Spring Maintenance (March-May)
Winter is harsh on cars. Spring is the time to inspect damage and refresh consumables for summer driving.
Consumables & Fluids
- Replace wiper blades if showing signs of wear (streaking or noise)
- Check engine oil level and top up if needed
- Replace cabin air filter if dirty from winter pollen
- Check windscreen washer fluid levels; switch to summer formula (lower freezing point unnecessary)
Inspection Checklist
- Inspect battery terminals for corrosion; clean if needed
- Check all exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators)
- Inspect tyres for winter damage, cracks, or embedded debris
- Check brakes for wear
Summer Maintenance (June-August)
High temperatures put stress on cooling systems and electrical components. Use this period for routine upkeep.
Consumables & Fluids
- Test all exterior lights before long journeys
- Check oil level — it may drop slightly as engines warm up in summer heat
- Check coolant level (when engine is cold)
- Refill windscreen washer fluid before holiday drives
Inspection Checklist
- Check tyre pressure (increases in summer heat)
- Inspect air conditioning function; service if not cooling properly
- Check for any fluid leaks under the car
- Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or wear
Autumn Maintenance (September-November)
Autumn is critical — prepare your car for winter before temperatures drop and weather worsens.
Consumables & Fluids
- Switch to winter wiper blades before November (if you live north of Birmingham or Scotland)
- Test battery health — replacement now prevents winter failures
- Switch to winter-grade windscreen washer fluid (-20°C rated)
- Consider oil change before winter if you’re due
Inspection Checklist
- Check tyre tread depth; consider winter tyres if in a cold region
- Inspect braking system for autumn driving (wet leaves reduce grip)
- Test all lights — darker mornings/evenings mean more night driving
- Check wipers and washer system before wet weather begins
Winter Maintenance (December-February)
Winter is harsh. Preventive care now avoids being stranded with a breakdown in freezing weather.
Consumables & Fluids
- Ensure spark plugs are healthy — cold weather puts extra load on ignition systems
- Check battery voltage and terminals monthly; use a trickle charger if the car sits idle
- Keep windscreen washer fluid topped up (it drains fast in winter)
- Monitor engine oil — cold temperatures increase viscosity; use correct winter grade
Inspection Checklist
- Test antifreeze concentration (should protect to -20°C minimum)
- Check heating system — especially important before long journeys
- Verify all lights work (frost can damage weak bulbs)
- Keep an emergency kit in the car: jump leads, torch, first aid, blanket, spare bulbs
Quick Shopping Links — Find What You Need
Based on the checklist above, here are direct links to each consumable type:
Printable Seasonal Checklist
Spring (March): Wipers, cabin filter, inspect lights and battery
Summer (June): Oil level, coolant, brake inspection, AC check
Autumn (September): Winter wipers, battery test, winter washer fluid, tyre inspection
Winter (December): Battery monitoring, spark plugs, emergency kit, antifreeze check
Recommended Products
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my car consumables?
Check wiper blades, bulbs, and tyre pressure monthly. Engine oil, coolant, and filters should be checked at each service interval or every 6 months.
What car maintenance should I do before winter?
Before winter, check antifreeze levels, battery condition, wiper blades, all lights, and tyre tread depth. Consider switching to winter-grade screenwash.
When should I replace my car battery?
Most car batteries last 3-5 years. Replace if your car struggles to start, the battery warning light appears, or it fails a voltage test below 12.4V.
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 →