Yearly Car Maintenance Checklist
A comprehensive annual guide to vehicle health, covering fluids, brakes, tires, and safety systems to ensure reliability and longevity for the year ahead.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
An annual inspection is the most critical preventative measure a car owner can take. While modern cars are reliable, rubber components, fluids, and friction materials degrade over time regardless of mileage. This guide helps you catch these issues early.
For a DIY enthusiast, this full inspection typically takes 2 to 4 hours depending on experience. A professional shop can usually perform a similar 'multi-point inspection' in about 60 to 90 minutes using a vehicle lift.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Level/Condition | Required | DIY | 5 min | Level between marks; not milky/black | Top off or schedule oil change |
| Brake Fluid Level/Color | Required | DIY | 5 min | Level at 'Full'; clear/amber color | Flush if dark; check for leaks |
| Coolant Level & Clarity | Required | DIY | 5 min | Level in reservoir; no oily film | Top off (when cold); pressure test |
| Tire Tread Depth | Required | DIY | 10 min | At least 4/32" depth across all tires | Replace tires if below 2/32" |
| Tire Pressure (incl. Spare) | Required | DIY | 10 min | Matches door-jamb PSI sticker | Inflate to spec; check for nails |
| Brake Pad Thickness | Required | Shop/DIY | 20 min | At least 3mm of friction material | Schedule brake pad replacement |
| Battery Terminals/Voltage | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | No corrosion; >12.4V (engine off) | Clean terminals; charge or replace |
| Engine Air Filter | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | Filter is white/grey; no debris | Replace filter |
| Cabin Air Filter | Optional | DIY | 10 min | No moldy smell or heavy dust | Replace filter |
| Wiper Blade Condition | Required | DIY | 5 min | No streaks or torn rubber | Replace blades |
| Serpentine Belt Condition | Required | DIY | 10 min | No cracks, fraying, or glazing | Replace belt immediately |
| Exterior Lights (All) | Required | DIY | 5 min | All bulbs illuminate (High/Low/Turn) | Replace bulbs or check fuses |
| Suspension Boots/Joints | Recommended | Shop | 15 min | No torn rubber or leaking grease | Replace CV boot or ball joint |
| Exhaust System Rust/Leaks | Recommended | Shop/DIY | 10 min | No loud noises or heavy rust holes | Repair or replace exhaust section |
| Power Steering Fluid | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | Level correct; no burnt smell | Top off; check pump for leaks |
| Transmission Fluid Level | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | Level correct; red/pink (if dipstick) | Consult shop for fluid service |
| Windshield for Chips/Cracks | Required | DIY | 5 min | No cracks in driver's line of sight | Repair chips before they spread |
| Wheel Lug Nut Torque | Required | DIY | 10 min | Tightened to manufacturer spec | Torque to spec with torque wrench |
Use this table as your primary guide during the inspection. Check off each item as you go, and use the 'If failed' column to prioritize your weekend repairs or shop visits.
Consistency is key. Performing these checks at the same time every year (such as every Spring) ensures you never miss a critical safety update.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
After completing your yearly inspection, it is vital to document your work to maintain the vehicle's resale value and warranty standing.
- Keep all receipts for parts like filters, oil, and wipers.
- Update your physical or digital service log with the date and mileage.
- Dispose of used oil and coolant at an authorized recycling center; never pour them down the drain.
- Reset the 'Service Required' light only if you have actually performed the required service.
- If you found multiple issues, prioritize brakes and tires first for safety.
- Check for any open safety recalls on the NHTSA website using your VIN.
- Clean the engine bay gently to make future leak detection easier.
- Browse similar Inspection guides for deeper dives into specific systems.
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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.