Your car is one of your biggest investments and proper maintenance keeps it running safely and efficiently for years to come.
Regular car maintenance prevents costly breakdowns, improves fuel economy, and maintains your vehicle’s resale value whilst ensuring your safety here on Perth’s and WA roads.
Many drivers wait until something breaks before taking action, but this approach often leads to expensive repairs that could have been avoided.
Taking care of your car doesn’t require advanced mechanical skills or expensive tools.
Car Maintenance Checklist
A proper car maintenance checklist helps you track essential tasks like checking fluid levels, monitoring tyre pressure, and inspecting brake components.
Following regular maintenance schedules prevents costly repairs and keeps your vehicle safe on WA roads.
Routine Inspection Points
Your monthly car maintenance checks should focus on critical safety components.
Start with fluid levels including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid.
Check your tyre pressure at least once per month when tyres are cold. Low pressure reduces fuel efficiency and causes uneven wear.
Test your lights monthly including headlights, brake lights, and indicators. Walk around your vehicle to check each one works properly.
Examine your battery terminals for corrosion.
Listen for unusual noises when starting and driving. Grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds often indicate components needing attention.
Seasonal and Annual Checks
Schedule comprehensive inspections with a qualified mechanic every 12 months or as specified in your owner’s manual.
These checks cover components you cannot easily inspect yourself.
Winter preparations include testing your heating system, checking antifreeze levels, and inspecting wiper blades for damage.
Summer readiness focuses on air conditioning performance, coolant system pressure tests, and ensuring tyres can handle hot road surfaces.
Annual services typically include oil filter replacement, braking system components inspection, and timing belt history checks.
Your local mechanic will also examine suspension components.
Your mechanic may recommend changing other filters, such as cabin, air and fuel filters if they are dirty or to maintain a manufacturers warranty.
Have your wheel alignment checked if you notice pulling to one side or uneven tyre wear patterns.
Understanding Maintenance Schedules
Your vehicle’s logbook contains specific maintenance intervals based on kilometres travelled or time periods.
Follow the severe driving conditions schedule if you drive in dusty areas, make frequent short trips, or tow heavy loads.
Service intervals typically range from 6 months to 12 months for most components.
Oil changes might be needed every 5,000 to 15,000 kilometres depending on your engine type and oil grade.
Keep detailed records of all maintenance work including dates, kilometres, and parts replaced.
This documentation helps with warranty claims and improves resale value.
Some modern vehicles have electronic monitoring systems that alert you when service is due.
These systems track engine hours, temperature cycles, and driving conditions to calculate optimal service timing.
Plan major services like timing belt replacement based on your vehicle’s age and kilometre reading.
Ignoring these critical intervals can result in expensive engine damage.
Engine Care and Oil Changes
Your engine’s health depends on regular oil changes and proper maintenance practices.
Changing engine oil every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres helps prevent costly repairs and maintains optimal performance.
Checking Engine Oil
Check your oil level monthly on flat ground after the engine has been off for five minutes.
Pull out the dipstick, clean it, reinsert fully, then check again.
The oil should sit between the minimum and maximum marks. Dark, thick, or gritty oil needs changing immediately.
When to change your oil:
- Every 10,000-15,000 km for standard conditions
- More frequently for stop-and-go traffic
- Sooner in extreme heat or dusty conditions
- Earlier if towing heavy loads regularly
Your log book servicing schedule should tell you how often your oil needs to be changed and your local mechanic can do this for you.
Recognising Signs of Engine Trouble
Monitor these warning signs that indicate potential engine problems requiring immediate attention.
Oil-related warning signs:
- Oil pressure warning light
- Unusual engine noises or knocking
- Blue or grey exhaust smoke
- Oil puddles under your parked car
Check oil colour and consistency regularly.
Healthy oil appears amber or black and flows smoothly.
Milky oil suggests coolant contamination, while metal particles indicate internal wear.
Skipping oil changes leads to serious engine damage as oil becomes less effective over time.
Poor lubrication causes increased friction, overheating, and premature component failure.
Engine damage from neglected maintenance reduces fuel efficiency significantly.
Clean oil helps your engine run smoothly and maintain optimal performance levels.
