As many businesses struggle with the rising cost of living, the last thing they need is a massive bill when their vehicle breaks down.
Regular vehicle maintenance helps to maintain your car properly and avoid unexpected repair bills. Here are some practical steps to keep your vehicle on the road.
A simple car maintenance checklist
One of the best ways to keep your vehicle roadworthy is to follow a regular car maintenance checklist.
Fuel – Before setting off on your journey, check that you have enough fuel for the journey.
Engine Oil – Check your oil level is within the minimum and maximum marks by dipping your car’s dipstick into the engine through the oil cap.
Coolant – Check your coolant levels to ensure your vehicle’s engine doesn’t freeze or overheat.
Electrics – There are lots of different components in a vehicle that will use electricity, but the 2 important ones you must do regular checks on are your outside lights and your vehicle battery.
Lights – You should have someone walk around your parked vehicle and have them check your side lights, dipped beams, main beams, fog lights, number plate lights, left and right indicators (both front and rear), brake lights, reversing lights and finally the hazard lights.
Battery - Ensure your battery is fit for use by making sure the terminals are clean and tight. If there is any sign of corrosion, using hot water and petroleum jelly will clean off any corrosion that may be affecting your battery.
Screen wash – It typically has a blue cap with a windscreen symbol on it. When re-filling it is best to use a funnel to reduce spillage.
Engine air filter – It is recommended to have your air filter replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Keeping your air filter clean and healthy is important for fuel efficiency.
Spark plugs (petrol engines only) – Spark plugs must be replaced every 30,00 miles. Keep a track of how many miles you have travelled, as one or more damaged plugs can lead to engine misfires.
Brakes – Your brake fluid level must be topped up regularly to prevent it from falling too low, and must be changed at certain mileage intervals.
Vitamin FA (Fuel Additives)
Giving your vehicle fuel additives is similar to having your 5 a day in pill or liquid form! They are useful for keeping your car in tip-top condition and saving you money on large servicing bills.
With a 325ml bottle of fuel additives costing around £7, this bottle can treat up to 60 litres of fuel, which works out at 11p per litre of fuel. Using fuel additives on your vehicle is a no-brainer, especially with benefits like these:
A more effective engine means better fuel efficiency. Fuel additives help your engine run better, which in turn makes your fuel and money last longer. Did you know, you can actually increase your MPG using fuel additives?
Fuel additives keep your engine clean as they are designed to flow easily around the engine, preventing fuel from leaving any debris that can damage your vehicle.
Fuel additives can help drivers reduce their maintenance and fuel costs, as they prevent fuel from degrading, which limits the need to make frequent trips to petrol stations or garages.
How can low fuel damage your vehicle?
Driving on low fuel can cause several issues throughout your car. An empty tank can collect dirt that has built up over time, which means, when it comes to the fuel being used, it can clog up several components around the vehicle, such as the fuel pump and filter. A low tank can also cause your fuel pumps to pump air, which can create issues with components.
Keep your vehicle fluids topped up
Ensuring that all the fluids in your vehicle are topped up regularly will allow your vehicle to run smoothly. There are 6 fluids that you need to keep on top of and fill up regularly, which are:
Engine oil
Coolant
Power steering fluid
Brake fluid
Transmission fluid
Windshield washer fluid
Never tire of checking your tyres
It’s important that drivers regularly check their tyres to ensure that they’re in the right condition and safe for the roads.
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption, which means drivers will need to spend more money on fuel.
Flat tyres can also boost the chances of tyres bursting, which could become a hazard if you are driving, it is important to regularly check the tyre pressure at any petrol station. Details of the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle can be found in your vehicle handbook.
The legal tread depth for tyres in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. To check your tyre depth, it is best to buy a tread depth gauge as it allows you to check the tyre’s tread depth quickly.
If you are caught driving with a tyre below the minimum tread depth, you could get fined up to £2,500 and risk getting 3 penalty points. If all 4 tyres are worn below the minimum tread depth, then you could see yourself getting hit with a £10,000 fine and possibly losing your licence.
Service intervals explained
It is important that your vehicle goes into service at the right time so that all issues your vehicle may have can be fixed. The law requires you to have a roadworthy vehicle, which must pass an annual MOT.
You should typically take your car in for a ‘minor’ service once a year, or every 10,000 miles driven and a ‘major’ service every 2-3 years. These services will have to be factored into your budget, as you might get a nasty surprise when the bill comes in.
How to maintain a sports car
If you’re wondering how to maintain a sports car, the key difference lies in preventative servicing and specialist care. Performance vehicles are engineered to operate at higher speeds and temperatures, which means components are placed under greater strain than in standard road cars.
Higher-performance engines often require more frequent oil changes. Performance engines run hotter and at higher rev ranges, so maintaining oil quality is essential to protect internal components and maintain efficiency. Always follow manufacturer recommendations rather than general servicing timelines.
Premium tyres and braking systems also wear differently. Sports cars are typically fitted with softer compound tyres for improved grip, which can wear more quickly. Likewise, performance brake pads and discs are designed for high stopping power, but they may require closer inspection and earlier replacement.
