The Car Maintenance Calendar: What to Check Every Month, 6 Months and Year

Car maintenance is much easier when you know what needs checking and when.

The problem is that most drivers don't have time to remember every maintenance item.

You know the oil needs changing.

You know the tyres need replacing eventually.

But what about tyre pressure? Battery condition? Brake wear? Coolant? Wheel alignment?

Leaving everything until the next service isn't always the best approach.

A simple maintenance calendar can help you spot problems earlier and keep track of the things your car needs throughout the year.

Here's a practical schedule for drivers in Blacktown and across Western Sydney.

Every Month: Check the Basics

You don't need to spend hours inspecting your car every month.

A few simple checks can tell you a lot about its condition.

Check Your Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure changes over time.

Incorrect pressure can affect handling, braking, fuel consumption and tyre wear.

Check your pressures regularly and follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended settings.

Don't forget the spare tyre if your vehicle has one.

Look at Your Tyres

You don't need special equipment to spot obvious tyre problems.

Look for:

• Uneven tread wear
• Cuts
• Cracks
• Bulges
• Objects stuck in the tread

If something looks unusual, have the tyre inspected.

Check Your Lights

Walk around the car and check that your:

• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Indicators
• Tail lights
• Reverse lights

are working properly.

A failed globe is easy to overlook when you're sitting behind the wheel.

Check Fluid Levels

Depending on your vehicle, check the relevant fluid levels recommended by the manufacturer.

Low fluid levels can sometimes be an early sign of a leak or another problem.

Every Three Months: Pay Attention to Changes

You don't necessarily need a workshop visit every three months.

But you should pay attention to how your vehicle is behaving.

Ask yourself:

Has the engine started taking longer to start?

Are the brakes making a new noise?

Is the steering pulling to one side?

Has fuel consumption changed?

Have you noticed a new smell?

These changes are worth investigating rather than waiting for the next scheduled service.

Every Six Months: Give the Car a Closer Look

Six months is a useful point to take stock of your vehicle's condition, particularly if you drive regularly.

Check Brake Wear

Your brakes wear every time you drive.

Pay attention to:

• Squealing
• Grinding
• Vibrations
• A soft brake pedal
• Longer stopping distances

If something feels different, book a brake inspection.

Check Battery Condition

A battery can gradually lose performance without giving you much warning.

If starting the car is taking longer than usual, have the battery tested.

This is especially useful before periods when you expect to rely heavily on the vehicle.

Check Wheel Alignment

If you've hit a pothole or kerb, your wheel alignment may have changed.

Signs include:

• The car pulling to one side
• An off-centre steering wheel
• Uneven tyre wear

Checking alignment early can help prevent unnecessary tyre wear.

Every Year: Book Your Scheduled Service

Your annual maintenance should be based on your manufacturer's service schedule.

Depending on your vehicle and how much you drive, your service may be due sooner than once a year.

A scheduled service gives your mechanic the opportunity to inspect important vehicle systems and identify developing problems.

This may include checking:

• Engine oil
• Filters
• Brakes
• Tyres
• Battery
• Steering
• Suspension
• Cooling system
• Fluid levels

The exact requirements vary between vehicles.

Keep Track of Your Kilometres

Time isn't the only factor in car maintenance.

Kilometres matter too.

A driver covering 25,000 kilometres a year will generally put more wear through the vehicle than someone covering 5,000 kilometres.

That's why manufacturers usually provide service intervals based on both time and distance.

Check your owner's manual and follow the recommended schedule for your vehicle.

Before a Long Road Trip: Do an Extra Check

If you're planning a long drive, don't wait until the day before you leave.

Check the basics ahead of time.

Look at:

• Tyre condition and pressure
• Spare tyre
• Brakes
• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Windscreen washers
• Wipers
• Lights
• Battery

If anything doesn't look or feel right, have it checked before you leave.

What About Cars That Aren't Driven Often?

A car doesn't stop needing maintenance simply because it spends most of its time parked.

Batteries can lose charge.

Fluids can deteriorate.

Tyres can develop problems.

Rubber components can age.

If your vehicle isn't driven regularly, follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule rather than using kilometres alone to decide when it needs servicing.

Keep a Record of Your Maintenance

A maintenance record makes it much easier to know what's been done.

Keep track of:

• Service dates
• Kilometres
• Oil changes
• Tyre replacements
• Brake work
• Battery replacement
• Wheel alignment
• Major repairs

This can also help when you're trying to work out what your vehicle is likely to need next.

A Maintenance Plan Can Make This Easier

Keeping track of everything yourself isn't always easy.

For drivers who prefer predictable maintenance and regular reminders, a car maintenance membership can be another option.

Depending on the plan, it may include services and benefits such as scheduled servicing, safety checks, inspections, battery checks, diagnostics, roadside assistance and discounts on certain repairs or tyres.

Always check the specific inclusions and exclusions before joining a plan.

Questions Drivers Ask Us

Q- How often should I check my tyre pressure?

A- Check it regularly and before longer trips. Follow the pressure recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

Q- Does my car need servicing every year?

A- Follow the manufacturer's recommended service interval based on both time and kilometres.

Q- Should I check my brakes every six months?

A- There isn't one interval that suits every vehicle. If you drive regularly or notice changes in braking, have them inspected.

Q- Does a parked car still need maintenance?

A- Yes. Batteries, fluids, tyres and other components can still deteriorate while a vehicle is sitting unused.

Q- Is a maintenance calendar worth using?

A- Yes. Keeping track of routine checks makes it easier to spot changes and stay on top of servicing.

Keep Your Car Maintenance Simple

You don't need to be a mechanic to keep track of your car.

Check the basics regularly, pay attention to changes and follow the manufacturer's service schedule.

The goal isn't to wait for something to go wrong.

It's to spot problems while they're still easier to deal with.

If you're due for a service or want your vehicle checked, visit Goodyear Autocare Blacktown. We'll inspect your car, explain what we find in plain English and only recommend the work your vehicle actually needs.