Address oil leaks immediately.
Small leaks become major problems that can leave you stranded and require expensive repairs.
Fluids: Essential Checks and Top-Ups
Your car’s vital fluids require regular monitoring to prevent expensive repairs and maintain optimal performance.
Proper fluid maintenance prevents overheating, ensures safe braking, and keeps your transmission running smoothly.
Coolant Levels and System Flushing
Coolant prevents your engine from overheating by absorbing heat and moving it through the radiator.
You should check coolant levels every month when the engine is completely cold.
Never check coolant when the engine is hot. Hot coolant is under pressure and can spray out, causing serious burns.
Look for the coolant reservoir tank near your radiator. The fluid level should sit between the minimum and maximum marks on the tank.
What to Look For:
- Clear, coloured liquid (usually green, orange, or pink)
- No floating debris or oil contamination
- Level between min and max lines
If your coolant appears rusty, milky, or contains floating particles, you need a system flush.
Coolant replacement typically occurs every 50,000 kilometres or as specified in your owner’s manual.
Top up with the correct coolant type for your vehicle.
Mixing different coolant types can damage your cooling system.
Brake Fluid and Safety
Brake fluid transfers the force from your brake pedal to your wheels through hydraulic pressure.
This fluid is critical for your safety and requires regular inspection.
Check your brake fluid monthly by locating the brake fluid reservoir in your engine bay.
The reservoir is usually mounted on or near the brake master cylinder.
Warning Signs of Brake Fluid Problems:
- Spongy brake pedal feel
- Brake pedal sinks to the floor
- Squealing or grinding noises
- Longer stopping distances
Brake fluid should be translucent, not cloudy or dark.
Dark or contaminated fluid absorbs moisture, which can cause brake lines to rust and reduce braking effectiveness.
Replace brake fluid every two years or according to your manufacturer’s schedule.
Water contamination in brake fluid lowers its boiling point, potentially causing brake failure during heavy use.
If you notice any brake fluid leaks under your car or rapid fluid loss, stop driving immediately and seek professional help.
Transmission and Power Steering Fluid
Transmission fluid lubricates gears and enables smooth shifting in both automatic and manual transmissions.
Power steering fluid makes turning your steering wheel effortless at any speed.
Checking Transmission Fluid:
- Warm up your engine
- Keep the engine running
- Shift through all gears
- Check fluid with transmission in Park or Neutral
Transmission fluid should appear amber or red and feel smooth.
Dark, burnt-smelling, or gritty fluid indicates internal wear and requires immediate attention.
Power Steering Fluid Check:
- Locate the power steering reservoir
- Check fluid level against minimum and maximum marks
- Ensure fluid appears clean and proper colour
Low power steering fluid causes heavy steering, especially when parking.
Frequent fluid top-ups indicate a leak that needs repair.
Both fluids have specific viscosity requirements.
Always use manufacturer-recommended fluid types to avoid costly damage to these complex systems.
Inspecting Headlights and Brake Lights
Check your headlights monthly for cracks, moisture buildup, or cloudy lenses.
Turn on your headlights and walk around your vehicle to confirm both low and high beams work properly.
Look for yellowed or foggy headlight covers that reduce brightness.
Clean them with specialised headlight restoration kits or replace them if severely damaged.
Test your brake lights by pressing the brake pedal whilst someone watches from behind your car.
Brake lights must be brighter than regular tail lights and also red in colour.
Replace burnt-out bulbs immediately.
Check that brake lights activate instantly when you press the pedal.
Delayed response often indicates electrical issues that need professional attention.
Checking Indicators and Turn Signals
Test your indicators by turning them on and checking front, rear, and side marker lights flash properly. The flashing should be steady and bright.
Fast blinking usually means a bulb has blown.
Slow or irregular flashing suggests electrical problems or corroded connections.
Clean indicator lenses regularly to remove dirt and grime. Dirty lenses reduce visibility and can cause accidents.
Test your hazard lights monthly. All four indicators should flash simultaneously when activated.
Maintaining Parking and Reversing Lights
Check your parking lights work when you turn on your headlight switch to the first position.
These lights help other drivers see you when parked.
Test reversing lights by engaging reverse gear whilst someone watches from behind.
Both reverse lights should illuminate brightly in white.
Replace parking light bulbs as soon as they fail.
Driving with faulty parking lights can result in fines in most Australian states.
Clean all light covers monthly with soap and water. Remove stubborn grime with automotive glass cleaner.
Check light mountings for loose screws or damaged housings that could let water in and cause electrical faults.
Tyres: Safety and Performance
Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road surface.
Proper tyre pressure, adequate tread depth, and correct wheel alignment directly impact your safety, fuel efficiency, and vehicle handling.
Monitoring Tyre Pressure
Check your tyre pressure at least once a month when tyres are cold.
Cold tyres give you the most accurate reading.
Use a reliable pressure gauge to measure each tyre.
Check your owner’s manual or the sticker inside your driver’s door for the correct pressure specifications.
Underinflated tyres can cause:
- Increased fuel consumption
- Faster tyre wear on outer edges
- Poor handling and longer braking distances
- Higher risk of blowouts
Overinflated tyres can lead to:
- Reduced contact with road surface
- Faster wear in the centre of the tread
- Harsher ride quality
- Less grip in wet conditions
Maintaining the right tyre pressure is crucial for ensuring better grip and longer-lasting tyres.
Most modern vehicles have tyre pressure monitoring systems, but manual checks remain important.
Check pressure before long trips or when carrying heavy loads.
Temperature changes affect pressure, so adjust accordingly during seasonal transitions.
Assessing Tread Depth
Legal minimum tread depth in Australia is 1.5mm.
However, replace tyres when tread reaches 3mm for better wet weather performance.
Tyre tread depth indicators:
- New tyres: 8-10mm
- Replace soon: 3mm
- Legal minimum: 1.5mm
- Dangerous: Below 1.5mm
Worn-out tread reduces grip, particularly on wet or slick roads. Check tread depth across the entire width of each tyre.
Look for uneven wear patterns. These indicate alignment problems, improper pressure, or suspension issues that need attention.
Replace tyres in pairs on the same axle. Mixing different tread depths affects vehicle stability and handling characteristics.
Routine Rotation and Wheel Alignment
Rotate your tyres every 8,000-10,000 kilometres to ensure even wear.
Front and rear tyres wear differently due to steering and braking forces.
Common rotation patterns:
- Front-wheel drive: Move front tyres to rear, cross rear tyres to front
- Rear-wheel drive: Move rear tyres to front, cross front tyres to rear
- All-wheel drive: Cross-pattern rotation recommended
Wheel alignment affects how your tyres contact the road surface. Misalignment causes uneven wear and poor handling.
Signs of alignment problems:
- Vehicle pulls to one side
- Steering wheel sits off-centre
- Uneven tyre wear patterns
- Vibration through steering wheel
Have alignment checked annually or after hitting potholes or kerbs.
Professional tyre rotation and balancing helps maintain smooth rolling and prevents vibration.
Proper wheel balancing eliminates vibration and prevents premature wear.
Unbalanced wheels cause steering wheel shake and uneven tread wear patterns.
Brakes: Maintenance and Warning Signs
Your brake system needs regular checks to keep you safe on WA roads.
Watch for worn brake pads, contaminated brake fluid, and unusual sounds that signal potential problems.
Checking Brake Pads
Brake pads wear down gradually with normal use.
Most pads last between 25,000 to 70,000 kilometres depending on your driving habits and vehicle type.
Check your brake pads through the wheel spokes if possible.
Look for the pad thickness between the calliper and rotor. New pads are usually 10-12mm thick.
Warning signs of worn brake pads:
- High-pitched squealing when braking
- Metal grinding sounds
- Brake pedal feels different
- Longer stopping distances
Squealing noises indicate your brake pads need replacement within a few thousand kilometres.
Grinding sounds mean the pads are completely worn through to the metal backing.
Don’t ignore these sounds.
Worn brake pads can damage your rotors and create expensive repairs.
A mechanic can measure your pad thickness accurately and recommend replacement timing.
Brake Fluid Condition
Brake fluid transfers the force from your pedal to the brake pads.
