Top 14 10-Minute Car Checks to Master in Your First Month of Driving
Congratulations! You’ve passed your driving test, the keys are in your hand, and the open road is calling your name. That first month of driving is a thrilling mix of newfound freedom and, let's be honest, a little bit of anxiety. Every new sound the car makes can feel like a mystery, and the dashboard can seem like the cockpit of a spaceship. But what if I told you that you could become a more confident, knowledgeable, and safer driver in just 10 minutes a week?
Building a relationship with your car isn’t about becoming a master mechanic overnight. It’s about learning its language—the clicks, whirs, and fluid levels that tell you everything is okay. Think of it as a quick "health check-up" for your vehicle. By mastering a few simple checks, you’ll not only catch small issues before they become major headaches, but you'll also build an incredible sense of confidence behind the wheel. You’ll transform from a nervous new driver into a capable car owner.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that empowerment starts with knowledge. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 14 essential car checks that any new driver can master. Each one takes only a minute or two, and you can bundle them together for a comprehensive 10-minute weekly routine. Let's get started.
1. The Tyre Pressure and Visual Check
Your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touches the road. Giving them a little attention is one of the most impactful things you can do for your safety and your car's performance. Under-inflated tyres can lead to poor handling, increased fuel consumption, and even dangerous blowouts.
Before your first drive of the day, take a quick walk around your car. Do any of the tyres look noticeably flatter than the others? Look at the sidewalls for any cracks, bulges, or scuffs that look serious. Once a week, use a simple pressure gauge (a fantastic and cheap first tool to buy) to check the pressure. The correct pressure, measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), isn't on the tyre itself—it’s on a sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb. Check the pressure when the tyres are cold for the most accurate reading.
2. The Engine Oil Dipstick Dance
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car, lubricating all the moving parts to prevent them from grinding into a very expensive mess. Checking it is a classic car maintenance ritual that’s surprisingly easy. The key is to do it when the engine is cool and the car is parked on level ground, allowing the oil to settle in the pan.
Pop the hood and locate the oil dipstick—it usually has a brightly coloured (often yellow or orange) ring or T-shaped handle. Pull it out, wipe it clean with a paper towel or rag, and push it all the way back in. Pull it out again and look at the oil level on the end. You'll see two marks, usually labelled "MIN" and "MAX" or "L" and "H". The oil level should be somewhere between these two marks. If it's near or below the minimum line, it's time to top it up.
3. Windscreen Washer Fluid Top-Up
This might seem minor, but clear visibility is non-negotiable for safety. A sudden splash of mud from a truck or a swarm of bugs can completely obscure your view. If your washer fluid reservoir is empty, you’re essentially driving blind until you can pull over. This is one of the easiest checks on the list.
The washer fluid reservoir is typically a large, semi-transparent plastic tank under the hood with a symbol of a windscreen and a spray of water on the cap. You can easily see the fluid level from the outside. If it’s getting low, just pop the cap open and top it up with a proper washer fluid solution. Avoid using plain water, as it doesn't have the cleaning agents and can freeze in colder climates.
4. Coolant Level Peek
Your engine generates an incredible amount of heat, and the coolant (or antifreeze) is what keeps it from overheating. An overheating engine can cause catastrophic damage, so this is a crucial 30-second check. Fortunately, you don’t need to open the radiator cap to do it.
Look for the coolant overflow reservoir, another semi-transparent plastic tank connected by a hose to the radiator. Like the oil dipstick, it will have "MIN" and "MAX" or "LOW" and "FULL" lines on the side. The coolant level should be between these two marks when the engine is cool. A word of extreme caution: NEVER attempt to open the main radiator cap when the engine is hot. The system is highly pressurized, and it can spray scalding hot liquid.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir Glance
Your car’s brakes work on a hydraulic system, and brake fluid is the essential liquid that makes it all happen. While you shouldn’t need to top this up often, checking the level is a good way to spot potential problems early. A low level could indicate a leak in the system or that your brake pads are very worn.
The brake fluid reservoir is usually a small, semi-transparent container located at the back of the engine bay, on the driver's side. It has "MIN" and "MAX" lines, and you can check the level just by looking. The fluid itself should be a clear, yellowish colour. If it looks dark and murky, it might be time for it to be changed by a professional.
6. The "All Lights On" Test
Being seen is just as important as seeing, especially at night or in poor weather. A burnt-out bulb is a simple fix, but a potential safety hazard if left unchecked. This test is easiest with a partner, but you can also do it solo by using reflections in a garage door or shop window.
Turn on your car and cycle through all your lights. Check your headlights (both low and high beams), your front and rear turn signals (indicators), and your tail lights. Then, have a friend stand behind the car (or use a reflection) while you press the brake pedal to ensure your brake lights are working. Don't forget to put the car in reverse (with your foot firmly on the brake!) to check the reverse lights.
7. Wiper Blade Health Check
Windscreen wipers are your first line of defence against rain, snow, and road grime. Worn-out wipers don't just work poorly—they can smear dirt across your windscreen, making visibility even worse. Inspecting them takes just a few seconds.
