The Essential Monthly Car Maintenance Checklist
Most breakdowns are preventable. Running through these quick checks once a month takes less than 15 minutes and could save you a very expensive roadside call.
A few minutes of prevention is worth hours of roadside recovery. Here is the monthly checklist every driver should run through.
Under the Bonnet (5 minutes)
Engine oil: Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert, pull again. The oil level should be between the min and max marks. Check the colour — clean oil is amber, old oil is dark brown or black.
Coolant: Check the expansion tank level against the min/max markings. Only top up with the correct coolant type — mixing types can cause damage.
Brake fluid: Check the reservoir level. If it's noticeably low, brake pads may be worn (fluid drops as pads wear) — or there could be a leak.
Power steering fluid: If your car has hydraulic steering, check the reservoir. Electric power steering doesn't require a fluid check.
Windscreen washer fluid: Fill with proper screenwash diluted to the appropriate concentration — not just water, especially in winter.
Tyres (3 minutes)
Lights (2 minutes)
Walk around the car with hazards on, then dipped headlights, then full beam. Check brake lights with someone watching, or reverse toward a wall and watch the reflection.
Wipers (1 minute)
Run the wipers on a wet screen. Any smearing or skipping means the blades need replacing.
When to Call a Professional
If your oil is consistently dropping, coolant is disappearing without visible leaks, or brake fluid is low — these indicate a problem that needs diagnosing, not just topping up.
Breakdown despite your best efforts? Fred's Towing Services is on standby 24/7 across Newport, Cardiff, Bristol and Bath. Call 01633 982028.