Automotive care is not something that can fall by the wayside at any time of the year. A well-maintained vehicle will last many years longer than one that has been neglected, and with the right regimen in place, you can give your car the longevity it deserves. The start of 2026 is a great time to commit to your vehicle’s upkeep. With a 12-month car maintenance schedule ready to go, you can be sure that you won’t miss any important checks.

Battery and oil health in the winter, fluids in the spring, cooling systems in the summer, and lighting maintenance in the fall will go a long way toward keeping your vehicle running and keeping you safe.

Knowing what to keep an eye on throughout the year (and even marking it on your wall calendar) can help you make the most of your car for many seasons.

Winter Maintenance — December to February

Protecting Against Cold Weather Wear

​The winter months can be hard on your vehicle, especially when it comes to the electrical system. Your battery, for example, can lose a significant percentage of its strength in cold weather. Because of this, you may find that you have a hard time turning over the car in the morning after a cold night. If you want to prevent starting troubles, it is a good idea to test your battery’s voltage and cold-cranking amps before the temperature really drops. If it is no longer putting out sufficient voltage, replacing it is crucial. You may also want to clean any corrosion from the terminals. This will ensure a secure connection and give your car the best chance at starting up every time.

Your tires are another essential part of your car for winter driving. Check your tire pressure weekly, as the cold can make the air inside the tire compress. This will bring your PSI down, and you may not have the grip you need on wet or icy roads. Inspect the tread depth of the tires as well. You want at least 5/32 of an inch if you are going to get sufficient traction and braking in winter conditions. If you get a lot of snow where you live, switching to dedicated winter tires will help keep you safe and prevent skidding.

Spring Maintenance — March to May

Fluid Level Checks and Tire Changes

​After a harsh winter, you’ll want to make sure that your vehicle is ready to continue on into the warmer months. Cold weather can wreak havoc on your car, so an inspection once the weather warms up is a great idea. The fluids are the best place to start. Checking the level and condition of the engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake system fluid, and power steering fluid will ensure that you are ready for spring driving. Low temperatures can break down these fluids and even cause them to freeze, so replacing them when necessary and getting regular oil changes and oil filter replacements will keep everything running smoothly through summer.

You will also want to do a full routine maintenance check of your vehicle to check for rust and deterioration. Ice, mud, and road salt can get trapped under your car and get stuck in all the components in the undercarriage. When left for an extended period, this sludge can eventually cause rust and eat through important parts of your suspension and steering system. Inspecting the underside of the vehicle when spring approaches and the roads are relatively clear will ensure that the structure is intact and that you won’t end up with handling problems down the line.

Summer Maintenance — June to August

Cooling System and AC Maintenance

​Summer is when most people decide to hit the highway for long road trips and vacations. This means that you will want to be sure that your engine and cabin can stay cool. The last thing you want is to run into overheating issues when you are out in the middle of nowhere. Do a complete run-through of the cooling system before embarking on your summer trip. Check the radiator hoses for leaks, confirm your coolant levels, flush the coolant if it needs to be changed, and make sure your radiator cap is fully sealed. Keeping your cooling system in good working order will prevent breakdowns and protect your engine in the hot weather.

Keeping your engine cool is important, but it is just as crucial to keep yourself and your passengers comfortable. Before the summer weather starts to really heat up, you should have your vehicle’s air conditioning system inspected. If you are not able to relax in the driver’s seat, you won’t be able to drive safely, and your AC plays a big part in that. Check the compressor for leaks and make sure that your refrigerant levels are sufficient. This will give you the cool air you need to enjoy your time behind the wheel and focus on the road. Additionally, change your cabin air filter to ensure your system is properly filtered.

Fall Maintenance — September to November

Preparing for Weather Changes and Holiday Travel

​When fall rolls around on your car calendar, it’s a good time to start getting prepared for the holidays and the colder weather. If you travel for the holiday season, you want your car to be as reliable as possible. A complete inspection is a great idea for anyone who wants to be able to count on their vehicle in the rain and snow. Check all the belts and hoses, check the tread on your tires, look at the condition of your brake pads, and make sure all your heating and defrost systems are working properly. This will keep you safe and prevent a breakdown when the weather is at its worst.

Lighting is also incredibly important when the cooler weather approaches. Headlights and taillights not only allow you to see the other cars on the road, but they also ensure that you can be seen by them. Do a complete check of your headlights, turn signals, high beams, and brake lights. Make sure that they are giving out an equal amount of light on each side and that the housing is in good condition. If everyone can see you on the road, you can rest easy when the sun starts to set earlier in the fall.

Get Year-Round Care For Your Vehicle With Endurance

​In addition to regular maintenance, it is also essential to have repairs done on your vehicle as soon as they start to appear. If you put off small repairs, they may be more likely to turn into larger, more expensive problems down the line. When you buy a new car, it will come with a factory warranty from the manufacturer, but this is usually only valid for a few years. Once the factory warranty is up, you will be financially responsible for every repair, which can be a major expense. An extended warranty or vehicle service contract, from a third-party provider like Endurance, can help your car’s lifespan and save you money in the long run.

Endurance offers a range of plans for everything from older high-mileage cars to top-of-the-line luxury and exotic vehicles. We also offer coverage for cars that other providers may not, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a rebuilt or salvage title, and cars used for commercial purposes like rideshare and delivery.

Endurance customers not only get excellent coverage, but they also get access to a collection of standard benefits, including 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption protection. Plus, for a small activation fee, you can also get Endurance’s Elite Benefits.* This includes extra perks like tire repair and replacement, key fob replacement, and windshield coverage.

If you are ready to keep your vehicle running smoothly no matter what time of year it is, get in touch with an Endurance representative at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also see your price and plan recommendations right away by shopping online.

For more helpful resources like this, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find DIY tips, provider comparisons, and much more.