Car Maintenance Basics: Weekly Checks Every Driver Should Do

Basic car maintenance means doing a few quick checks every week: tyre pressures and tread, engine oil, coolant, screenwash, lights and any warning lights. The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6 mm, and illegal tyres can cost you up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points each. Many drivers use the memory aid POWDERY (or FLOWER) so they don't forget anything.

These checks take about 10 minutes and help keep you safe, legal and less likely to break down. Several also come up as "show me, tell me" questions on the UK driving test.

The POWDERY checklist

Some people use FLOWER instead: Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics, Rubber. Both cover the same essentials.

Tyres: the most important check

Tyres are the only contact between your car and the road.

Tread depth

The Highway Code says cars must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its whole circumference. Many tyres have tread wear indicators, small raised bars in the grooves; if the tread is level with them, it's time for new tyres. More tread grips much better in the wet, so don't wait until the legal limit.

The government's THINK! campaign warns that illegal tyres can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre.

Tyre pressure

• Check at least weekly and before long journeys.
• Check when the tyres are cold; warm tyres give misleading readings.
• Use the pressures in your handbook (often also on a sticker inside the driver's door or fuel flap), adjusted for the load you're carrying.

Condition

Look for cuts, bulges, cracks and objects stuck in the tread. A bulge means the tyre is damaged and should be replaced.

Oil

1. Park on level ground with the engine off and cool.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, push it fully back in and pull it out again.
3. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
4. Top up with the oil type in your handbook, a little at a time.

Low oil can cause serious engine damage. If the oil warning light comes on while driving, stop safely and check.

Coolant and screenwash

• Coolant: check the level against the marks on the expansion tank. Never open the cap when the engine is hot.
• Screenwash: keep it topped up, especially in winter, using a product that won't freeze.

Brakes

The Highway Code advises checking fluid levels regularly, including brake fluid, because low brake fluid can lead to brake failure. Learn what your car's brake warning light looks like. Before a journey, test the brakes gently as you set off; they shouldn't feel spongy or pull to one side.

Lights and warning lights

• Walk around the car with the lights and indicators on. Check brake lights using a reflection in a window or with a helper.
• Warning lights should go out after the engine starts. A warning light that stays on, or comes on while driving, needs investigating; check your handbook.
• Keep lights clean, especially in winter.

Wipers and windscreen

Wipers should clear the screen without smearing. Replace worn blades. Get chips repaired before they spread; a crack in your line of sight can be an MOT fail.

Beyond weekly checks

• Servicing: follow the schedule in your handbook (oil changes, filters, brakes).
• MOT: due when the car is 3 years old, then every year. See the MOT test explained.
• Seasonal prep: before winter, check tyres, battery, wipers and screenwash. Read driving in rain, fog and snow.

Car checks and your driving test

Many of these checks are "tell me" questions on the UK practical test, such as how you'd check tyre tread and pressures, engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and lights. Getting one or both vehicle safety questions wrong is one driving fault. See the practical driving test explained.

Summary

Spend 10 minutes a week on POWDERY: fuel, oil, water, damage, electrics, rubber and you. Pay special attention to tyres (at least 1.6 mm of tread and correct pressures), check fluids when the engine is cold and never ignore a warning light. These habits keep you safe, help you pass your MOT and prepare you for show me, tell me questions. They're also part of the habits of a confident driver.

Stay on top of maintenance with Co-Drive

Co-Drive is an iOS app with car maintenance and MOT reminders measured in miles for GB drivers, plus show me, tell me practice that covers these checks. It doesn't replace a qualified mechanic. Find out more.