Car maintenance schedule: what to check and when
By LSG Auto Nation · · Updated
Short answer
Every month, check your tire pressure, oil level and lights. Change your oil when your owner's manual or service reminder says to, and have the tires and brakes looked at then too. Once a year, have the brakes, suspension, battery, coolant and AC checked. In the BC Interior, add winter tires and a battery test every fall.
Looking after your car costs much less than fixing it. Most big repair bills start as something small that a quick check would have caught. Your owner’s manual is the final word for your car, but this schedule works for almost any vehicle.
Every month: quick checks you can do yourself
These take about 10 minutes:
- Tire pressure, including the spare. Check when the tires are cold, and use the numbers on the sticker inside the driver’s door.
- Engine oil level, using the dipstick. Here’s how to check your oil.
- Lights: headlights, brake lights and turn signals. Ask someone to stand behind the car while you try them.
- Washer fluid, especially in winter.
- Warning lights on the dashboard. If one stays on, don’t get used to it.
At every oil change
- Change the oil and filter when your owner’s manual says to. See how often to change your oil.
- Check the tire tread, and rotate the tires if it’s due. Rotating means moving them to different wheels so they wear evenly.
- Have the brakes, fluids, belts and hoses looked over.
At LSG Auto Nation, every oil change comes with a free courtesy inspection that covers these checks.
Once a year
| What | What gets checked |
|---|---|
| Brakes | How worn the pads and discs are, plus the brake lines and fluid |
| Suspension and steering | The shocks, struts and joints that connect the wheels to the car |
| Battery | How much starting power is left, and whether the car is charging it |
| Cooling system | The coolant (antifreeze) level, and the hoses for leaks |
| Air conditioning | How cold the air is, and whether there’s a leak |
| Filters | The engine air filter and the cabin air filter |
Every fall
- Put winter tires on before October 1 if you drive on highways. See when to switch to winter tires.
- Test the battery if it’s three or more years old. See why batteries die in the cold.
- Switch to winter washer fluid and good wipers. Winter fluid won’t freeze on your windshield.
Every spring
- Put your summer tires back on once daytime temperatures stay above about 7°C.
- Check the AC before the first hot spell. See car AC tips.
- Wash the underside of the car to get rid of winter road salt, which causes rust.
Keep a record
Keep your receipts, or a simple note on your phone of what was done and when. It helps your mechanic, protects your warranty and helps when you sell the car.