Doing essential vehicle maintenance from time to time can help you avoid a breakdown. Check the 10 top tips below from our expert patrols.
If you don't use your car very often, stay on top of these three things before a long drive.
- Oil – Check your engine oil and top it up if it's low.
- Tyres – Check their condition and pressure. Look for cuts or bulges, and get any tyres replaced if they need it.
- Fluids – Top up your screen wash and check your brake fluid level.
And also, look at our advice if you don't use your car regularly.
We provide 24/7 roadside assistance.
10 Car maintenance tips
1. Keep your 12-volt battery healthy
Battery problems are the number one cause of breakdowns at any time of year, and particularly for vehicles that aren't used very often.
Checking your battery health
Your car may have a built-in battery monitor (via your manufacturer's app) or an AA-X device. Alternatively, you can buy a manual monitor to check your battery's health. You can also keep your battery topped up with a battery maintainer, which is also known as a trickle charger.
If your vehicle has a stop-start or an idle-stop system, it may automatically switch the engine off while you're trying to charge the battery. If this happens, it means the Battery Monitoring System has recognised the battery is fully charged, so you're good to go.
Flat battery causes
The most common cause of a flat battery is leaving the lights on after turning the engine off. Newer cars turn the lights off with the ignition, but older models have a 'lights on' warning sound as you open the car door – so don't forget to switch everything off.
It's a good idea to have a pair of jump leads in your car, just in case you need to recharge your battery from another vehicle.
Most car batteries have a life of 3 to 5 years, so if yours is getting a bit old replace it with a new one before it lets you down.
Replace your battery easily with Battery Assist
2. Check and change your oil regularly
Changing your oil regularly helps to improve your engine's performance and extend its life. It'll also help you to achieve maximum fuel mileage. Engine oil contains additives that enhance its performance, including anti-wear agents, detergents and dispersants.
If you fail to change your oil at regular intervals, say every 6,000 miles, the additives can break down and become much less effective when it comes to protecting your engine.
Follow our quick and easy guide for checking and topping up your oil.
Book a service and oil change at an AA approved garage or with an AA Mobile Mechanic
3. Check your brakes
The brakes on your vehicle are checked annually on the MOT test. Brake pads, discs and callipers are the most likely parts of the braking system to cause problems.
If you hear any unusual sounds when braking, notice the vehicle pulling to the left or right, or notice that it takes longer for your brakes to slow you down, get them checked by a mechanic immediately.
Also, most cars have a dashboard warning light that alerts you when there's a problem with the brakes.
Replace brakes pads and discs at an AA approved garage or with an AA Mobile Mechanic
4. Check your engine air filter
The air filter prevents debris or dust from entering your vehicle's engine. If it clogs up it can lead to engine damage or at least reduced performance. To check your air filter yourself follow the steps below:
- Open the bonnet.
- Locate the air filter box. (It's usually a plastic box connected to the engine via a pipe or hose.)
- Unfasten the clips or fixings holding the top on.
- The air filter itself is a rubber or plastic frame which surrounds a fabric mesh.
- Take the filter out. If it's especially clogged (looks dark in colour) then you should get it replaced.
5. Check your car's fluid levels
Transmission fluid for automatic cars, brake fluid and engine coolant are the main fluids that you need to stay on top of when maintaining your vehicle.
Again, a dashboard light will warn you when any of these are getting low, but it never hurts to check the levels of each fluid yourself.
Also do check your washer fluid. If you run out of washer fluid and therefore don't have the ability to clear your windscreen, this will be considered an offence.
Check your brake fluid levels every few months by doing the following:
- Open the bonnet.
- Find the brake fluid reservoir (your vehicle manual will tell you where this is – though it is usually a white container with dark brake fluid visible on the inside).
- Top up the fluid until it's between the minimum and maximum markers. Make sure the reservoir cap is clean.
- Check the reservoir for any dirt or debris – if there is some, you'll need to get a mechanic to clean it out.
- Drive your vehicle and test the brakes.
Checking your transmission fluid is similar to checking your car's oil level:
- Warm up your car by running the engine for 10 minutes or so.
- Open the bonnet.
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick – usually an orange or yellow handle.
- Withdraw the dipstick and wipe off any residue from it with a clean cloth
- Reinsert the dipstick and see how far up the liquid reaches – it should be between the minimum and maximum lines.
- If it's below the minimum line, top up with transmission fluid that meets your manufacturer's specification and test again.
Follow our guide to checking and topping up your engine coolant.
