Regular maintenance can help identify problems early, improve reliability, and reduce the risk of avoidable breakdowns.

This checklist provides general guidance only. The correct maintenance schedule, fluid specifications, parts, and service procedures for your vehicle are those published by its manufacturer.

How to Use This Checklist

Use the checks below alongside the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. A calendar reminder, vehicle maintenance monitor, or written log can help you remember inspections and upcoming services.

Address warning lights, leaks, unusual sounds, handling changes, and other new symptoms promptly rather than waiting for the next scheduled service.

Before Every Trip

• Confirm that the windshield provides clear visibility
• Check that mirrors are correctly positioned
• Look for visibly damaged or underinflated tires
• Check for fresh fluid leaks under the vehicle
• Confirm that important warning lights turn off normally
• Listen for unusual noises after starting the vehicle
• Make sure cargo does not interfere with the driver

Monthly Checks

• Check tire pressure when the tires are cold
• Inspect tires for cuts, bulges, cracks, and uneven wear
• Check the spare tire or tire-repair system, if equipped
• Check engine oil and other owner-accessible fluid levels using manufacturer procedures
• Check windshield-washer fluid and use a product suitable for the expected climate
• Inspect exterior lights
• Check windshield wipers for damage, streaking, chattering, or missed areas
• Look for visible battery corrosion or damage
• Inspect the parking area for new leaks

Engine Oil

Check the engine-oil level according to the procedure in the owner’s manual. The correct method may depend on the vehicle and can include requirements concerning surface level, engine temperature, shutdown time, or an electronic oil-level display.

Use only an oil type, viscosity, and specification approved for the vehicle. Avoid overfilling.

Change the oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s schedule or the vehicle’s maintenance-monitoring system. Time, distance, operating conditions, and oil specifications may all affect the applicable schedule.

Seek inspection when you notice:

• Low oil-pressure warnings
• Repeatedly falling oil levels
• Visible leaks
• Burning-oil odors
• Unusual engine noise

Coolant

Check coolant only according to manufacturer instructions. Some vehicles use more than one cooling circuit or require a specific inspection procedure.

Do not open a hot pressurized cooling system. Hot coolant and steam can cause severe burns.

Use the correct coolant specification. Mixing incompatible coolant types may cause problems. Cooling-system draining, filling, and bleeding may require a manufacturer-specific procedure.

Repeatedly low coolant, overheating, visible leaks, or steam should be investigated promptly. If the vehicle is overheating, follow the owner’s-manual instructions and do not continue driving when doing so could cause damage or create a safety risk.

Brake System

Have the brakes inspected according to the manufacturer’s schedule and whenever symptoms appear.

If the vehicle permits an owner check of the brake-fluid reservoir, follow the owner’s manual and avoid contaminating the fluid. A low level can be associated with brake wear or a leak and should not simply be topped up without determining the cause.

Warning signs include:

• Grinding or scraping sounds
• Longer stopping distances
• A soft or sinking pedal
• Pulling while braking
• Pedal or steering-wheel vibration
• A brake warning light
• Visible brake-fluid leakage

Brake work is safety-critical. Stop driving and seek appropriate assistance if braking performance is impaired.

Tires

Regular tire maintenance may include:

• Checking pressure with a suitable gauge when the tires are cold
• Inspecting tread depth across the tire
• Checking for uneven wear
• Rotating tires when recommended
• Checking wheel alignment when symptoms appear
• Replacing damaged or excessively worn tires
• Checking the spare tire or manufacturer-provided tire-repair equipment

Use the cold-tire pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer, commonly shown on the vehicle information placard or in the owner’s manual, rather than the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.

Uneven wear may indicate an inflation, alignment, suspension, or tire problem. Bulges, exposed cords, deep cuts, repeated pressure loss, or other significant damage require prompt attention.

Battery

Check the battery for:

• Corrosion
• Loose connections
• Cracks, leakage, or swelling
• Slow engine cranking
• Repeated starting problems

Battery testing may be useful before extreme weather or a long trip.

Batteries can contain corrosive material and produce explosive gas. Follow manufacturer precautions, keep sparks and flames away, and do not handle terminals or clean corrosion unless you understand the correct procedure. Electric and hybrid vehicles can also contain high-voltage systems that should not be serviced without appropriate training and equipment.

Filters

Depending on the vehicle, filters may include:

• Engine air filter
• Cabin air filter
• Oil filter
• Fuel filter
• Transmission filter

Replacement intervals, filter specifications, and accessibility vary. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule rather than assuming every filter requires annual replacement.

Reduced ventilation or persistent odors can indicate that the cabin filter or climate-control system needs attention. Dusty operating conditions may require filter checks under the applicable severe-service schedule.

Belts and Hoses

Inspect accessible belts and hoses for:

• Cracks
• Fraying
• Glazing
• Swelling
• Leaks
• Loose or damaged connections
• New squealing, rattling, or pulley noise

Keep hands, hair, clothing, and tools away from moving or hot components. Do not perform an under-hood inspection with the vehicle running unless the manufacturer’s procedure specifically requires it and you can do so safely.

Timing-belt replacement intervals are especially important when the engine uses a scheduled replacement belt. Timing chains, tensioners, pulleys, and guides have vehicle-specific inspection and service requirements; they should not be treated as having a universal replacement interval.

