January Car Maintenance Checklist After the Holidays

The holidays are over, and I bet your car has covered a fair few miles — visiting family, heading up to the mountains or driving along snowy roads. Or perhaps it's been sitting outside in the freezing cold for a whole week without moving. Either way, January is the perfect time to give it a little attention. Here's my January car maintenance checklist to help you catch a few things before they turn into problems.

What should you check after a long journey?

Engine oil level — after a long drive, you might notice the engine has used a bit of oil.
Tyres — check the pressures and give them a proper look for damage from potholes or kerbs.
Screenwash — after all those miles, you'll probably need to top it up.
Wiper blades — road salt and grime wear them out faster.
Road salt underneath — give your car a thorough wash, and don't forget the underside.

What if your car has been sitting in the cold?

Battery — freezing temperatures and leaving the car parked for days can really drain it.
Brakes — the discs can develop surface rust, and if there's been moisture around, the brake pads can sometimes stick.
Tyres — when the temperature drops, so does the pressure inside them.

Winter car inspection at Das Auto Service

Which warning signs should you never ignore?

The engine struggles to turn over before starting in the morning.
A new warning light has appeared on the dashboard.
Something at the front has started knocking after hitting a pothole.
The steering wheel is sitting crooked, or the car is pulling to one side.

If your car starts pulling to one side or the steering wheel vibrates after hitting a pothole, don't just ignore it. You might have bent a wheel, damaged a tyre or knocked something out of shape in the suspension, such as a control arm.

What should you service at the start of the year?

If it's been a year since your last engine oil change, or you've covered 10,000 km, it's time to change the engine oil and oil filter — whichever comes first, regardless of the oil used. Also check the expiry dates on your first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and third-party liability insurance. That way, you can start the year with one less thing to worry about.

A tip from Kris Mladenov: Put reminders in your phone for when your first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and insurance expire. January is the perfect time to check everything in one go.

If you've covered quite a few miles over the holidays, pop into Das Auto Service for a quick inspection. We'll have a look at your car, check its condition and let you know whether everything is as it should be.