Monthly Car Maintenance Checklist
A professional 10-minute monthly car maintenance checklist to ensure safety, improve fuel efficiency, and prevent costly repairs through simple DIY inspections.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
Routine monthly maintenance is the most effective way to extend the lifespan of your vehicle. While modern cars have advanced sensors, many issues like tire dry rot, slow fluid leaks, or burnt-out bulbs may not trigger a dashboard warning until a failure occurs.
This checklist is designed to be completed in 10 to 15 minutes for DIY enthusiasts. If you prefer a professional inspection, a shop can typically perform these checks during a standard oil change or safety inspection in under 30 minutes.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | What to check (Pass/Fail) | If failed (Next step) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Pressure (All 4) | Required | DIY | 5 min | Matches door jamb PSI | Inflate to spec |
| Engine Oil Level | Required | DIY | 2 min | Between Min/Max marks | Top off or check for leaks |
| Windshield Washer Fluid | Recommended | DIY | 1 min | Reservoir is full | Refill with seasonal fluid |
| Brake Lights | Required | DIY | 2 min | All bulbs illuminate | Replace bulb or fuse |
| Headlights (Low/High) | Required | DIY | 1 min | Both sides functional | Replace bulb |
| Turn Signals | Required | DIY | 1 min | Consistent blinking speed | Replace bulb or relay |
| Tire Tread Depth | Required | DIY | 3 min | Above 2/32" (Penny test) | Schedule tire replacement |
| Coolant Level | Required | DIY | 1 min | Visible in overflow tank | Top off (Engine COLD only) |
| Wiper Blade Condition | Recommended | DIY | 1 min | No streaks or tearing | Replace wiper blades |
| Battery Terminals | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | No white/blue corrosion | Clean with wire brush |
| Brake Fluid Level | Required | DIY | 1 min | Within reservoir range | See shop; check for leaks |
| Power Steering Fluid | Optional | DIY | 1 min | Level is adequate | Top off (if applicable) |
| Air Filter (Visual) | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | No heavy debris/clogs | Replace filter |
| Dashboard Warning Lights | Required | DIY | 1 min | No active icons after start | Scan for OBD-II codes |
| Spare Tire Pressure | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | Matches sidewall PSI | Inflate for emergencies |
| Horn Function | Required | DIY | 1 min | Audible and clear | Check fuse or wiring |
| Exterior Mirror Glass | Required | DIY | 1 min | No cracks or loose glass | Replace mirror assembly |
| Belts (Visual Check) | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | No fraying or cracks | Schedule shop inspection |
Use the table above to track your monthly progress. We recommend keeping a physical log in your glovebox to show future buyers that the vehicle was meticulously maintained.
If you encounter any fluid that is milky, smells burnt, or contains metal flakes, do not ignore it. These are signs of internal component wear that require professional diagnosis.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Consistency is the key to vehicle longevity. Once you finish your monthly check, consider these final steps to stay organized:
- Record the date and mileage in a maintenance log.
- Dispose of old fluids or oily rags at a local recycling center; never pour oil down the drain.
- Reset your maintenance light only if you performed the specific service required.
- If you found low tire pressure, check them again in one week to rule out a slow leak.
- Clean your backup camera lens and sensors while you are checking the exterior.
- Check for any active recalls on the NHTSA website using your VIN.
- Browse our Tire Maintenance guide for deeper wheel care.
- See the Fluids Guide for help identifying different leak colors.
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FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
Start from the complete car maintenance checklist, then narrow down by mileage, interval, and season.