This fluid absorbs moisture over time, which reduces its effectiveness and can cause brake failure.
Check your brake fluid monthly using the reservoir under your bonnet.
The fluid should be clear to light amber in colour. Dark, thick, or contaminated fluid needs immediate replacement.
Signs of brake fluid problems:
- Fluid level below minimum line
- Dark or murky appearance
- Spongy brake pedal feel
- Brake warning light on dashboard
A spongy brake pedal indicates air in brake lines or brake fluid contamination.
This creates serious safety issues that need immediate attention.
Brake fluid needs to be replaced if the moisture content is 3% or above.
Never top up with different brake fluid types, as this can damage seals and brake components.
Addressing Brake Noises and Responsiveness
Your brakes communicate through sounds, pedal feel, and vehicle behaviour.
Recognising brake warning signs early prevents dangerous situations and costly repairs.
Immediate attention required:
- Brake pedal goes to the floor
- Metal grinding sounds
- Brake fluid leaks under your car
- Burning smell when braking
Schedule repairs soon:
- Car pulls to one side when braking
- Steering wheel vibrates during braking
- Brake pedal feels spongy or soft
If your car pulls left or right during braking, this suggests uneven brake wear or stuck callipers.
This affects your ability to stop straight and control your vehicle safely.
Don’t ignore brake problems as they never improve on their own.
Have a qualified mechanic inspect your brake system if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Early intervention always costs less than waiting for complete brake failure.
Suspension, Steering, and Driving Comfort
Your suspension system plays a crucial role in ensuring comfort, stability, and safety.
Regular inspection of shocks and struts prevents costly repairs, whilst proper steering maintenance ensures responsive handling and extends component life.
Inspecting Shocks and Struts
Check your shocks and struts every 50,000 kilometres or when you notice bouncing after hitting bumps.
Look for oil leaks around the shock body, which indicates worn seals.
Press down firmly on each corner of your car and release. The vehicle should bounce once and settle.
If it bounces multiple times, your shock absorbers need replacement.
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Visible fluid leaks
- Excessive bouncing
- Nose-diving during braking
- Uneven tyre wear patterns
Replace shocks and struts in pairs to maintain balance.
Front shocks typically last 80,000-100,000 kilometres, whilst rear shocks may last longer depending on your driving conditions.
Evaluating Suspension Wear
Inspect your suspension components monthly for signs of wear.
Look at the springs, control arms, and ball joints during routine maintenance.
Check for uneven tyre wear, which often indicates suspension problems affecting vehicle alignment.
Inner or outer edge wear suggests alignment issues related to worn suspension parts.
Key Inspection Points:
Springs: Look for cracks, breaks, or sagging
Ball joints: Check for looseness or grease leaks
Control arms: Inspect bushings for cracks or deterioration
Sway bars: Examine links for looseness or damage
Listen for clunking, rattling, or squeaking noises when driving over bumps.
These sounds often indicate worn bushings or loose components that need immediate attention.
Steering System Maintenance
Check your power steering fluid monthly using the dipstick in the reservoir.
The fluid should be clear or light amber, not dark or contaminated.
Top up with the manufacturer’s recommended fluid type when levels drop below the minimum mark.
Never mix different types of power steering fluid.
Monthly Steering Checks:
- Fluid level and colour
- Belt tension and condition
- Steering wheel play (should be less than 5cm)
- Unusual noises when turning
Have your wheel alignment checked every 20,000 kilometres or after hitting large potholes.
Proper alignment prevents uneven tyre wear and maintains steering stability.
Replace power steering fluid every 100,000 kilometres or as specified in your owner’s manual.
Flush the system to remove contaminants that can damage seals and pumps.
Battery and Electrical System Maintenance
Your car battery powers the engine startup and all electrical components when the engine is off.
Regular testing helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, whilst proper troubleshooting can identify electrical problems before they become costly repairs.
Testing and Replacing the Car Battery
Most car batteries last between 2 to 4 years before needing replacement. Regular testing helps you know when it’s time for a new one.
Battery Testing
A professional battery test determines how well your battery holds charge under pressure.
Your mechanic can perform this test to check battery capacity.
