12 Essential Maintenance Skills Every New Driver Should Know

Owning a car today is about more than just filling it with fuel and driving from point A to point B. It requires a minimum level of awareness and basic self‑maintenance so the car remains safe, reliable, and as inexpensive to run as possible over the long term. Relying entirely on specialist workshops for every small and large issue may be convenient, but it is costly and leaves you helpless in simple emergencies that could be solved in minutes if you know the basic steps.

This article is your guide to 12 simple but important maintenance skills that any driver can learn and perform without being a professional mechanic, in order to save money and time and increase safety and confidence while driving.

Changing engine oil yourself

Changing your engine oil at home or in a suitable parking area is one of the most important and simplest skills you can learn, especially as labour costs in specialist centres keep rising.

Basic tools you need:

• Engine oil with the correct specifications.

• A new oil filter.

• A drain pan to collect used oil.

• A basic set of screwdrivers and wrenches.

• A jack and jack stands.

The basic idea:
You safely raise the car, remove the oil drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan, let the old oil drain completely into the pan, replace the old filter with a new one, reinstall the drain plug, then refill with fresh oil gradually while checking the level with the dipstick until it reaches the correct mark. Doing this at the proper interval ensures proper lubrication, extends engine life, and reduces fuel consumption.

Checking and replacing light bulbs

Proper lighting is a key part of your safety and that of others, especially when driving at night or in rain and fog.

What you learn here:

• Accessing the light unit from inside the engine bay or behind the bumper.

• Unplugging the electrical connector from the old bulb.

• Opening the bulb cover or cap and carefully removing the old bulb.

• Installing a new original or high‑quality bulb, avoiding direct contact with the glass on halogen and HID bulbs.

Replacing a dead bulb only takes a few minutes, but it can save you a fine and—more importantly—prevent an accident that could happen due to poor visibility or other drivers not seeing your car.

Replacing spark plugs

Healthy spark plugs ensure proper combustion, better engine response, and lower fuel consumption.

Main steps in the process:

• Confirming the correct type and size of plugs from the owner’s manual.

• Disconnecting the negative battery terminal if needed.

• Removing the spark plug wires or individual ignition coils, depending on the car.

• Loosening the old plug with a spark‑plug socket and suitable wrench, without applying excessive force so it does not snap off inside the cylinder head.

• Installing the new plug with appropriate (not excessive) torque and reconnecting the wires or coils.

This job can save you hundreds in local currency compared to paying high labour charges for actual work time that might be no more than half an hour.

Washing the car the right way

Washing the car is more than just appearance; it is part of protecting the paint and exterior components from dust, road grime and salts.

Recommended tools:

• A roughly 5‑gallon bucket.

• A high‑quality microfiber wash mitt.

• A large drying towel.

• Dedicated car shampoo.

• A separate sponge or mitt for the wheels.

Basics of proper washing:

• Rinse the car with water first to remove loose dust.

• Use a “top‑to‑bottom” wash method to avoid dragging dirt and scratching the paint.

• Use separate tools for the body and for the wheels.

• Dry the car immediately with a clean towel to prevent water spots and drying marks.

Constant reliance on harsh automatic car washes can cause fine scratches in the paint over time, while correct hand washing extends the life of the shine and protection.

Checking tyres and keeping them in good condition

Tyres are the only contact point between your car and the road, and any neglect can lead to serious accidents or uneven wear that increases your costs.

What to watch for:

• Age: Many manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after 6–10 years regardless of how they look. The production date is stamped on the sidewall (four digits: week/year).

• Tread depth: It should not be less than about 2/32 of an inch. You can use a coin or a dedicated gauge to measure depth.

• Correct pressure:

  • Know the recommended pressure from the manual or door‑jamb sticker.

  • Use a simple pressure gauge to check and adjust using a compressor or at a fuel station.

Paying attention to these points reduces the risk of blowouts, improves stability, and reduces fuel consumption.

Replacing wiper blades

Good wipers mean better visibility in rain and fog, which is a critical safety factor.

Signs of worn wipers:

• Clear streaks of water left behind after the blade passes.

• Juddering or skipping during movement.

• Visible cracks or hardening in the rubber.

