Vehicle maintenance resources and checklists

This page brings together practical, ready-to-use checklists and quick-reference material for private owners and fleet managers who want to stay on top of vehicle upkeep. Use them to plan scheduled servicing, prepare before a diagnostic appointment, and keep an accurate record of what has been done and when. Everything here is designed to be printed, saved or worked through step by step before you visit a garage.

Pre-service preparation checklist

Locate the service booklet or digital service record and note the current odometer reading before booking.
Check the manufacturer's recommended interval (e.g. every 15,000–30,000 km or every 12 months, whichever comes first) and confirm which service type is due.
Write down any warning lights on the dashboard and note whether they stay on constantly or flash.
List all abnormal symptoms with detail: when the noise or vibration occurs, at what speed, and whether it is worse cold or warm.
Top up and photograph fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer) so you can tell the garage what you observed.
Gather receipts for any recent work so the technician avoids duplicating parts or labour.
Empty the boot and remove valuables, and check that the spare wheel or repair kit is present and complete.
Confirm the garage has your correct contact number so they can call before authorising extra work.

Fleet maintenance planning checklist

Build a single register listing each vehicle's registration, mileage, next service date and last inspection date.
Group vehicles by mileage band so high-use cars are scheduled more frequently than low-use ones.
Set calendar reminders 30 days ahead of each contrôle technique (MOT-equivalent) deadline to avoid penalties.
Standardise oil, filter and brake specifications across similar models to simplify parts ordering.
Track tyre tread depth per vehicle and flag any below 3 mm for planned replacement before the 1.6 mm legal limit.
Log fuel consumption trends and investigate any vehicle that suddenly drops in economy — often an early fault sign.
Assign a named responsible person for each depot or region to sign off completed servicing.
Review downtime data quarterly to spot vehicles that repeatedly fail and plan replacement or overhaul.

Quick reference: key facts and figures

The legal minimum tyre tread depth in France is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
The contrôle technique is required for most passenger cars from the 4th year, then every 2 years.
Brake pads are typically replaced when friction material reaches around 3 mm; discs are checked for scoring and minimum thickness.
Most modern engine oils are changed roughly every 15,000–30,000 km or annually, but always follow the manufacturer's plan.
A standard 12V car battery lasts on average 4–6 years and shows around 12.6V when fully charged at rest.
OBD-II diagnostic ports read fault codes (DTCs) that guide fault-finding but rarely name the exact failed part on their own.

How do I know which service my car is due for?

Check the service booklet or manufacturer app against your current mileage and the date of the last service. Servicing usually follows whichever comes first — a mileage interval or a time interval. If you are unsure, quote your model, engine and mileage to a garage and they will confirm whether a minor or major service applies.

What information should I give the garage before a diagnostic?

Describe the symptom as precisely as possible: when it happens, at what speed or temperature, any warning lights, and any recent repairs. A clear description shortens the diagnostic process because the technician can reproduce and isolate the fault faster instead of testing blindly.

How often should brakes be inspected?

Brakes are usually checked at every service, but have them inspected sooner if you notice squealing, a longer stopping distance, a soft or vibrating pedal, or a warning light. Pad wear varies with driving style, so mileage alone is not a reliable guide.

When should a car battery be replaced?

Consider replacement if the engine cranks slowly, the car struggles to start in cold weather, or the battery is more than about five years old. A resting voltage well below 12.6V or repeated jump-starts are strong signs the battery is nearing the end of its life.

How can a fleet manager reduce unexpected breakdowns?

Keep a live maintenance register, service by mileage band rather than a single fixed date, and track early warning signs such as falling fuel economy or repeated minor faults. Planned, mileage-based servicing almost always costs less than reactive roadside repairs and lost vehicle availability.

Guides

How a scheduled maintenance schedule works

Learn what a scheduled maintenance schedule covers, when to service your car and how service intervals keep your vehicle reliable.

Vehicle diagnostics: how fault-finding works

Understand how vehicle diagnostics identify faults, what warning lights mean and when a diagnostic check is worth booking.

Common car repairs and how they are handled

A clear look at common car repairs, why they happen and what to expect from a service centre so you can plan and budget.

Planning maintenance for company fleets

How fleet managers can plan scheduled maintenance, reduce downtime and keep company vehicles reliable and compliant.

Brake service: inspection, wear and replacement

Learn how brake inspections work, signs of worn brakes and when pads, discs or fluid need attention for safe driving.

Car battery maintenance and replacement

Understand how car batteries age, signs of a failing battery and how to maintain or replace one to avoid breakdowns.