6. Check tyre condition as well as pressure
While a flat tyre might be more obvious after a quick visual check, other problems could need a closer look.
We recommend you check your tyres – including the spare – every 2 weeks, as tyres do naturally deflate over time. Look for cuts and uneven wear, and make sure the tread is within the legal limit.
The best time to check a tyre pressure is when the tyres are cold. The correct pressure is in your vehicle handbook, or on a label either inside one of the door shuts or on the inside of the fuel flap.
Using a tyre pressure monitoring system
Tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are fitted to all cars built after 1 November 2014. If this system is fitted to your car, you may find the warning light comes on if the vehicle has been parked up for a time. This isn't unusual and doesn't necessarily indicate a fault or a puncture.
If the TPMS light is on and the tyres look all right, it may just need resetting. Instructions on how to do this will be in the handbook. There's usually a button somewhere inside the car with the same image as the TPMS warning light on it. Pressing and holding this button for a few seconds should reset the system.
Using a tyre pressure gauge
If you have one, use a tyre pressure gauge for a more accurate check.
Replacing a flat tyre
If you do have a flat, you can safely change it yourself if you know how to use the jack, and are able to lift and position the spare tyre with ease. Read our step-by-step guide on how to change a flat tyre.
But if you do need some help, our breakdown mechanics will be happy to assist – whether you're a member or not.
Generally, follow these steps to keep your tyres in good condition:
- Increase your tyre pressure if you've got a heavy load (the right levels are in your handbook).
- Replace your tyres when the tread gets low – worn tyres are more likely to get a puncture.
- Drive around, not over, corners and kerbs. The sides of your tyres are easily damaged.
- Get your alignment or 'tracking' checked to make sure your vehicle drives in a straight line. Otherwise the tyres wear unevenly and this can even affect the handling.
7. Cleaning your car
Keeping your car clean is an important part of your vehicle's health. Spraying your car down and washing it with the right soap can help stop corrosion from salts. It's also very important that your number plates are clean and legible.
Follow our guide for cleaning your car and you'll be good to go!
Don't get a flat battery while you clean
We're often called out to help vehicles with flat batteries caused by drivers leaving the radio or interior lights on. This can particularly happen when you clean as you might leave a door open.
To avoid this, don't use the radio or leave the keys in the ignition while cleaning the car. Once you've finished, drive the car a short distance if possible, applying the brakes often to dry them and run the engine for 15 minutes, or re-connect a battery maintainer if you have one.
Read our useful guide on how to clean your car.
8. Look for signs of animal visitors
Car engine bays can be an attractive nesting area for small rodents at any time of year. So if you haven't driven your car for a while, have a look for any visitors.
Check under the bonnet
Look under the bonnet for droppings, gnawed wiring or pipework and plastics, evidence of bedding or hauls of stored food. Favourite nesting sites are air filter boxes, under fuse boxes and battery trays, and the area below the windscreen. But any dry, concealed space could be a target.
While you're there, clear out any build-up of leaves and debris that may have accumulated.
Check around the wheels
It's also worth checking the wheel arches and around the suspension for signs of life. If you find animals in difficult to access areas, you may need assistance from a mechanic.
9. Check your Diesel Particulate Filter
If your vehicle is a diesel produced after 2007, it most likely has a Diesel Particulate Filter (or DPF). The DPF captures soot particles produced while the engine's running until it gets to a stage where it needs to burn them off (regen). This regen process usually happens when the vehicle is on a motorway or dual carriageway for about 10 to 15 miles, and usually goes unnoticed by the driver.
DPF warning light
The DPF can start to fill up if the car only does one or two very short trips a week. When the DPF needs to regen but isn't getting the opportunity, a DPF warning light will illuminate. Take the vehicle for an extended drive to allow the DPF to regen, which will cause the warning light to switch off again.
You can find out more with our guide to the DPF.
10. Give electric vehicles just as much care
Tyres, brakes, suspension and general electrical systems are all the same as a petrol or diesel vehicle. The only real difference is the high voltage system.
Many plug-in vehicles automatically maintain the 12- volt battery when they're plugged in – your vehicle handbook will tell you if this is the case. If you haven't got your vehicle plugged in, it's good practice to plug in at least once a month to help maintain systems.
Not sure what to check? Remember FLOWER
When it comes to general maintenance, there are 6 key areas to keep on top of:
- Fuel
- Lights
- Oil
- Water
- Electrics
- Rubber
Brake repairs and car services from The AA
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Author: The AA. Published 30 March 2016. Updated 11 July 2025.