How Often Does Your Car Need Maintenance?

Keeping up with regular car maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to protect your vehicle. Whether you drive a petrol, hybrid, or electric car, routine maintenance helps ensure your vehicle stays safe, reliable, and efficient on the road. Many drivers wonder how often their car needs maintenance, but the answer depends on several factors including vehicle type, driving habits, and mileage.

A consistent car maintenance schedule can help prevent unexpected breakdowns, extend the life of your vehicle, and reduce long-term repair costs. Regular servicing also improves performance, fuel efficiency, and overall driving comfort. By understanding when and why your car needs maintenance, you can make informed decisions that keep your vehicle running smoothly year-round.

Understanding Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule

Every vehicle comes with a recommended maintenance schedule designed to keep it operating at its best. This schedule outlines when specific services should be performed based on time intervals, mileage, or a combination of both. Following these guidelines helps ensure that essential components are inspected and serviced before small issues turn into costly repairs.

Most car maintenance schedules are divided into minor and major services. Minor services typically include oil changes, fluid top-ups, and basic inspections, while major services involve more comprehensive checks of systems like brakes, suspension, and the battery. While these intervals provide a general guideline, your actual maintenance needs may vary depending on how and where you drive.

It’s always a good idea to review your owner’s manual or consult a professional service technician to understand the recommended service intervals for your vehicle. Staying on top of your maintenance schedule not only helps protect your car but also provides peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.

General Car Maintenance Checklist

Having a general car maintenance checklist makes it easier to stay on top of routine vehicle care. While service intervals can vary, these common checks help ensure your car remains safe, efficient, and reliable throughout the year.

Maintenance You Should Do Every Month

Simple monthly checks can help catch potential issues early and keep your vehicle in good condition between services. These quick inspections don’t take long and can prevent unnecessary wear.

• Check tire pressure and tread depth to ensure proper handling and fuel efficiency
• Inspect exterior and interior lights to confirm they’re working correctly
• Check windshield wipers and washer fluid for clear visibility
• Monitor fluid levels, including coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid

Maintenance Every 6 Months or 10,000 km / 6,000 miles

At this interval, your vehicle should receive more thorough attention. These services help maintain performance and prevent long-term damage.

• Oil and oil filter change for petrol and hybrid vehicles
• Tire rotation and balance to promote even tire wear
• Brake inspection, including pads, rotors, and fluid levels
• Battery health check to ensure reliable starting

Annual or Major Service Checks

An annual service or major maintenance visit includes a more comprehensive inspection of your vehicle’s critical systems.

• Suspension and steering system inspection
• Engine and cabin air filter replacement
• Cooling system and exhaust inspection
• Comprehensive safety and performance check

How Often Do Petrol Cars Need Maintenance?

Petrol-powered vehicles typically require more frequent maintenance compared to hybrid and electric cars due to the number of moving engine components. Regular oil changes are essential, as engine oil lubricates parts, reduces friction, and helps prevent overheating.

Most petrol cars benefit from servicing every 6 to 12 months, depending on mileage and driving conditions. In addition to oil changes, routine maintenance may include spark plug replacement, air filter changes, fuel system inspections, and emissions checks. Drivers who frequently travel short distances or drive in heavy traffic may need more frequent servicing.

Staying on schedule with petrol car maintenance helps improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend engine life. Following recommended service intervals ensures your vehicle continues to perform reliably and safely over time.

How Often Do Hybrid Cars Need Maintenance?

Hybrid vehicles combine a petrol engine with an electric motor, which means their maintenance needs fall somewhere between traditional petrol cars and fully electric vehicles. While hybrids still require regular servicing, some components may experience less wear due to the electric motor assisting the engine.

Hybrid cars generally follow a similar service schedule to petrol vehicles, with oil changes, fluid checks, and engine inspections required at regular intervals. However, brake systems often last longer thanks to regenerative braking, which reduces wear on brake pads and rotors. Hybrid-specific maintenance also includes monitoring the health of the high-voltage battery and ensuring the electrical systems are functioning correctly.

Keeping up with hybrid car maintenance helps maintain fuel efficiency, ensure smooth operation between the engine and electric motor, and extend the lifespan of key components. Regular inspections by trained technicians are essential to identify issues early and keep your hybrid running efficiently.

How Often Do Electric Cars Need Maintenance?

