipstick markings.
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If low, top up with oil that meets your manufacturer’s specifications.
2. Washer Fluid
A clear windscreen is essential for visibility and safety — note that, in the UK driving without functional washer jets is illegal.
How to Check Your Washer Fluid
Locate the washer fluid reservoir under the bonnet (usually marked with a windscreen symbol on the cap). As winter approaches, we recommend drivers ensure they’re using an All-season screen wash. Our screen wash tablets with antifreeze prevents your washer system from freezing in low temperatures and can be used all year round — so you don’t need to worry about switching between seasonal formulas. Avoid using plain water, as it won’t clean effectively or offer freeze protection.
3. Coolant (Antifreeze)
Coolant helps regulate your engine’s temperature and prevents freezing in winter or overheating in summer. It also protects against corrosion inside the cooling system.
How to Check Your Coolant
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Only check when the engine is cold.
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Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank with “MIN” and “MAX” markings).
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If low, top up with the correct coolant type and mixture as stated in your car’s manual.
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Most cooling systems are sealed, so frequent top-ups could indicate a leak — get it checked by a mechanic.
4. Brake Fluid
Brake fluid transfers the force from your foot on the pedal to the brakes themselves. Low or contaminated brake fluid can severely reduce braking efficiency and safety.
How to Check Your Brake Fluid
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Open the bonnet and locate the brake fluid reservoir.
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Ensure fluid level is between “MIN” and “MAX”.
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If low, top up with the correct brake fluid type (refer to your manual).
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If the fluid looks dirty or contaminated, have it replaced by a mechanic.
5. Transmission Fluid (Automatic Cars Only)
This fluid lubricates and cools your gearbox, ensuring smooth gear changes. Low or degraded fluid can cause slipping gears or transmission damage.
How to Check Transmission Fluid
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Warm the engine for 10 minutes.
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Open the bonnet and locate the transmission dipstick (usually red or yellow).
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Pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert, and check the level.
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If low, top up with fluid that matches your manufacturer’s specifications.
Pro Tip: Create a habit of checking all these fluids monthly or before long trips. Preventive maintenance is always cheaper than repairs.
Tyres
Why Checking Tyres Is Important
Worn or damaged tyres reduce grip, especially in wet or icy conditions. This can significantly increase your stopping distance and risk of accidents. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, but experts recommend replacing tyres once tread gets down to 3 mm for optimal safety.
Here’s how to keep your tyres in top shape:
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Check Tread Depth – Use a tread depth gauge for an accurate reading, or try the 20p coin test: insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves; if you can see the coin’s outer band, it’s time for a replacement.
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Inspect Tyre Pressure – Under-inflated tyres wear faster, increase fuel consumption, and can cause poor handling. Over-inflated tyres reduce grip and can lead to uneven wear. Find your car’s correct PSI in the owner’s manual, on the driver’s door frame, or inside the fuel flap. Check pressures every 2 weeks when tyres are cold.
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Look for Damage – Cuts, cracks, bulges, or embedded objects (like nails) can weaken the tyre’s structure. If you notice damage, have the tyre inspected immediately.
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Watch for Uneven Wear – If one side of a tyre is wearing faster than the other, it could be a sign of misaligned wheels, suspension issues, or incorrect tyre pressure.
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Don’t Forget the Spare – A flat spare is useless in an emergency. Check it alongside your other tyres.
Quick Tip: Tyres naturally lose around 1–2 PSI per month even without a puncture, so regular checks are essential. Also, rotating your tyres every 6,000–8,000 miles can help them wear evenly and last longer.
Filters
Your car has several filters that protect the engine, exhaust system, and cabin from harmful particles and debris. Keeping these filters in good condition is vital for performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability. Neglected filters can cause reduced power, higher fuel consumption, and even expensive repairs. Here are the 2 filters you want to be routinely checking;
1. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
Most diesel cars built after 2007 are fitted with a DPF, which traps harmful soot from exhaust gases to reduce emissions.
Why it matters: A blocked DPF can cause poor performance, increased emissions, and costly repairs — often over £1,000.
How to maintain it:
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Take your car for a longer drive at steady motorway speeds (10–15 miles) every so often to help the DPF burn off soot naturally.
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Avoid relying solely on short trips, as they don’t allow the filter to reach the right temperature for cleaning.
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If a DPF warning light appears, act quickly — prolonged blockage can damage the filter.
Consider professional DPF cleaning services as a cheaper alternative to replacement.
2. Engine Air Filter
The engine air filter stops dirt, dust, and debris from entering the engine. A clogged air filter reduces airflow, which can lower performance, worsen fuel economy, and even damage engine components.
How to maintain it
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the air filter every 12,000–15,000 miles (or once a year), but dusty environments may require more frequent changes.
Cabin (Pollen) Filter (Optional but Recommended)
Many cars also have a cabin air filter that cleans the air entering the interior through the heating and ventilation system.
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Why It Matters: Helps prevent dust, pollen, and exhaust fumes from entering the cabin—especially useful for allergy sufferers.
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When to Replace: Typically every 12 months or 10,000–15,000 miles.
Quick Tip: Filters are relatively cheap compared to the damage caused by neglect. Include them in your annual service, and check them if you notice reduced airflow, bad smells from vents, or a warning light on your dashboard.
Final Takeaway: So, What Does Regular Car Maintenance Include?
Regular car maintenance involves changing the oil and oil filter, topping up and checking essential fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid, inspecting tyres for correct pressure and adequate tread depth at least once a month, checking the battery for corrosion and ensuring it holds a proper charge (particularly before winter), and carrying out regular brake inspections to listen for unusual noises and monitor brake pad thickness.
Staying on top of these routine tasks keeps your car running smoothly, enhances safety, prevents costly repairs, and means you’re far less likely to face unpleasant surprises when it comes time for an MOT or full service.