Gently lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen. Look at the rubber blade for any signs of cracking, tearing, or brittleness. Run your finger along the edge; it should feel smooth and pliable, not hard or chipped. When you use them, listen for any "chattering" or "skipping" sounds and look for any streaks they leave behind. These are all signs that it's time for a new pair.
8. The Coin Tread Depth Trick
We've already talked about tyre pressure, but the depth of the tread is just as vital for grip, especially in wet conditions. The grooves in your tyres are designed to channel water away, preventing a dangerous situation called aquaplaning. You don't need a fancy tool to check this; a coin will do.
Take a 20-cent coin (if you're in Singapore) or a UK penny/US quarter and place it into one of the main tread grooves of your tyre. If you can see the top of the design or the outer band of the coin, your tread is likely getting low and it's time to think about a replacement. Check it in a few different spots around the tyre, as they can wear unevenly. This simple check gives you a great indication of your tyre's remaining life.
9. A Quick Look for Leaks
Before you even get in your car, make it a habit to glance at the spot on the ground where it was parked. Any new puddles or drips are your car's way of telling you something might be wrong. This is a passive check that can save you a world of trouble.
Don't panic if you see a small puddle of clear water, especially on a hot day—that's likely just condensation from your air conditioning system, which is perfectly normal. However, be on the lookout for other colours. Black or brown fluid is likely engine oil, reddish or brown fluid could be transmission fluid, and bright green, pink, or orange fluid is almost always coolant. If you see any of these, it's a good idea to get it checked out.
10. The Essential Horn Honk
Your horn isn't just for expressing frustration in traffic; it's a critical safety tool for alerting other drivers or pedestrians to your presence in an emergency. It's the simplest check on this list, but one that's often forgotten until you desperately need it.
Once a week, while parked safely, just give your horn a quick press. A short, sharp "beep" is all you need to confirm it's working. If you get silence, the first thing to check is the fuse box (your car's manual will show you where). This is a fix you'll want to take care of right away.
11. The Perfect Mirror Adjustment
This isn't a mechanical check, but a pre-drive safety ritual that every new driver should turn into a habit. Improperly adjusted mirrors create huge blind spots, which are a major cause of accidents during lane changes. The goal is to see as much of the road around you as possible, not the side of your own car.
First, adjust your driver's seat to a comfortable position. For your driver's side mirror, lean your head to the left until it almost touches the window, then adjust the mirror so you can just barely see the rear flank of your car. For the passenger side, lean your head to the centre of the car and do the same. Your rearview mirror should be set to give you a full, clear view out of your back window. When set correctly, a car passing you should appear in your side mirror just as it's leaving the view of your rearview mirror.
12. Battery Terminal Visual Scan
A dead battery is one of the most common reasons for a car not starting. While batteries themselves wear out over time, a poor connection can also be the culprit. A quick visual scan of the battery terminals can help you spot trouble brewing.
Open the hood and locate the battery. Look at the two metal posts (terminals) where the cables connect. You're looking for any signs of corrosion, which typically looks like a white, blue, or greenish fuzzy or crusty build-up. This substance can interfere with the electrical connection. It's a simple tip that I, Goh Ling Yong, often share with new drivers—spotting this early can prevent you from getting stranded. If you see significant corrosion, it's a sign your connections need a good cleaning.
13. The Dashboard Warning Light Check
Have you ever wondered if the warning light bulbs on your dashboard are even working? There’s a simple way to check. When you turn the key to the "ON" position (the last click before the engine cranks), all of your dashboard warning lights should light up for a second or two before turning off.
This is a self-test to show you that the warning systems and their indicator bulbs are functional. The lights that should concern you are the ones that stay on after the engine is running. Pay special attention to the Check Engine light, the oil pressure light (which looks like an old oil can), and the battery/charging system light. If any of these remain illuminated, consult your owner's manual and get your car checked soon.
14. Your Emergency Kit Inventory
Your car's emergency kit is your safety net. It’s no use having one if the contents are missing, broken, or expired. This final 10-minute check isn't on the car itself, but on its support system.
Once a month, open up your kit. Do your jumper cables look to be in good condition? Is the first-aid kit stocked, or did you use the last plaster? If you have a torch, are the batteries still working? Do you have a reflective triangle, a basic toolkit, and a pair of gloves? Ensuring your emergency gear is ready to go gives you peace of mind, knowing you're prepared for the unexpected.
Your Journey to Confident Driving Starts Now
There you have it—14 simple, quick checks that will demystify your car and put you firmly in the driver's seat of your own safety and maintenance. Performing this 10-minute routine weekly will build a habit that serves you for your entire driving life. You'll learn what's normal for your car, so you'll be the first to notice when something is amiss.
This isn't about adding another chore to your list. It's about investing a few minutes to gain hours of confidence, save potentially thousands of dollars in future repairs, and ensure that every journey you take is a safe one. So, pop the hood, get your hands a little dirty, and start getting to know your new four-wheeled companion.
What's the first check you're going to master? Do you have any other simple tips for new drivers? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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