Electric vehicles typically require less routine maintenance than petrol or hybrid cars because they have fewer moving parts and no internal combustion engine. There’s no need for oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust system repairs, which can reduce overall servicing frequency.

That said, electric cars still need regular maintenance to stay safe and reliable. Common service checks include inspecting the battery system, monitoring software updates, checking brakes, tires, suspension, and cooling systems. Like hybrid vehicles, electric cars also benefit from regenerative braking, which can extend brake life.

Although electric car maintenance is generally less frequent, routine inspections are still important. Following a recommended EV service schedule helps ensure optimal performance, battery longevity, and peace of mind on the road.

Factors That Can Affect Your Car’s Maintenance Frequency

While recommended service intervals provide a helpful guideline, several factors can influence how often your car needs maintenance. Driving conditions, habits, and environmental factors all play a role in how quickly components wear over time.

Frequent stop-and-go driving, short trips, or heavy city traffic can place extra strain on your vehicle, often requiring more frequent servicing. Vehicles driven primarily on highways may experience less wear, while extreme temperatures, dusty environments, or wet conditions can also impact maintenance needs.

Your driving style matters as well. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and carrying heavy loads can increase wear on tires, brakes, and suspension components. Being aware of these factors helps you adjust your car maintenance schedule and address potential issues before they become major problems.

Signs Your Car May Need Maintenance Sooner

Even if your vehicle is not due for scheduled service, certain warning signs may indicate that maintenance is needed sooner. Paying attention to these signals can help prevent breakdowns and costly repairs.

Dashboard warning lights are one of the most obvious signs that something needs attention. Unusual noises such as squealing brakes, grinding sounds, or knocking from the engine can also signal a problem. You may also notice changes in performance, such as reduced fuel efficiency, sluggish acceleration, or vibrations while driving.

Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious issues over time. If your vehicle doesn’t feel or sound right, it’s best to schedule a vehicle health check with a professional to ensure your car remains safe and dependable.

Why Staying on Top of Maintenance Saves You Money

Regular car maintenance is not just about keeping your vehicle running—it’s also a smart way to save money in the long run. Preventative maintenance helps identify small issues before they become costly repairs. For example, replacing worn brake pads early can prevent damage to rotors, and regular oil changes can extend the life of your engine.

Routine maintenance also helps improve fuel efficiency, meaning fewer trips to the gas station. A well-maintained vehicle typically retains a higher resale value, making it easier to sell or trade-in later. By investing in regular inspections and services, you protect your wallet while keeping your car safe and reliable on the road.

When to Book a Professional Service

While some basic maintenance can be done at home, professional servicing is essential for thorough inspections and repairs. Certified technicians have the tools and expertise to identify issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye.

Book a service at a reputable garage to ensure that critical systems like brakes, suspension, and the engine are checked thoroughly. Dealership service departments often provide digital service records, which can be useful for warranty purposes and resale.

Even if your car seems to be running fine, following the recommended service schedule and consulting professionals when needed ensures your vehicle stays in peak condition.

Maintenance and Your Lease Agreement

If you’re driving a leased vehicle—whether under a Personal Contract Hire (PCH) or Business Contract Hire (BCH) agreement—it’s especially important to stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Lease agreements typically include clauses requiring routine servicing at specified intervals. Failing to follow these guidelines can result in additional charges when your lease ends, including fees for wear-and-tear repairs that might have been preventable.

Keeping up with scheduled maintenance not only helps avoid unexpected costs, but also ensures that your leased vehicle remains safe, reliable, and in top condition. Most lease providers will ask for proof of service, so keeping detailed records from professional services is highly recommended. Following the schedule keeps you compliant with your lease terms while protecting the car’s value.

Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Your Car’s Maintenance Needs

Regular maintenance is essential for all vehicles, whether petrol, hybrid, or electric. By understanding your car’s maintenance schedule and staying proactive with inspections, you can prevent costly repairs, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure a safer driving experience.

For leased vehicles, following the manufacturer’s schedule is even more important to avoid unexpected fees and stay compliant with your agreement. Regardless of your car type or leasing arrangement, investing in routine maintenance helps protect your investment, prolongs the life of your vehicle, and keeps it performing at its best.

Book your next service with a trusted professional at Advance Motors to stay on track and drive with confidence.