Warning Signs of Battery Failure:
- Slow engine cranking
- Dashboard battery warning light
- Frequent jump-starts needed
- Corrosion on terminals
Troubleshooting Electrical Issues
Electrical problems can affect everything from headlights to the engine management system.
Identifying issues early saves money and prevents breakdowns.
Common Electrical Problems:
- Dim or flickering lights
- Dead battery after sitting overnight
- Electrical accessories not working
- Burnt fuses
Modern cars have complex electrical systems that require professional diagnostic equipment.
Persistent electrical issues often indicate problems with the alternator, starter, or wiring harness that need expert attention.
Windscreen, Wipers, and Preventing Rust
Clear vision and rust prevention work together to keep your vehicle safe and well-maintained.
Regular windscreen wiper maintenance and proper rust protection extend your car’s life and ensure optimal driving conditions.
Replacing Windscreen and Wiper Blades
Windscreen wipers should be replaced every 6-12 months or when they start streaking.
Check your wiper blades monthly for cracks, splits, or bent frames.
Signs you need new blades include:
- Streaking across the windscreen
- Chattering or skipping motion
- Visible damage to rubber edges
- Poor contact with glass surface
To replace wiper blades, lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen.
Press the small tab on the blade connector and slide the old blade off. Slide the new blade onto the arm until you hear a click.
Windscreen replacement requires professional installation.
Small chips can often be repaired, but cracks longer than 15cm typically need full replacement.
Always test new wipers with washer fluid before your first drive.
Quality blades improve visibility and prevent scratches on your windscreen.
Checking Washer Fluid
Washer fluid levels should be checked monthly and topped up as needed.
Most vehicles have a blue cap with a windscreen symbol on the reservoir.
Use proper windscreen washer concentrate mixed with water.
Never use dish soap or household cleaners as these can damage seals and pumps.
In winter, use washer fluid with antifreeze properties to prevent freezing.
Summer blends help remove bugs and road grime more effectively.
- Fill the reservoir to the maximum line but don’t overfill.
- Check that washer jets spray properly onto the windscreen centre.
- Clean blocked jets with a thin wire or needle.
- Replace washer fluid if it becomes cloudy or develops an odd smell.
Quality fluid prevents mineral buildup in your washer system.
Protecting Against Rust and Corrosion
Rust forms when metal meets moisture and oxygen.
Your car’s body panels, especially around door frames and wheel wells, are most vulnerable to corrosion.
Prevent rust by washing your car regularly, particularly the undercarriage.
Salt from roads accelerates rust formation, so rinse thoroughly after driving on salted surfaces.
Apply protective coatings to vulnerable areas:
- Wax painted surfaces every 3-4 months
- Rust prevention sprays on exposed metal
- Undercarriage treatments annually
- Check for paint chips and scratches monthly.
Rust prevention requires immediate attention to these damaged areas before corrosion starts.
Keep your car dry when possible. Remove wet floor mats and fix water leaks promptly.
Proper drainage around windscreen seals prevents rust in door frames and pillars.
Regular maintenance prevents costly rust repairs later.
Address small rust spots immediately with touch-up paint or professional treatment.
Advanced Engine Components and Filters
These critical components work together to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.
Proper maintenance of spark plugs, air filters, and serpentine belts prevents costly breakdowns and maintains optimal performance.
Replacing Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture in your engine’s combustion chambers.
They wear out over time and need regular replacement.
Most spark plugs last between 30,000 to 100,000 kilometres depending on the type.
Standard copper plugs need replacement every 30,000-50,000 kilometres.
Platinum and iridium plugs can last up to 100,000 kilometres.
Signs your spark plugs need replacement:
- Engine misfiring or rough idling
- Poor fuel economy
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Reduced acceleration power
Maintaining the Air Filter
The air filter removes dust, dirt, and debris from air entering your engine.
Clean air filters ensure proper combustion and optimal engine performance.
Replace your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometres.
Check it more frequently if you drive in dusty conditions.
Symptoms of a dirty air filter:
- Reduced engine power
- Poor fuel efficiency
- Black smoke from exhaust
- Engine hesitation during acceleration
A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing performance and fuel economy.
