Simple car checks you can do at home take very little time and no special skills, yet they catch many of the problems we see in the shop before they become expensive. A low oil level, a slowly leaking tire or a burned-out brake light are all easy to spot in your driveway. Doing these checks once a month, and before long trips, pairs well with regular oil changes and routine maintenance, when a technician looks at many of the same items in more detail.
Before you start, park on level ground, set the parking brake and let the engine cool. Your owner’s manual shows where each item is located on your vehicle.
1. Engine oil
Oil is the most important fluid to keep an eye on. Pull the dipstick (it usually has a yellow or orange handle), wipe it, reinsert it fully and pull it again. The oil should be between the two marks. Note the color, too: fresh oil is amber, and it darkens with use. Oil that looks milky or foamy, or smells strongly of fuel, should be checked by a shop.
Some newer cars have no dipstick and show the oil level on the dashboard instead. Your manual explains how to read it.
2. Coolant
Find the translucent coolant overflow tank near the radiator. With the engine cold, the level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it keeps dropping, there is a leak somewhere, even if you do not see a puddle.
3. Brake fluid
The brake fluid reservoir sits near the back of the engine compartment, usually on the driver’s side. The level drops slightly as brake pads wear, but a sudden drop can mean a leak. Very dark fluid may be due for replacement. Do not overfill, and use only the fluid type printed on the cap.
4. Other fluids
- Washer fluid: top it off whenever it is low.
- Power steering fluid: on cars with hydraulic power steering, check the reservoir level against its marks.
- Transmission fluid: some vehicles have a dipstick with a specific checking procedure, often with the engine running and warm. Many newer vehicles have sealed transmissions that should be checked by a shop.
5. Tires
Use a tire gauge to check pressure when the tires are cold, comparing against the door jamb sticker. Then look closely at the tread. Wear on just the inside or outside edge can mean an alignment problem, and wear in the center can mean overinflation. Look for nails, cuts, cracks and bulges on the sidewalls. If something looks off, our tire and alignment service can take a closer look.
6. Lights
Turn on the headlights and walk around the car. Check low and high beams, turn signals, hazards and the license plate light. For brake lights and reverse lights, ask someone to help or back up to a garage door or wall and look for the reflection.
7. Wipers
Lift each blade and run a finger along the rubber edge. Cracked, torn or hardened rubber should be replaced. Streaking or chattering on a wet windshield is another sign.
8. Battery
Look at the battery terminals for white, blue or green crusty buildup and make sure the cables are tight. If the battery has a date sticker, note its age. Slow cranking on startup is often an early warning.
9. Under the car
Every so often, look at the ground where you usually park. A few drops of water from the A/C drain on a hot day are normal. Spots of oil, coolant or other fluids are not. Our guide on identifying car fluid leaks by color helps you figure out what you are seeing.
Keep a simple record
Jot down what you find, along with the date and mileage. If a fluid level keeps dropping or tire pressure keeps falling on the same tire, that pattern is useful information for a technician. These checks are also a smart part of preparing for a long drive, as we explain in our road trip prep checklist.
When to let us take a look
If something on this list looks wrong, Music City Auto Repair in Hermitage can inspect it, explain the cause and give you an estimate before any work begins. Call 615-600-5994 to set up a time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read the marks on my engine oil dipstick?
Park on level ground and wait until the engine has been off for a short while. Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, push it all the way back in, then pull it out again. The oil should sit between the two marks, which may be lines, holes or a crosshatched area. Below the lower mark means the engine needs oil, and the gap between the marks is often about one quart, but check your owner's manual.
How often should I do these driveway checks?
Once a month is a reasonable habit for most drivers, plus before any long trip. Some people also glance at the oil level every few fill-ups, especially on older engines that use a little oil between changes. Check tire pressure more often when temperatures swing, since pressure drops as the air gets colder.
Where do I find the correct tire pressure for my car?
Look for a sticker on the driver's door jamb, the inside of the fuel door or the glove box, depending on the vehicle. That is the pressure the manufacturer recommends. The number molded into the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the pressure you should run.
Pay for Oil Changes over time
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