Whether you’ve just rolled your first car off the lot or you’ve owned a garage full of them over the years, keeping your vehicle healthy takes more than just filling the tank. Modern cars are intricate systems of moving parts that demand steady attention. Oil thickens, filters clog, belts wear thin — and ignoring small issues today can snowball into major repair bills tomorrow.
Fortunately, the editors at Car and Driver have been elbow-deep in engines and chatting up mechanics since 1955. Below is a straightforward guide that covers the most common maintenance questions we get. Follow these steps and even a first-time car owner can keep their ride humming like new.
Maintaining Your Tires
No matter how advanced your car is, its grip on the road depends entirely on its tires — the only part actually touching the pavement. You want a matching set with good tread and a rating suited to your climate. Worn-out rubber can turn a light drizzle into a skating rink, so here’s how to make sure your tires are ready for whatever the road throws at them.
How Often to Change Your Tires / Knowing When It’s Time
Tires typically last anywhere between three and six years or about 80,000 miles, though that number can shrink or stretch depending on your driving style, vehicle type, and annual mileage. The golden rule: inspect your tires regularly. Look for uneven wear, bald spots, or bulges in the sidewalls. Spot any of those? Schedule a replacement immediately.
Each tire includes built-in tread-wear indicators, but there’s also an old-school trick. Slip a penny between the treads with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the top of his head stays hidden, you’re still good; if it’s visible, it’s time to shop for new rubber.
How Often You Should Rotate Your Tires
Most car manuals outline exactly when to rotate tires — sometimes every 10,000 miles, sometimes once a year. You can create your own schedule, but consistency is key to keeping wear even across all four. Not every vehicle benefits from rotation, though. Many sports or performance models have different tire sizes on the front and rear axles, so rotation isn’t possible. The upside? Better handling. The downside? A shorter tire lifespan since each set wears differently.
How and Where to Add Air to Your Tires
A tire’s strength lives in its air. Modern vehicles often include real-time tire-pressure monitoring, showing the PSI (pounds per square inch) of each wheel. Older systems might only flash a low-pressure light, leaving you to play detective. That’s where a simple tire gauge — a few dollars well spent — becomes your best friend.
Start by checking the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb for your car’s recommended PSI. Unscrew the small cap on your tire’s valve stem, press the gauge firmly onto the valve, and read the number. If it’s below the mark, add air. Portable air compressors — often priced around $30–$50 — are a handy backup to keep in your trunk. Our Gear Team has tested several and recommends keeping one nearby.
If you’re caught without one, many gas stations and tire shops have public air pumps. Just remember: never drive on a flat tire. If it’s completely deflated, call for a tow instead of risking a damaged rim. And since most public pumps still run on coins, stash a few dollars’ worth of quarters in your glove box — they might just save your day.
Check your engine oil
If your car runs on an engine, it lives and breathes through its oil. Unless you’re behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, this step applies to you. Engine oil keeps all those metal parts gliding smoothly instead of grinding against each other. Follow the change intervals listed in your owner’s manual and keep tabs on the oil level — a leak or burn-off can leave the system running dangerously low. To check it yourself, open the hood, find the dipstick, and pull it out. Wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, then pull it again to inspect the oil level. It should sit within the marked range. If it’s below, top it off with the oil type your car’s manual specifies — the wrong blend can do more harm than good.
Some newer cars skip the traditional dipstick altogether and rely on digital sensors. In that case, you’ll need to check your infotainment or dashboard menu — your owner’s manual will show you exactly where to look.
How often to change your oil
The right oil-change schedule depends on both your car and your driving habits. Your owner’s manual is the best guide here, but in general, some vehicles need fresh oil every 5,000 miles, while others can stretch it to around 10,000 miles.
Even if you don’t rack up many miles, don’t let a full year go by without changing it. Oil breaks down over time, losing its protective properties. Between changes, watch for warning signs — oil that looks unusually dark, gritty, or contains metallic specks means it’s time for a visit to the shop.
