Car Maintenance Checklist

Quick reference for the car night, based on the UK Highway Code guidance for vehicle maintenance, safety, and security.

Use it before a car night or any scouting activity involving vehicles.

Quick pre-drive check

If you only have a minute, check these first:

  • lights

  • tyres

  • brakes

  • steering

  • windows / mirrors / visibility

  • seat belts

  • loose items secured

  • warning lights

If anything looks off, don’t shrug it off. Stop and get it checked before travel.

Before each journey

  • Windscreen, windows, mirrors, lights, number plates, and reflectors are clean and clear.

  • All lights work, including indicators, brake lights, and hazard lights.

  • Brakes feel normal.

  • Steering feels normal and the vehicle pulls straight.

  • Windscreen wipers and washers work.

  • Demisters work.

  • Seat belts are fitted and working.

  • Seats, head restraints, and mirrors are adjusted before driving.

  • Luggage and loose items are securely stowed.

  • Tyres look sound, with no obvious cuts, bulges, or damage.

  • Tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for the load being carried.

  • Tyre tread is legal and in good condition.

  • Dashboard warning lights are understood, and any active warning is checked before travel.

Weekly checks

  • Engine oil level.

  • Coolant / radiator water level.

  • Brake fluid level.

  • Washer bottle level.

  • Tyre pressures, including the spare if the vehicle has one.

  • Tyre condition and uneven wear.

  • Battery condition and visible corrosion around terminals.

Seasonal checks

Before winter

  • Battery is in good condition.

  • Antifreeze is suitable for the season.

  • Windscreen washer fluid is winter-ready.

  • Wipers are not worn or streaking.

  • Heating and demisting work properly.

Before longer trips or heavy loads

  • Tyre pressures are correct for the extra load.

  • Lights are properly adjusted and not dazzling other road users.

  • Luggage is evenly distributed and secure.

  • Nothing blocks mirrors, windows, or the swept area of the wipers.

Safety and legal reminders

  • Keep lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates clean and clearly visible.

  • Keep windscreens and windows free from anything that blocks vision.

  • Don’t use the vehicle if brakes or steering are faulty.

  • Make sure exhaust emissions are within legal limits.

  • Don’t use a vehicle with dangerously defective tyres.

  • Use the vehicle handbook for the correct service intervals and fluid specs.

Tyre note

For cars, light vans, and light trailers, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the full circumference.

Safely removing tyres

Only remove a wheel or tyre if you’re confident, the handbook allows it, and you have the right tools.

  • Park on level ground.

  • Apply the parking brake.

  • Put the vehicle in gear or park.

  • Chock the wheels that stay on the ground.

  • Loosen the wheel nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.

  • Use the correct jacking points from the handbook.

  • Never rely on the jack alone; use axle stands if the wheel must be fully removed.

  • Remove and refit one wheel at a time so the vehicle stays stable.

  • Inspect the tyre sidewall, tread, valve, and wheel rim while the wheel is off.

  • Refit the wheel, hand-tighten the nuts, lower the vehicle, then tighten to the manufacturer’s torque setting.

  • Recheck the wheel nuts after a short drive if the handbook recommends it.

Checking brake condition

  • Brake pedal feel is firm and predictable, not spongy or unusually low.

  • The vehicle does not pull sharply to one side when braking.

  • There are no brake warning lights showing.

  • Brake fluid is at the correct level.

  • There is no obvious leaking around brake pipes, hoses, or calipers.

  • Pads and discs look in good condition if you are checking them visually and safely.

  • There is no grinding, heavy squealing, vibration, or burning smell from the brakes.

  • If any brake fault is suspected, stop and get a qualified mechanic to inspect it.

Changing bulbs

  • Switch off the ignition and lights before starting.

  • Let bulbs cool before touching them.

  • Check the handbook for the correct access method and bulb type.

  • Use the correct replacement bulb for the vehicle.

  • Avoid touching the glass part of halogen bulbs with bare fingers.

  • Make sure the bulb is seated correctly before reassembly.

  • Test the light after replacing the bulb.

  • Check that the beam is aimed correctly and not dazzling other road users.

  • If access is awkward or the lamp unit is sealed, use a qualified mechanic.

Action log

  • Date:

  • Vehicle:

  • Checks completed:

  • Issues found:

  • Follow-up needed: