Maintenance
Service schedules, fluids, tires and batteries: what is due and when.
How long do brake pads last?
Most brake pads last tens of thousands of miles, but how you drive matters more than anything. Here are the signs they are worn and what a replacement costs.
How long do car batteries last?
Most car batteries last three to five years. Here is why heat, cold and short trips change that, the warning signs of a dying battery, and how to make yours last longer.
How long do tires last?
Most tires wear out in a few years, but tread depth and age both set a limit. Here are the legal minimums in the US, UK, EU and Australia, the coin test, and when old tires should go.
How often should you change your oil?
The old 3,000-mile rule is out of date for most cars. Here is what modern intervals look like, when to change sooner, and why your owner's manual has the final say.
How to check your brake pads
You can often see how much brake pad is left through the wheel spokes, with nothing more than a torch. Here is how, what thickness means it is time for new pads, and when to leave it to a garage.
How to jump-start a car safely
The correct order to connect and remove jumper cables, how long to wait, what to do afterwards, and when not to jump-start at all, including hybrids and EVs.