Monthly Car Maintenance Checklist: Simple Checks That Prevent Breakdowns
A practical month-by-month checklist Indian car owners can do in 20 minutes to avoid costly breakdowns and roadside trouble.
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Seasonal extras worth adding
India''s weather swings hard, so add a few checks at the right time of year.
- Before summer (March-April): Test the AC, check coolant strength, and inspect tyres for age cracking. Heat is brutal on old rubber.
- Before monsoon (May-June): New wiper blades, working defogger, and headlights aimed correctly. Check that door and boot drain holes are clear so water does not pool.
- Before a long road trip: Do the full checklist plus a look at the spare, jack and toolkit. Confirm your insurance and FASTag are active.
Signs you should not ignore between checks
Some symptoms mean stop-and-inspect now, not next month:
- A temperature gauge creeping toward red — pull over before it boils.
- Squealing or grinding when braking — worn pads damaging the discs.
- A battery warning light or sluggish cranking — the battery or alternator is failing.
- New vibrations through the steering at speed — usually wheel balancing or a tyre issue.
- Any fluid puddle under a parked car — note the colour and get it checked.