Clean filters allow your engine to breathe properly and run efficiently.
Inspecting the Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt drives multiple engine accessories including the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.
This single belt keeps essential systems running.
Inspect your serpentine belt every 10,000 kilometres or during regular services.
Most belts last 60,000 to 100,000 kilometres before needing replacement.
Warning signs of belt problems:
- Squealing noises from the engine bay
- Cracks or fraying on the belt surface
- Missing chunks of rubber
- Glazed or shiny appearance
Check for proper belt tension by pressing down on the longest section. It should deflect about 1.25 centimetres with moderate pressure.
Replace the belt immediately if you notice any damage.
A broken serpentine belt will disable multiple systems and leave you stranded.
Keep the engine bay clean to prevent premature belt wear from oil and debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
Car owners commonly ask about oil change intervals, tyre rotation schedules, brake warning signs, fluid level maintenance, air filter replacement timing, and battery care routines.
Understanding these maintenance basics helps prevent breakdowns and extends vehicle life.
What is the recommended frequency for oil changes in vehicles?
You should change your engine oil every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first. This interval can vary based on your driving conditions.
Stop-and-go city driving, frequent idling, and dusty road conditions may require more frequent oil changes. Cold weather driving also affects oil performance.
Many modern cars display remaining kilometres until your next oil change using the onboard computer.
Always replace the oil filter at the same time as changing the oil.
Check your oil level after every one or two fuel fill-ups.
Low oil levels can cause expensive engine damage that costs thousands to repair.
How often should tyres be rotated to ensure even wear and extend their life?
You should rotate your tyres every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres or every six months. This practice ensures even wear patterns across all four tyres.
Front tyres typically wear faster than rear tyres due to steering, braking, and acceleration forces.
Regular rotation helps maximise tyre life and maintains better traction.
Follow your vehicle’s recommended rotation pattern, which varies based on tyre type and vehicle design.
Some vehicles with different front and rear tyre sizes cannot be rotated.
What are the signs that indicate a car’s brakes need servicing?
Listen for squealing, grinding, or scraping noises when applying the brakes.
These sounds often indicate worn brake pads that need immediate replacement.
Feel for vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal during braking.
This usually signals warped brake rotors or drums requiring attention.
Notice if your car pulls to one side when braking or if the brake pedal feels spongy.
These symptoms suggest brake fluid issues or uneven brake wear.
Check for longer stopping distances than normal.
This gradual change often goes unnoticed but indicates deteriorating brake performance.
How can one check and maintain appropriate fluid levels in a vehicle?
Check your engine oil using the dipstick when the engine is cool and the car is parked on level ground.
The oil level should sit between the minimum and maximum marks.
Inspect brake fluid in the translucent reservoir near the brake master cylinder.
The fluid should appear clear or slightly amber, not dark or contaminated.
Monitor coolant levels in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
Examine power steering fluid, windscreen washer fluid, and transmission fluid regularly.
Each vehicle has specific checking procedures outlined in your owner’s manual.
What is the importance of regularly replacing air filters in cars?
Clean air filters ensure proper airflow to your engine for optimal combustion and fuel efficiency.
Dirty filters reduce engine performance and increase fuel consumption.
Clogged air filters force your engine to work harder, leading to premature wear and potential damage.
This extra strain costs you money in repairs and fuel.
A clean air filter also protects your engine from debris and contaminants that could cause internal damage.
What routine checks should be performed to ensure a car’s battery is in good condition?
Inspect battery terminals monthly for corrosion, which appears as white or blue-green buildup.
Check that battery cables are tight and secure.
Loose connections can prevent proper charging and cause starting problems.
Look for physical damage like cracks, bulges, or leaks in the battery case.
Replace damaged batteries immediately as they can be dangerous.
Monitor how quickly your engine starts. Slow cranking often indicates a weak battery that needs replacement soon.
Wrapping Up
So now you know the major and minor elements involved in car maintenance.
Preventative maintenance of your car can not only save money, it can help keep you and your passengers safe on WA’s road.
For a thorough checkup and car service in Perth, choose the experts here at Auto Smart Mechanical…
Call us on 1300 70 70 48 or 0408 877 796, or book an appointment here.