Your 12-month vehicle care calendar

Save money and keep your car running smoothly with our month-by-month vehicle care calendar.

A well-timed check can make all the difference on Australian roads. Heat, rain, long-weekend traffic and everyday wear all take their toll. A simple monthly routine keeps your car safer, smoother and far less costly to run.

This 12-month calendar shows you the small steps that protect your engine, tyres and budget all year long.

Monthly car maintenance

Do these three essential safety checks regularly:

• Check tyres: measure your tyre pressure, check tread depth and look for signs of damage.
• Check fluids: engine oil, windscreen washer fluid, brake fluid and coolant, and top up if low.
• Wash your car: keeps paintwork protected, prevents rust and keeps windows clear for better visibility.

Alongside these basics, adding one seasonal task each month helps prevent breakdowns and unexpected repair bills.

January: belts and hoses

Start the year with a fresh look under the bonnet. Use a torch to inspect belts and hoses for cracks, fraying, glazing, brittleness or any other wear. If you spot damage, replace them promptly to avoid overheating and breakdowns during summer travel.

February: wipe out

Wipers work hard in summer dust and storms. Replace your blades at least every 12 months, or sooner if they streak. Most wipers are available at your preferred retail store and are easy to click into place.

March: rotate your tyres

Tyre and car manufacturers generally recommend rotating your tyres every 5,000 to 10,000 km. How often you do this will depend on how much you drive (and whether you’ve noticed any uneven wear in your monthly safety checks). Even if you drive less, rotating once a year helps maintain even wear, improves handling, and supports safer braking, keeping you and your passengers safe.

April: light the way

Shorter days mean more time driving at dusk or after dark. Test your headlights, indicators, brake lights and interior lighting. Replace any globes that have faded or blown to ensure you’re clearly seen on the road.

May: crank up the heat

Before cold mornings arrive, check that your heater and demister are working properly. Run them through different temperature settings and test seat or steering-wheel heating if fitted. Clear visibility on winter mornings starts here.

June: check your battery

Make sure your battery won’t leave you stranded in the cold this winter. Inspect terminals for corrosion and clean them carefully if needed, using a stiff brush and follow safety precautions. If you have a multimeter, test the battery’s voltage — low readings may indicate it’s time for a replacement before peak winter strain.

July: change your oil

A mid-year oil change improves engine efficiency and longevity. A qualified mechanic should service your vehicle at the recommended intervals, but if you’re confident doing basic maintenance yourself, an oil change with the right tools and filter is manageable.

August: fix bodywork

Wet, wintry weather can play havoc with your paintwork. Inspect your car’s paintwork and address any dings or scratches before they worsen. Light scratches or swirls can be easily buffed out

.

September: spring-clean

Embrace spring and give your car’s interior a good clean. Stock up with tools, such as microfibre cloths, detailing sprays and toothbrushes, and apply some elbow grease. Remove any rubbish, vacuum seats and carpets, clean the mats, and wipe down all the internal surfaces. It will feel like you’ve bought a new car while also improving comfort and reducing distractions before the busy travel season.

October: head for the bay

While we’re in cleaning mode, let’s give the engine bay

a once-over. A clean engine bay can help you spot leaks or wear early. With the right cleaning products and proper safety precautions (ensuring the engine is cool, avoiding electrical components), a light clean keeps things tidy and prevents grime build-up.

November: get some air

Prepare for summer by checking your cabin air filter

and air-conditioning performance. A fresh filter improves airflow, and your A/C should cool the cabin within a few minutes. If not, book an inspection before the worst heat hits.

December: road trip prep

Planning any road trips over the holidays? Restock your car emergency kit

with items including first aid supplies, a torch and spare batteries, a hi-vis vest and safety triangle, and bottled water and non-perishable food, just in case you’re waiting a while for roadside assistance. It’s a simple step that supports safer travel during the busiest driving season of the year.

With a simple monthly routine, you’ll protect your vehicle, reduce the chance of unexpected repairs and support safer driving for every trip in 2026. And if any checks or tasks feel uncertain, it’s always best to speak with a qualified professional for support.

_Disclaimer

_{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}