Spark Plugs and Ignition Components

Spark-plug type and replacement intervals vary by engine. Follow the manufacturer’s schedule and use the exact approved plug specification and installation procedure.

Misfires, rough running, hard starting, reduced performance, or a flashing engine warning light can indicate an ignition or engine-management problem. A flashing warning light or severe misfire should be addressed promptly because continued operation may cause additional damage.

Transmission and Driveline

Transmission-fluid requirements vary significantly. Some vehicles have specific checking procedures, service intervals, temperature requirements, or sealed systems.

Use only the correct fluid specification and follow manufacturer instructions. Do not assume that a fluid needs flushing or replacement at a universal distance or time.

Rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, and four-wheel-drive vehicles may also have differentials, transfer cases, or other driveline components with separate fluid and inspection requirements. Check the manufacturer’s schedule for each applicable component.

Seek inspection for:

• Delayed engagement
• Harsh or slipping shifts
• Fluid leaks
• New whining, grinding, or clunking sounds
• Shuddering or unexpected vibration
• Transmission or driveline warning messages

Steering and Suspension

Have the system inspected when you notice:

• Pulling to one side
• Excessive bouncing
• Uneven tire wear
• Loose or unpredictable steering
• Clunking or knocking sounds
• A sudden change in steering effort
• Fluid leakage from an applicable hydraulic steering system

A sudden loss of steering control or a major change in vehicle handling requires immediate attention.

Lights and Electrical Equipment

Check:

• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Turn signals
• Hazard lights
• Reverse lights
• License-plate and marker lights, where equipped
• Interior warning indicators
• Horn
• Windshield-washer system

A helper can confirm brake-light and reverse-light operation. When checking alone, a safe reflection from a wall, window, or garage door may make some lights easier to verify. Do not leave a running vehicle unattended or allow it to move during the check.

Windshield Wipers and Washer System

Inspect wiper blades for cracked, torn, loose, or hardened material. Streaking, chattering, or areas that remain uncleared can indicate contamination, blade wear, or another wiper-system problem.

Use washer fluid that meets the manufacturer’s guidance and is appropriate for expected temperatures. Confirm that washer nozzles spray correctly and that the windshield can be cleared without obstructing visibility.

Every Six Months

As a convenient reminder—without replacing the manufacturer’s schedule—consider reviewing:

• Tire wear and rotation needs
• Brake condition
• Battery performance
• Wiper condition
• Exterior-light operation
• Visible belts and hoses
• Owner-accessible fluid levels and leaks
• Cabin and engine air filters
• The condition of the spare tire or tire-repair system

Annual Review

An annual planning review can help confirm that time-based and distance-based requirements have not been missed. It may include:

• Manufacturer-scheduled maintenance
• Brake and tire inspection
• Battery test
• Cooling-system inspection
• Suspension and steering inspection
• Air-conditioning and defogging performance
• Recall verification
• Emergency-kit inspection
• Review of maintenance records and upcoming services

An annual review does not mean every listed component must be replaced or serviced annually. Follow the schedule and procedures specified for the vehicle.

Before a Long Road Trip

• Check tire pressure and condition
• Check the spare tire or tire-repair system
• Check engine oil and other owner-accessible fluids
• Confirm that lights, washers, and wipers work
• Check battery condition
• Inspect for leaks
• Confirm that scheduled maintenance is current
• Check for unresolved warning lights or recurring symptoms
• Carry emergency and roadside contact information
• Secure luggage and heavy items

Arrange an inspection before departure if the vehicle has a persistent warning light, leak, braking problem, overheating history, unusual vibration, or other unresolved safety concern.

Severe Driving Conditions

More frequent maintenance may be specified when the vehicle is regularly used for:

• Short trips
• Stop-and-go traffic
• Towing or heavy loads
• Dusty roads
• Very hot or cold conditions
• Mountain driving
• Commercial or ride-service use

Definitions of severe service vary by manufacturer. Review the applicable normal-use and severe-service schedules in the owner’s manual and select the schedule that matches how the vehicle is actually operated.

Maintenance Records

Keep records of:

• Service dates
• Mileage or distance
• Parts and fluids used
• Receipts and warranties
• Inspection results
• Recurring symptoms
• The next scheduled service

Tracking methods can include a log kept with the vehicle, a calendar, a spreadsheet, phone reminders, the vehicle’s maintenance system, or an organized receipt folder.

Organized records can help with troubleshooting, warranty claims, maintenance planning, and vehicle resale. Records should supplement—not override—the current manufacturer schedule and maintenance-monitor information.

Deciding Whether to Do a Task Yourself

Some drivers can safely perform basic visual checks, pressure checks, or simple replacements described in the owner’s manual. Other work may require specialized tools, diagnostic equipment, fluid-handling procedures, lifting equipment, or technical knowledge.

Use qualified assistance when:

• The task involves brakes, steering, airbags, fuel systems, or high-voltage components
• The vehicle must be raised and safely supported
• A manufacturer-specific filling, bleeding, calibration, or reset procedure is required
• You cannot positively identify the correct fluid, part, lifting point, or procedure
• A warning light, leak, or symptom could affect safe operation

Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a jack, and do not begin a procedure unless you have the correct instructions, tools, protective equipment, and a safe work area.

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Additional Information

Review our Vehicle Safety Guide and Dashboard Warning Lights Guide.