How to know what type of oil your car uses
Most vehicles display an oil recommendation right under the hood — sometimes even a preferred brand. If you can’t find it there, the owner’s manual will spell it out. Engine oils come in synthetic and conventional forms and are labeled with viscosity grades like “10W-30.” The first number, 10W, shows how well it flows in cold temperatures, while the second, 30, describes its thickness when the engine is warm. Choosing the correct grade ensures your car starts easily and runs smoothly, no matter the weather.
Check other important fluids
Oil isn’t the only liquid keeping your car alive. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine coolant, power-steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid all play vital roles in performance and safety. These can be checked periodically and topped off when needed — a small step that prevents big problems.
How to know how often to change your vehicle’s fluids
Some fluids make it easy to know when they’re low — if your windshield washer suddenly stops spraying, there’s your clue. Others are more discreet, and you’ll need to check them manually under the hood. When in doubt, follow the service schedule outlined by your car’s manufacturer. If you ever notice dirty fluid, strange smells, or odd behavior from your brakes, transmission, or steering, don’t wait — those are signs it’s time for professional maintenance.
Check your headlights, taillights, and the lights over your license plate
Driving with dead or dim lights isn’t just risky—it’s an open invitation for a ticket. While some modern cars will flash a dashboard warning when an exterior bulb burns out, most won’t say a word. The good news? It’s easy to check yourself. Turn on your headlights, taillights, and signal indicators, then take a slow walk around your vehicle to spot any dark bulbs. Brake lights can be trickier since you can’t press the pedal and look at the same time. If no one’s around to help, back up close to a light-colored wall or garage door and step on the brake—you’ll see the red glow reflected behind you. Doing this at night makes the check even easier.
Check and replace your windshield wipers
Few things are more annoying than discovering your wipers barely work just as the first rainstorm hits. Worse, streaky or ineffective wipers can seriously reduce visibility, especially in heavy rain or snow. Keep an eye on their condition—if the rubber looks cracked, frayed, or leaves smears instead of a clear view, it’s time to replace them.
How often to replace wipers
The lifespan of your wipers depends heavily on your local climate. In hot, dry areas like the American Southwest or parts of California, rubber blades tend to dry out faster and may need yearly replacement. In cooler, wetter regions, they often last a couple of years. When in doubt, swap them out at least once a year to stay safe and maintain clear visibility.
How to know what type of wipers your car needs
Take a stroll down the wiper aisle of any auto parts store, and you’ll see a bewildering selection of brands, sizes, and types. Each car model requires a specific fit—sometimes two different sizes for the front windshield. Your owner’s manual should list the correct sizes, but if it doesn’t, most stores provide a guidebook organized by make and model to help you find the right match.
If your car happens to have a rear wiper—as most SUVs, hatchbacks, and wagons do—don’t forget to grab one more blade for the back.
Check your air filters
Cars, in a way, are just like people — they need to breathe to stay alive. While we rely on lungs, combustion engines pull air through an intake system that channels it from the car’s grille into a filter. That filter traps dust, pollen, and debris before the air reaches the engine. Over time, though, it gets dirty and clogged, making it harder for your car to “inhale.” To keep your engine running smoothly, the air filter needs periodic cleaning or replacement.
Check your engine air filter
Pop the hood and look for the air box — usually a large black plastic container secured with metal clips. Open it up and you’ll find the air filter inside. These filters vary in shape and size but are typically made of pleated white material framed by rubber edges. If it’s gray, dusty, or full of leaves and grime, it’s time for a replacement. Most automakers recommend changing it at regular intervals, and many include this task in the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance plan.
Check your cabin air filter (if equipped)
Most modern cars also include a cabin air filter, separate from the engine’s, that keeps pollen, dust, and exhaust fumes from entering the interior. Depending on your model, it may be located under the hood or behind the glovebox. Your owner’s manual will tell you exactly where to find it.
Plan to replace it about once a year. If your vents start blowing weakly or your A/C releases an unpleasant odor, chances are your cabin filter is overdue for a change. A clean filter means cleaner air — and a much fresher ride.
