Basic Car Maintenance Checks

Worn tires, bad brakes and burned-out lights contribute to crashes, and breakdowns leave drivers stranded on busy roads. A few minutes of checks each month keep your car, and the people in it, safer.

• All drivers

Monthly checks

• Tire pressure (when cold), set to the number on the driver’s door jamb, not the tire sidewall
• Tire tread: put a penny upside down in the tread; if you see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too worn (2/32 inch)
• Tire damage: bulges, cuts, nails or uneven wear
• Lights: headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazards
• Wipers and washer fluid
• Oil level and other fluids as your manual suggests

Signs to get checked right away

• Squealing, grinding or a soft or low brake pedal
• Pulling to one side, shaking at speed, or a steering wheel that vibrates
• Warning lights for brakes, oil pressure, engine temperature or the engine (especially a flashing check-engine light)
• Smoke, burning smells, or fluid leaks under the car
• Slow cranking when starting, which may mean a weak battery

Before a long trip

• Check tires, including the spare, and the jack and tools.
• Top off fluids and check belts and hoses for cracks.
• Check for open recalls. See Vehicle Recalls.
• Pack an emergency kit. See Breakdowns.

Doing your own work

If you work under your car, use rated jack stands, never just a jack. See Jacks & Jack Stands. Dispose of used oil and antifreeze at a recycling center.

Last updated: October 2, 2026