Free printable-style checklist
Car Maintenance Checklist
A simple, realistic checklist for keeping a car reliable and safe. Use it as a printable guide, or let DidWe remember the due dates and remind you before each service.
Maintenance tasks and how often to do them
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Check tire pressure | Monthly |
| Check oil level | Monthly |
| Inspect lights | Monthly |
| Top up washer fluid | As needed |
| Car wash | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Tire rotation | Every 5,000–8,000 miles |
| Replace cabin air filter | Every 12 months or 15,000 miles |
| Replace engine air filter | Every 12–24 months |
| Oil change | Every 5,000–10,000 miles |
| Check brake pads | Every 6 months |
| Replace wiper blades | Every 6–12 months |
| Check battery | Every 12 months |
| Brake fluid | Every 2 years |
| Coolant | Every 2–5 years |
| Transmission fluid | Every 30,000–60,000 miles |
| Spark plugs | Every 30,000–100,000 miles |
| Wheel alignment | Every 2–3 years |
| Timing belt / chain | Every 60,000–100,000 miles |
Notes for each task
- 1Check tire pressure: Use the sticker inside the driver's door for the correct PSI.
- 2Check oil level: Park on level ground and wait a few minutes after switching off.
- 3Inspect lights: Brake lights, headlights, indicators, and reverse lights.
- 4Top up washer fluid: Keep a spare bottle in the trunk during winter.
- 5Car wash: More often in winter salt, pollen, or bug season.
- 6Tire rotation: Helps tires wear evenly and last longer.
- 7Replace cabin air filter: Reduces dust and pollen inside the car.
- 8Replace engine air filter: A clogged filter hurts fuel economy.
- 9Oil change: Follow the interval in your owner's manual.
- 10Check brake pads: Replace when the friction material is thin or you hear squealing.
- 11Replace wiper blades: Streaking or skipping means it's time.
- 12Check battery: Clean terminals and test charge before winter.
- 13Brake fluid: Absorbs moisture over time, which reduces braking power.
- 14Coolant: Prevents overheating and protects the cooling system.
- 15Transmission fluid: Check your manual; some modern transmissions are sealed.
- 16Spark plugs: Depends on plug type and engine design.
- 17Wheel alignment: Sooner if the car pulls to one side or after hitting a curb.
- 18Timing belt / chain: A failed timing belt can cause major engine damage.
Tips for keeping up with car maintenance
- 1Keep the owner's manual in the glovebox — it lists the exact intervals for your model.
- 2Record the date and mileage every time a service is done so you know what's next.
- 3Don't ignore warning lights — they're almost always cheaper to fix early.
Let DidWe track your car maintenance
Add oil changes, tire rotations, car washes, and any recurring task. Set how often it repeats, tap Done when it's finished, and DidWe will tell you what's due next — before it becomes overdue.
Get started — it's free