Summary

18 items · 20–35 minutes

Why Monthly Tyre and Brake Checks Matter

Tyres and brakes are the two systems most directly responsible for keeping your vehicle under control. Unlike a warning light that demands immediate attention, tyre wear and brake deterioration tend to happen gradually — quietly crossing a safety threshold before you realize anything is wrong.

A monthly check takes less than 35 minutes and requires no mechanical skill. It simply asks you to look, feel, and listen with a little guidance on what matters. This checklist is designed for drivers who want to stay confident and safe without needing to visit a shop every time a concern arises.

For a broader view of how these checks fit into your overall routine, see how monthly and seasonal checks differ. And if you already do a quick walk-around before driving, this monthly checklist goes deeper than what a pre-drive walk-around covers.

Do Not Inspect Hot Brake Components

Brake discs, calipers, and drums can reach very high temperatures during normal driving. Allow the vehicle to cool for at least 30 minutes before reaching near or touching any brake components. Touching hot metal can cause serious burns.

What You Will Need

Gather these simple items before you begin. Most are inexpensive and available at any auto parts retailer or hardware store.

Required

Tyre pressure gauge

Measures air pressure in each tyre so you can compare it to the manufacturer's specification.

Required

Penny (or tread depth indicator)

Used to estimate tyre tread depth at home without special equipment.

Required

Flashlight or phone torch

Helps you see tyre sidewalls, brake rotors, and the fluid reservoir clearly in low-light conditions.

Optional

Tyre inflator or air compressor

Allows you to add air to tyres that are below the recommended pressure without driving to a filling station.

Optional

Notepad or phone notes app

Record any findings that seem unusual so you can describe them accurately to a mechanic.

Park on a flat, well-lit surface before starting. Never perform checks while the vehicle is on an incline or directly after a long drive, when brake components may be hot to the touch.

The Monthly Checklist

Work through each group in order. Check off items as you go and make a note of anything that looks, sounds, or feels different from normal. Bring those notes to your mechanic — they are far more useful than a vague description.

Tyre Pressure

Check all four tyre pressures with a tyre gauge when the tyres are cold — ideally before the car has been driven that day. Must
Compare readings against the recommended PSI printed on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb, not the number moulded into the tyre sidewall. Must
Add or release air to bring each tyre within 2 PSI of the recommended figure. Must
Check the spare tyre pressure at the same time so it is ready if needed. Should

Tyre Tread and Condition

Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head pointing down — if you can see the top of his head, the tread is worn below a safe level and tyres should be replaced. Must
Examine the tyre surface for cuts, bulges, cracks in the sidewall, or embedded objects like nails. Must
Look for uneven wear patterns — excessive wear on one edge or in the centre can indicate alignment, inflation, or suspension issues. Should
Note the age of your tyres — most manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after six to ten years regardless of tread appearance. Should

Brake Pedal Feel

With the car stationary and engine on, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it for 10 seconds — it should feel solid and should not slowly sink toward the floor. Must
Notice whether the pedal feels unusually soft, spongy, or requires significantly more pressure than usual to engage. Must
Check that the parking brake holds the car securely on a gentle slope before releasing. Should

Brake Sounds and Behaviour

During your next low-speed stop in a quiet area, listen for squealing, grinding, or scraping sounds when you apply the brakes. Must
Notice whether the car pulls to one side when braking — this can indicate uneven brake wear or a stuck caliper. Must
Feel for vibration or pulsing through the brake pedal during normal stops, which may point to warped rotors. Should

Visual Brake Inspection

Look through the spokes of each wheel for the brake rotor — it should appear smooth and silver-grey, not deeply grooved or heavily rusted. Should
Check the brake fluid reservoir under the hood — the level should sit between the MIN and MAX markings on the side of the reservoir. Must
Note the colour of the brake fluid — it should be pale yellow to light amber. Very dark or black fluid may indicate it needs to be replaced by a mechanic. Nice to have

Stop Driving Immediately If You Notice These

A grinding noise when braking, a pedal that sinks to the floor, or a tyre with a visible bulge or blowout are not issues to monitor over time — they are reasons to stop driving the vehicle and arrange a mechanic visit right away. Do not wait until your next scheduled service if any of these are present.

For a deeper understanding of the components you are inspecting, a senior driver's complete guide to tyre and brake maintenance explains how these systems work and what normal wear looks like. You may also want to review common tyre and brake myths so you know which assumptions to set aside.

If you drive frequently on steep or rural roads, specific habits that protect your brakes on those surfaces are worth reviewing separately.

This checklist is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional inspection by a qualified mechanic. Always consult a certified technician if you notice anything that concerns you or are unsure about any finding.

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Auto Maintenance Basics Editorial Team · Contributor

Auto Maintenance Basics Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.