Simple steps:

• Lift the wiper arm to its upright position away from the glass.

• Press the release tab on the connector and slide off the old blade.

• Fit the new blade specified for your car until you hear a click.

• Test the wipers with washer fluid to make sure they move and wipe properly.

Replacing the battery safely

A weak battery often means a breakdown at the worst possible time, so knowing how to change it yourself is a lifesaver skill.

A safe sequence for replacing the battery:

• Confirm that the fault really is the battery and not the alternator or charging system.

• Switch off the car and leave it for a few minutes so control modules fully shut down.

• Disconnect the negative terminal first (usually the black wire) and place it in an isolated position.

• Disconnect the positive terminal, then remove the battery hold‑down bolts or bracket and lift the battery out carefully.

• Place the new battery in position, secure it, then connect the positive terminal first, followed by the negative, tightening both properly.

Following this order reduces the risk of sparks or damage to electronic modules.

Knowing and checking the car’s essential fluids

Engine oil is just one of several vital fluids in your car, and each plays an important role in safety and system performance.

Most important fluids to know and check regularly:

• Coolant.

• Brake fluid.

• Power steering fluid (if fitted).

• Transmission fluid in some cars.

• Windscreen washer fluid.

Each fluid has a reservoir or dipstick with Min/Max markings. You should refer to the owner’s manual to identify the correct fluid type and the proper way to check it (especially transmission fluid). Simply topping up with the right fluid to the “FULL” mark keeps systems working effectively and helps you avoid costly failures.

Using a jack and stands safely

Any work under the car—such as changing oil or inspecting the exhaust—requires a proper understanding of how to lift and secure the vehicle.

Golden safety rules:

• Use a quality jack and certified jack stands; do not rely on the emergency scissor jack for regular maintenance work.

• Consult the owner’s manual to locate the correct jacking points under the sills or chassis.

• Use wheel chocks or wooden blocks behind the wheels opposite the lifting corner to prevent rolling.

• Raise the car with the jack, place the stand under a strong nearby point and lower the car gradually onto the stand.

• Keep the jack close as a secondary support (with a small gap) as an extra safety layer.

Following these steps greatly reduces the risk of the car collapsing while you are working underneath.

Replacing air filters (cabin and engine)

Clean filters mean cleaner air for you and the engine, better performance and lower consumption.

Cabin filter:

• Often located behind the front passenger glovebox.

• You remove a simple cover or clips to access it.

• Replace it with a new filter of the same size and orientation (usually indicated by an airflow arrow).

Engine air filter:

• Found in a plastic box on top of or beside the engine.

• Open the clips or remove a few screws, lift the cover and swap the filter.

As a general rule, replacing filters every 12,000–15,000 km or once a year (sooner in dusty environments) is a good starting point.

Visual inspection of belts and hoses

Developing a basic “mechanical eye” helps you spot problems before they escalate.

Belts (such as the alternator or serpentine belt):

• Inspect them with the engine completely cold and off.

• Look for cracks, splits, edge wear or a shiny glazed surface that indicates slipping.

• Press lightly to ensure they are not excessively loose.

Hoses (coolant and heater hoses):

• Focus on radiator and heater hoses in the engine bay.

• Check by hand and eye for bulges, cracks, soft spots or extreme dryness.

Catching a worn belt or hose before it fails can save you from a sudden breakdown and possibly having to tow the car.

Changing a flat tyre for a spare

This is a fundamental skill every driver should master; it can mean the difference between waiting a long time for help and safely continuing your journey.

Basic steps:

• Park the car in a safe, level area away from traffic as much as possible.

• Switch on the hazard lights and place a warning triangle if you have one.

• Take the spare wheel and tools (jack, wheel wrench, etc.) out of the boot.

• Loosen the wheel nuts on the flat tyre slightly without removing them completely.

• Raise the car at the jack point nearest the flat tyre.

• Remove the nuts and the wheel, fit the spare, and hand‑tighten the nuts.

• Lower the car and then fully tighten the nuts in a criss‑cross pattern with adequate torque.

This skill does not require great physical strength or deep technical knowledge, but it can save you hours of waiting and valuable time.