Published 14 May 2026
Looking after your vehicle: a guide to car maintenance
To get you safely from A to B, it’s important to look after your car and make sure it’s in a good, roadworthy condition. We’ll help you get to grips with your car maintenance and give you an idea of what kind of car insurance is right for you.
Is car maintenance worth the effort?
Short answer, yes! It’s important to keep an eye on the health of your car throughout the year and it’s not only about keeping you safe. By staying on top of your car maintenance, you’re helping make sure it’s running well, less likely to break down and more likely to pay you back with peak performance.
When should I worry about car maintenance?
You’ll want to pay particular attention to your vehicle at the change of seasons as road conditions worsen and can become slippery or uneven in winter, making them dangerous to drive on. Older cars, especially, need that extra bit of care and attention to check they’re happy before you get behind the wheel.
Always check the condition of your car before long journeys, too, to make sure it’s safe and up to the challenge. If your vehicle’s been left standing for a while, it’s also worth giving it a good check over to make sure it’s still fit to drive.
Where can I check my car?
While some maintenance tasks can be done at home, it’s important to leave really tough jobs to experts with specialised equipment. Driving a damaged car can be illegal in severe cases – not to mention extremely dangerous – and you must have a valid MOT to be on the road
Can I look after my car maintenance myself?
Knowing how to take care of your car doesn’t come easy to many drivers and certain maintenance checks, such as wheel alignment, servicing , bodywork or your MOT, should be carried out by a professional.
Our car maintenance tips can build your confidence and help you look after the health of your vehicle yourself but if you have major concerns, always put your own safety first and leave it to the experts
Keeping your car in good shape can save you money and help keep you, your passengers and other road users safe. These simple checks can help keep your car running smoothly:
Michael Golding – Motor Network Manager
What should be in a car maintenance checklist?
Regular car maintenance can help keep your car safe on the road and avoid breakdowns. The most common causes of breakdowns include:
- Faulty car battery.
- Lost car keys.
- Damage to wheels or tyres.
- Engine oil.
- Faults in the alternator.
The easiest way to keep your car properly maintained is to understand the basics. A well-maintained vehicle is safer for you, your passengers, and your fellow road users. Make regular checks and try to keep your car in tip-top condition.
Our car maintenance top tips:
First things first, refresh yourself on your owner’s manual. It should detail most of the recommended maintenance areas and give you an idea of when to change oils and fluids, check belts, and replace tyres or filters.
A flat battery is a common cause of breakdowns, so check yours is raring to go. Look out for the electrolyte level and check it every month to make sure it’s within the limit stated on the outside of the battery. Check for damage or corrosion around the battery and connections.
Checking your coolant levels only takes a minute but can save you money and help you stress less in the future. Make sure your water to anti-freeze ratio stays at the correct level and listen to see if the cooling fan is working properly.
Your car relies on working tyres, so it’s vital they’re kept in a good condition and you should check them at least once a month. Check your tyres’ tread depth, the tyre pressure, and look for any visible signs of damage. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check your spare tyre!
Regularly check your car oil levels using your engine’s dipstick. You should also check the condition of your air filter and replace it when necessary. The speed of deterioration will depend on how much you use your car, so it’s worth keeping an eye on. Fluids are essential to the running of your car, but incorrect fluids or leaks can damage the engine.
Check all vehicle lights are in working order, including headlights, indicators and brake lights. This is a legal requirement – all exterior lights must work in order to be safe on the road.
Dodgy windscreen wipers are one of the most likely MOT fails, so check they’re working correctly and give them a good clean. You wouldn’t want them to leave smears over the windscreen that could affect your vision.
Dashboard warning lights
Dashboard warning lights are great at updating you on your car's health, but they can sometimes be confusing...
- A red warning light typically means that your car needs urgent attention.
- A brake or temperature warning light means it may be time to contact your breakdown cover provider.
- Amber or yellow dashboard lights suggest something's off but not urgent.
Dashboard lights can cause distractions on the road and impact our ability to drive safely. That's why it's important you know which action to take when your dashboard does light up.
What do the colours on your dashboard mean?
Just like a traffic light, the colours on your dashboard mean different things and require different courses of action.
Key dashboard warning lights to look out for
Make sure you're clued up on which warning lights to look out for and the best action to take. Here are a few example:
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| Engine Warning Light | If the light stays on after starting the engine, get your car checked immediately, even if it feels normal to drive. It indicates that there's something wrong with the engine and you could end up damaging it if you continue to drive. |
| OIl Pressure | Oil is essential to lubricate the engine. It's always a good idea to stop and check your oil gauge. A simple top-up might be all you need if the level's low, but if the warning light remains on after you’ve topped up, it signals that there’s a more serious issue. |
| Temperature Warning Light | Driving with an overheated engine risks a complete engine shutdown. Stop the car, let it cool down and check your coolant (the fluid that helps regulate engine temperature). You might just need more coolant, or there could be a leak that needs repairing. |
| Brake System | If you see this light, don't take any chances, pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. It’s dangerous to drive with a faulty brake, so if the brakes seem ‘spongy’, or unresponsive, stop driving immediately and contact a breakdown professional. |
| Battery Charge | When the battery charge light is on, it means the battery isn't charging as it should, potentially affecting power steering, headlights, and other electrical features. A mechanic should inspect the battery to prevent a breakdown. |
For more information on driving fitness and staying safe on the roads, check your car manual.
Our car insurance covers breakdown, dings, dent, scratches and vandalism, so remember to check your policy and stay protected on the roads.
Bonus tip to keep you safe on the road
Make sure your car insurance is working for you and refresh yourself on the conditions of your policy.
Are you still under the maximum covered miles as stated in your policy? Could you benefit from more insurance coverage? It’s essential you keep your car running smoothly and you have an insurance policy that offers the best possible protection.
With Allianz Online Car Insurance you manage your policy yourself online and our three cover levels make it easy to choose the right option for you. Trust us to keep car insurance simple.
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