What maintenance does your car need?

First published on 2 November 2022; reviewed on 2 November 2026. Intervals depend on the vehicle; this guide does not replace its maintenance schedule. Original photographs retained.

To know which maintenance your car needs, start with the manufacturer’s schedule for its model, powertrain and year. This guide distinguishes routine checks from scheduled work: there is no single service interval for every car.

The service record: your best ally

The paper or digital service record and the vehicle handbook are your first references. Obtain the schedule for your particular car from the manufacturer or its network.

Filters, engine oil where applicable, the battery, brake fluid, clutch or timing system: relevant work depends on the vehicle’s equipment and the manufacturer’s schedule. These components do not all have the same replacement interval.

Keeping up with maintenance helps identify some problems and plan expenditure. It guarantees neither freedom from breakdowns nor a specific saving: keep evidence of the work actually completed.

There are several kinds of maintenance: routine checks and servicing according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, based on vehicle age or mileage.

Routine checks between services

• On a combustion-engine vehicle, check the engine oil level as described in the handbook.
• Follow the handbook instructions for coolant; do not handle a hot cooling system.
• Have an unusual drop in brake fluid examined by a professional.
• Watch for signs of a weak battery and have it checked if in doubt.
• Check tyre pressure when cold and inspect tyre condition, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Have the brakes examined if there is an unusual noise, vibration or change in behaviour.

Further reading on the blog:

Below you will find guides to tyre pressure and tyre costs, as well as manufacturer sources. An article does not replace the vehicle handbook or a professional inspection.

Servicing: follow the manufacturer’s deadlines

Refer to the maintenance schedule to identify the work and checks applicable to your vehicle.

Intervals may be expressed in time and mileage. Follow the rule specified for your vehicle rather than a generic interval found online.

Depending on the schedule and vehicle equipment, checks may include:

• The various fluids
• The various filters
• The brakes
• Electrical components
• Tyres

At a scheduled visit, the garage determines the necessary work from the maintenance schedule and the vehicle’s condition:

• Engine oil changes and filter replacement where the powertrain and schedule require them. An all-electric car does not need a combustion-engine oil change.
• Inspection of brake discs and pads
• Checking fluids and any abnormalities, with appropriate work if needed.
• Checking tyre pressure and wear.

Other components are checked or replaced according to the applicable recommendations. Also consider the lights, windscreen and wipers. Do not confuse routine servicing with a statutory roadworthiness inspection.

Also useful:

Find the manufacturer’s maintenance scheduleOpens external site

Check the car’s service history

Check manufacturer recalls before buying

Understand maintenance specific to electric cars

Calculate tyre cost per kilometre.

Michelin guidance: checking tyre pressureOpens external site.

Organise maintenance and documents with CodeNekt.