Storage considerations are equally important. If the vehicle is not used regularly, keeping it in a dry, temperature-controlled environment can prevent battery drain, tyre flat spots and corrosion. Using a battery maintainer and regularly starting the vehicle can help preserve key systems.
Finally, manufacturer-specific servicing intervals should always be followed. Many sports cars have tailored service schedules and require specialist diagnostic tools. Using trained technicians who understand high-performance vehicles helps ensure that maintenance is carried out correctly and protects the vehicle’s long-term value.
With consistent attention and the right expertise, sports car maintenance becomes less about reactive repairs and more about preserving performance.
How to maintain an Electric Vehicle (EV)
When it comes to keeping your electric vehicle on the move, although it is simpler and more cost-effective compared to ICE vehicles, they require specialist servicing and maintenance. Issues can be spotted easily by checking the diagnostic machine, which will point out any possible fault codes that might need resolving. Read our in-depth guide to electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles, which often means lower maintenance costs. However, they still require regular checks.
Key areas to monitor include:
Battery health – The battery is the most important component. Avoid consistently charging to 100% unless necessary and follow manufacturer guidance for long-term battery care.
Brake systems – EVs use regenerative braking, which reduces brake wear. However, brakes still need inspection to prevent corrosion.
Tyres – EVs are typically heavier due to the battery pack, which can increase tyre wear. Regular pressure checks are essential.
Software updates – Many EVs rely heavily on software systems. Updates can improve efficiency and fix faults.
Cooling systems – Battery packs require cooling systems to prevent overheating.
While EV servicing is generally simpler, it should still be carried out by trained technicians at recommended intervals.
How to maintain an electric car battery
Avoid constant 100% charging
Avoid letting it drop to 0% regularly
Follow the manufacturer's charging guidance
Avoid frequent rapid charging if unnecessary
Keep software updated
Park in moderate temperatures where possible
How to maintain a hybrid vehicle
Hybrid vehicles combine a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor, which means maintenance needs to cover both systems. While hybrids are often efficient and reliable, they still require regular maintenance to remain in good condition.
Hybrid battery care is a key consideration. These batteries are designed to last many years, but their cooling systems and electrical connections should be inspected regularly. Avoid ignoring warning lights, and ensure software updates are carried out when recommended by the manufacturer.
Regenerative braking systems reduce wear on traditional brake pads and discs by recovering energy during deceleration. However, brakes can still corrode if the vehicle is driven mostly on short, low-speed journeys. Periodic inspections remain important.
Petrol engine servicing should follow manufacturer intervals. Oil changes, filters and spark plugs (where applicable) still need replacing, even though the engine may not run constantly. Skipping these checks can lead to reduced efficiency and long-term damage.
Cooling systems are often more complex in hybrids. Many models use separate cooling circuits for the engine and the battery pack. Maintaining correct coolant levels and servicing these systems helps prevent overheating.
Finally, always use qualified technicians familiar with hybrid systems. Because hybrids combine electrical and combustion technology, proper diagnostics and safe handling procedures are essential.
Regular hybrid vehicle maintenance helps protect fuel efficiency, battery life and overall performance, while reducing the risk of unexpected repair costs.
What is the cheapest car to maintain?
While many drivers look for the cheapest car to maintain, the real savings come from consistent vehicle maintenance.
Smaller petrol cars tend to have lower servicing costs
Fewer complex systems
EVs may have fewer moving parts but higher battery replacement costs
Insurance and parts availability matter
Keep your vehicles running efficiently and cost-effectively
Regular vehicle maintenance, proper servicing and understanding how systems like AdBlue work can help you maintain your car and reduce unexpected downtime and costly repairs.
Whether you operate a single vehicle or manage a fleet, proactive maintenance protects both performance and budget.
FAQs
What is vehicle maintenance?
Vehicle maintenance refers to the regular checks, servicing and part replacements needed to keep your car running safely and efficiently. This includes monitoring fluids, tyres, brakes, and battery health, and following the manufacturer's service intervals. Consistent vehicle maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and reduces long-term repair costs.
How often should you service your car?
Most cars should have a minor service once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. A major service is typically recommended every 2–3 years. However, servicing intervals can vary depending on the make, model and how the vehicle is driven. Always follow the manufacturer’s schedule.
What should be included in a car maintenance checklist?
A basic car maintenance checklist should include:
Checking engine oil levels
Monitoring coolant and brake fluid
Inspecting tyre pressure and tread depth
Testing lights and indicators
Checking the battery condition
Topping up screen wash
Regularly carrying out these simple checks can help identify issues early and avoid more expensive repairs later.
Do electric vehicles need servicing?
Yes. While EVs have fewer moving parts, components such as tyres, brakes, suspension and battery systems still require regular checks.
How do you maintain a hybrid vehicle?
Hybrid vehicles require both engine servicing and electric system checks. Following manufacturer servicing schedules is essential to avoid costly repairs.