Test Your Battery
If your car hesitates to start—or refuses altogether—the culprit might be your 12-volt battery. Nearly every modern vehicle depends on this rectangular power source to energize its electrical systems, including the starter motor. When the voltage dips too low, the battery simply can’t deliver enough current to crank the engine, leaving you stranded instead of on the road.
How to test a battery
You can easily check your battery’s health using a digital multimeter. With the ignition switched off, connect the red probe to the positive terminal and the black one to the negative. If the reading falls below 12.4 volts, your battery’s on its last legs and should be replaced soon.
How often to change a battery in a car
A quality battery can serve you well for several years—sometimes even up to a decade if the car is well cared for. That’s fortunate, since modern replacements aren’t exactly cheap, often costing between $100 and $500 depending on your vehicle’s specifications.
— A healthy battery is the silent heartbeat of your car’s electrical life.
Inspect Your Brakes
Just like tires, your brakes are a critical safety system. Allowing them to wear down too far isn’t just risky—it’s negligent. If you hear high-pitched squeals or feel vibrations through the pedal, consider it a clear warning that your brake pads or rotors need attention. You can also perform a quick check yourself: shine a flashlight into the caliper area. If the pad’s friction material looks thinner than about a quarter of an inch, it’s time to schedule a replacement.
How often should brakes need to be changed?
Brake pad life spans vary dramatically—from 30,000 to 100,000 miles—largely depending on your driving habits and the pad material. High-performance cars often use ceramic pads, while most everyday vehicles rely on metallic or organic ones, each wearing at different rates. Frequent hard braking or city driving shortens their lifespan, so gentle, consistent braking is the best way to keep them lasting longer.
Between the battery that powers your start and the brakes that stop your ride, regular attention ensures your car runs—and halts—with confidence.
Check belts and hoses
Lift your car’s hood and you’ll see a maze of rubber belts and hoses winding through the engine bay. These unsung heroes keep your engine alive—belts spin fans and compressors, while hoses carry coolant and other vital fluids to the right places. If you spot cracks, fraying, or brittleness in any of them, don’t wait until they snap. Replacing worn parts early can save you from a breakdown and much more expensive repairs later.
Keep your car clean
A clean car isn’t just about pride—it’s about preservation. Routine washing and waxing shield your paint from corrosion and fading, while vacuuming the cabin keeps dirt, stains, and odors from settling in. Taking care of both the inside and outside helps your vehicle age gracefully and retain its value.
Wash the exterior of your car
Whether you prefer the convenience of an automatic car wash or a weekend bucket-and-hose session, washing your vehicle regularly keeps it looking fresh. Remove grime, road salt, and other contaminants from both the body and undercarriage, and be gentle—scrubbing with gritty dirt can scratch the paint. Applying a coat of wax once a year will guard against UV rays and help maintain the clear coat’s glossy finish.
Cleaning the interior of your car
Vacuuming is the fastest way to refresh your interior—coin-operated vacuums at car washes or a home Shop-Vac will do the trick. After vacuuming, wipe down the dashboard, console, and doors with a soft cleaner or protectant to remove dust and fingerprints. If you come across stubborn stains on carpets or seats, treat them with a fabric cleaner to restore a tidy, polished look.
How often should I clean my car?
That depends on your lifestyle. If your driving mostly involves short solo trips, you may not need to clean as often. But if you’re hauling kids, pets, or gear regularly, expect to tidy up more frequently. Wash the exterior whenever dirt, tar, or bird droppings become noticeable—letting them sit too long can etch or discolor the paint.
Quick Tips
- Unless you’re skilled with tools, routine maintenance often calls for a professional. Find a reliable mechanic—even if it’s not at your dealership—and keep their contact info handy.
- The advice here covers basic upkeep; your vehicle type or driving habits may demand more specialized service.
- Always follow your owner’s manual for the right fluids and maintenance intervals. Skipping or delaying service can void your warranty.
- Keep a log of every repair and maintenance job. It not only boosts resale value but also serves as proof of proper care if you ever face a warranty dispute.
From belts that keep things moving to the polish that makes it shine, attention to small details keeps your car dependable, efficient, and worth showing off.
