A car, much like the human body, thrives on consistent care. You might manage to skip a few tune-ups without immediate trouble, but neglect eventually takes its toll. To keep your vehicle performing at its best—just like maintaining your own health—you’ll want to stay on top of a few essential maintenance tasks.
There are plenty of reasons to treat both your car and yourself with care. But since this is Car and Driver, we’ll stick to what we know best—your vehicle. While we might not hand out fitness tips, we do know a thing or two about keeping your ride in great shape.
Routine maintenance doesn’t take long, doesn’t cost much, and can save you from pricey repairs down the road. A well-kept car lasts longer, runs better, and retains more of its resale value. Simply put: nurture your car, and it’ll return the favor.
The best part? You don’t need to be a gearhead to keep your vehicle healthy. A few quick checks every now and then can make all the difference. Below are six simple steps that help prevent major issues and keep your car purring happily for years to come.
You’ll also find helpful diagrams showing where to look under the hood. Still, it’s wise to consult your owner’s manual—it’s your car’s personalized guidebook for locating parts and understanding specific maintenance intervals.
How’s the Oil Level?
Engine oil keeps every moving part inside your gasoline or diesel engine running smoothly, so it’s crucial never to let it run low. While most modern engines are sealed tightly enough to prevent significant oil loss between changes, the only way to know for sure is by checking regularly—especially if you drive an older model that tends to sip a little oil. Here’s how to check it:
- Make sure the engine is off and pop the hood. The release lever is usually beneath the driver’s side dash; lift the safety latch under the hood’s edge.
- Find the dipstick, typically marked with a yellow handle, and pull it out. Wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, then pull it back out again.
- Look at the end. The markings show “full” and “low.” If the oil sits between these lines, you’re fine. If it’s at or below “low,” add a quart of the recommended oil listed in your owner’s manual.
- Remove the cap marked with an oil-can icon and pour in the oil carefully. Wipe away any drips—burning oil smells unpleasant when hot.
Some newer vehicles skip the dipstick altogether, offering a digital oil monitor in the infotainment or gauge display. If that’s the case, use your manual to learn how to check the reading. Just as with a dipstick, top off the oil if the level runs low.
And remember: your engine needs clean oil as much as enough of it. Change both oil and filter at the manufacturer’s recommended mileage intervals.
Make Sure You Have Windshield-Washer Fluid
Running out of washer fluid always happens at the worst time—especially in winter, when grime and salt can coat your windshield in seconds. How often you top up depends on the weather and driving conditions. Here’s the right way to check:
- Locate the washer-fluid reservoir under the hood.
- Many tanks are see-through, so you can spot the fluid level at a glance. If yours isn’t visible, you’ll need to fill it until it reaches the top.
- Open the cap marked with the windshield-and-spray icon, then pour in washer fluid.
Avoid filling the reservoir with plain water—it’ll freeze in cold weather and leave you blind behind the wheel. Commercial washer fluids contain alcohol to prevent freezing, even in frigid temperatures.
Check the Tires’ Air Pressure
Most modern cars warn you when a tire’s pressure drops, but it’s still smart to double-check manually. A $5 pressure gauge from an auto parts store can save you hundreds in premature tire wear or wasted fuel. Here’s what to do:
- Look for the sticker on the driver’s door jamb—it lists the correct cold inflation pressures.
- Check your tires every two weeks before driving. Properly inflated tires ensure your vehicle performs as designed, handles safely, and uses less fuel. Underinflated tires drag your efficiency down, meaning more of your hard-earned cash goes toward the pump or charging station.
Is the Radiator Full?
Your radiator holds coolant that keeps engine temperatures in check, and it’s easy to inspect. Follow these steps:
- Find the coolant reservoir—it’s a translucent plastic tank with “min” and “max” lines.
- When the engine is cold, the fluid should sit between these marks.
- If it’s low, add the manufacturer-recommended antifreeze from your owner’s manual.
- Never open the radiator cap when the engine’s warm! It’s under pressure and can spray scalding coolant. Always refill through the reservoir instead.
If you find yourself topping off the coolant often, there may be a leak or issue in the cooling system that requires professional attention. Otherwise, if the level remains steady, you’re good to go. Coolant lasts a long time, but not forever—check your manual for when it should be replaced.
Brake-Fluid Check
In most vehicles, the brake-fluid reservoir sits near the back of the engine bay, close to the firewall. It’s typically made from translucent plastic so you can easily see the fluid level inside. Here’s how to make sure your brakes are properly hydrated:
- Locate the brake-fluid reservoir.
- Look for the “max” and “min” lines. Some cars hide these marks under the cap, which you’ll need to remove to check the level. If unsure, consult your owner’s manual for the correct procedure.
- If the reservoir is full, your braking system is sealed and working as it should.
- If the level is low, top it up using the exact type of brake fluid recommended by the manufacturer.
- Make a habit of checking the level every time you refuel. If it keeps dropping, even slowly, it’s a red flag—have the system inspected or repaired immediately to avoid a dangerous failure.
Like engine coolant, brake fluid doesn’t last forever. It should be replaced every two to three years or as specified in your car’s manual.
Brake pads, another crucial part of the system, wear out over time—usually lasting 50,000 miles or more, depending on your driving style and conditions. You can’t easily inspect them at home, but most service centers will check pad thickness during routine maintenance.
Many pads include built-in wear indicators that start to squeal or grind when they’re nearing the end of their life. If you hear those sounds, don’t delay—replace the worn pads promptly. Keep in mind that front and rear pads wear differently, so you might only need to replace one set at a time.
Ignore the warning signs too long, and the pads can wear down to bare metal, damaging your rotors and putting your safety—and wallet—at risk.
Need Tires?
Your tires are the only parts of your car that actually touch the road, so keeping them in good condition is non-negotiable. Letting the tread wear down too far turns them into slicks, especially dangerous on wet roads where they can hydroplane like skis over water. To make sure they’re safe, perform a simple check:
- Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you.
- If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too shallow—less than 2/32 of an inch—and it’s time for new tires. The grooves help channel water away; once they’re worn, traction disappears fast.
If you’re uncertain, visit a tire shop for a professional opinion. Rotating your tires front to back once a year helps them wear evenly, extending their lifespan. And if you live where winters get icy or snowy, investing in a set of dedicated winter tires is a smart move.
