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The 6 Key Consumables
| Consumable | Change Interval | Typical Cost (DIY) | Safety Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wiper Blades | Every 12 months | £15–25 | High — visibility |
| Car Bulbs | When blown / annual check | £5–25 per bulb | High — visibility & legal |
| Engine Oil | Every 10,000–20,000 miles | £25–40 | Critical — engine protection |
| Cabin Filter | Every 12,000–15,000 miles | £8–15 | Medium — air quality |
| Car Battery | Every 4–6 years | £60–150 | High — starting reliability |
| Spark Plugs | Every 30,000–80,000 miles | £15–40 (set) | Medium — performance & emissions |
Maintenance Calendar
Here’s a simple annual maintenance schedule for UK drivers:
- Spring (March) — Change cabin filter (before pollen season), check wiper blades.
- Summer (June) — Check tyre pressures, top up screenwash, check all bulbs.
- Autumn (October) — Change wiper blades, test battery, check antifreeze.
- Winter (December) — Ensure emergency kit is stocked, check all lights work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important car maintenance to do?
Engine oil changes are the single most important regular maintenance. Running low on oil or using degraded oil causes catastrophic engine damage. After that, wiper blades and bulbs are critical for safety.
How much does basic car maintenance cost per year?
Doing it yourself, expect £80-150 per year for wipers, oil change, cabin filter, and occasional bulbs. At a garage, the same maintenance costs £250-500+.
Planning to tow? See towbar compatibility and towing limits for what your car can legally tow and which towbar is approved for your exact variant.
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How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →