Simple Car Maintenance Tips | Stellantis Financial Services

Understanding how to maintain your car doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. There are plenty of simple tasks you can do yourself to help keep your car running smoothly and reduce long-term costs.

This guide has key tips and a simple car maintenance checklist every driver can follow. Helping keep your vehicle reliable and efficient.

Servicing your car

Broadly speaking, your car needs a routine service every 12 months or every 10,000-12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, all vehicles will vary, so it's best to check your owner's manual for the correct maintenance period.

Your vehicle handbook contains useful information you will need about maintenance, including how often it needs servicing and when the next service is due.

Remember, if you're financing your car, it's possible that an annual service is dictated in the terms of your contract. With some finance options, maintenance is included as part of the agreement.

A full vehicle service will cover up to 75 maintenance assessments, including checks on:

Tyres
Engine
Brakes
Any internal or external damage
Fuel system
Electrics
Steering
Suspension

For more information on servicing your car, view our helpful guide.

How Much Does Car Maintenance Cost

On average, drivers spend approximately £503 per year [1] on servicing and repairs, including parts. This can vary significantly based on factors such as the vehicle's make, model, age, and location.

Car maintenance checklist

Some of the most important car maintenance checks require no mechanical skill or specialist equipment.

Our simple car maintenance checklist below will take you through how to carry them out.

1. Inspect the tyres

A visual inspection should be carried out once a month to check for lumps or damage. Tyre treads can be checked by rolling a 20p coin along the outer tread of the tyre. The legal minimum for tyre treads is 1.6mm deep [2]. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, then your tyre should be changed immediately.

Remember to regularly check your tyre pressure; if it falls below your vehicle's recommended level, pump up the tyres to the correct pressure [3]. To find your vehicles recommended tyre pressure level, check for a small sticker near the driver door, or refer to your owner manual.

2. Check your lights

Remember to check your lights [4] regularly to ensure all bulbs are working and the lenses aren't cracked.

Replacement bulbs are inexpensive and simple to replace. If you're in any doubt about how to do this, many car garages may be able to help.

3. Examine the windscreen

Windscreens should be checked regularly for chips [5].

These should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent further cracking. Chip repair is a quick job and costs far less than a replacement windscreen.

Wiper blades should be inspected and replaced if worn or perished. If you're unsure of which blades to buy, your garage or a car supplies shop will recommend the right blades for your car, and many will fit them too.

Screen wash should also be checked and topped up when needed. If your screen wash system is faulty, your car isn't road legal.

4. Look under the bonnet

Check your oil and coolant levels and top up if necessary. If you're going on a long journey, it's advisable to check fluid levels [6] before setting off.

5. Assess bodywork

Your car’s bodywork should be inspected regularly for rust or damage. Cosmetic Repair Cover helps you stay on top of minor damage and prevents small issues from worsening over time.

Why car maintenance is important

Following these simple checks, alongside regular professional servicing, will help to keep your car running efficiently and help reduce your vehicle's carbon footprint. Plus, regular maintenance could help you prevent any additional charges at the end of your car agreement. This could only impact you if you’ve taken out a vehicle with a:

One way to make sure your car keeps to a regular maintenance schedule is to opt for a car finance package with maintenance included.

Alternatively, maintenance contracts with fixed monthly payments can be added when you purchase or finance your vehicle. Some of these products include roadside assistance, along with full servicing, repairs and MOTs, helping you to maintain your car and manage your budget.

References

Basic car maintenance tips