Why Maintenance Matters (Even If You’ve Just Had an MOT)
Sure, your car passed its MOT — but that just means it’s legal, not necessarily healthy. Think of servicing and maintenance like brushing your teeth. You wouldn’t skip that just because you saw the dentist last year, right?
Regular maintenance:
- Extends your vehicle’s lifespan
- Prevents costly breakdowns
- Keeps fuel efficiency high
- Helps you pass MOTs with fewer issues
- Makes every drive smoother (and safer)
Here’s your month-by-month guide to looking after your car or van, from Tannadice Motors — your trusted garage in Dundee.
January – Winter Health Check
- ✅ Check battery health
- ✅ Inspect tyres for grip & pressure
- ✅ Top up screenwash with antifreeze
- ✅ Check lights and wiper blades
- ✅ Keep fuel above ¼ tank in cold snaps
Winter’s tough on cars — short trips and cold starts drain batteries fast.
February – Brake & Suspension Awareness
- Listen for squeaks or clunks
- Book in if handling feels off or stopping distance increases
- Inspect for pothole damage
Dundee roads + winter = suspension problems waiting to happen.
🔗 See our brake & suspension repair services →
March – Pre-MOT Prep
- Check your MOT expiry date
- Book an MOT 2–4 weeks before it’s due
- Consider a service + MOT bundle for full peace of mind
Bonus: If your MOT is due in April, beat the rush!
April – Spring Clean for Your Car
- Wash away winter salt from underbody
- Clean air filter / cabin filter
- Check coolant levels
- Inspect tyres after harsh weather
It’s not just about looking shiny — it’s about preventing rust and keeping airflow fresh.
May – Air Con Check & Recharge
- Test your A/C
- Book a regas if it’s not blowing cold
- Look for damp smells — could be bacteria in the system
You’ll thank us in July when Dundee gets its one week of summer.
June – Mid-Year Health Check
- Oil level check
- Coolant, brake & power steering fluid top-up
- Tyre pressure + tracking
- Check your service history
Perfect time for an interim service if you drive a lot.
🔗 Book a car service in Dundee →
July – Battery & Long-Trip Readiness
- Planning a holiday or road trip?
- Get your battery tested
- Check spare tyre, jack and breakdown kit
- Top up all fluids
August – Holiday Hangover Check-Up
- Listen for odd noises after long drives
- Check oil, brakes, and tyres post-trip
- Get any issues sorted before autumn hits
Summer fun often = car strain. Better safe than stranded.
September – Back-to-School & Work Ready
- Brake check
- Lights and visibility
- Seatbelts + child seats (if applicable)
Make sure your car’s ready for the routine again.
October – Winter Prep Begins
- Book a full service before cold weather hits
- Check tyre tread depth and consider winter tyres
- Top up antifreeze & check heater
November – Battery & Lighting Focus
- Dark mornings? Weak battery? Bad combo.
- Check alternator output (we can help)
- Replace any dim or flickering bulbs
- Clean headlight lenses for max visibility
December – End-of-Year Check-In
- Does your MOT fall early next year? Book it now.
- Top up all fluids
- Inspect tyres and brakes after icy drives
- Keep your de-icer, scraper and jump leads in the boot
Bonus Tip: Set Reminders for MOTs & Services
We’ll happily keep you in the loop with MOT and service reminders — so you don’t have to remember a thing.
Want to Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape All Year?
At Tannadice Motors, we make it easy to stay on top of maintenance — whether it’s a quick fluid top-up or a full annual service. We work on:
- Cars 🚗
- Vans 🚐
- Light Commercials ⚙️
- Personal vehicles & business fleets
