Does the number of previous...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Looking after your vehicle properly helps it stay reliable, safe, and valuable. This hub explains what routine maintenance involves, what needs attention and when, and how good maintenance affects long-term value — across cars and vans.
Already know your reg? → Check your vehicle’s value
Vehicle maintenance is about preventing problems before they become expensive or unsafe. Regular checks and servicing help keep your vehicle running smoothly and protect its long-term value.
Routine maintenance typically includes:
Servicing and oil changes
Tyres, brakes, and suspension checks
MOT preparation and repairs
Fluid levels and warning lights
Wear-and-tear items
Staying on top of these areas can reduce breakdowns and make your car easier to sell later.
If you’re thinking about selling, our selling guidance pages explain how maintenance impacts value.
Following the manufacturer’s service schedule helps prevent mechanical issues and reassures future buyers.
Regular upkeep plays a big role in valuation — our valuation guidance explains what buyers look for.
Tyres and brakes are critical for safety and are often checked during valuations and inspections.
View our Car and van tyre safety and maintenance pages for full guidance
Ignoring warning lights can lead to larger problems and reduced resale value.
An MOT is a legal requirement and a key indicator of a car’s condition. Preparing properly can reduce failures and unexpected repair costs.
Common MOT-related issues include:
Worn tyres or brakes
Suspension wear
Lighting faults
Emissions problems
If repairs outweigh your vehicle’s value, our scrapping guidance explains your options.
If your car has failed its MOT more than once — especially for similar issues — it’s usually a sign of underlying maintenance gaps rather than bad luck. Patterns in MOT failures often point to wear-and-tear items being missed or delayed, such as tyres, brakes, or suspension components.
Understanding what repeated failures actually mean can help you decide whether to fix, monitor, or rethink your next step — particularly if repair costs are starting to add up.
Good maintenance doesn’t just improve reliability — it directly affects how buyers and dealers value your car.
Well-maintained cars and vans tend to:
Attract higher offers
Sell faster
Raise fewer inspection concerns
Poor maintenance can reduce value, even if the vehicle still runs.
“Servicing isn’t necessary if the car runs fine.”
Many problems develop quietly and only appear once damage is done.
“Old cars aren’t worth maintaining.”
Basic maintenance can keep older cars reliable and preserve resale or scrap value.
“Minor faults don’t affect value.”
Small issues can signal neglect and lower buyer confidence.
“I should fix everything before selling.”
Some repairs help value, others don’t — it’s about choosing wisely.
If you’re maintaining your car or van yourself— or deciding whether further repairs are worthwhile — checking its current value can help you make an informed decision.
No obligation
See how maintenance affects value
Decide whether to repair, sell, or keep
If you’re ready to move on from your current vehicle, you can get a free valuation here. 👉 get a free valuation
Subscribe to our newsletter
Vehicle Maintenance Guidance Looking after your vehicle properly helps it stay reliable, safe, and valuable. This hub explains what routine maintenance involves, what needs attention
Nissan hasn’t always had the name that we are all familar with. Find out its background and the Nissan name we know and love now has been established.
Don’t exclude your car when it comes to making your New Year’s resolutions. If you’re struggling for ideas, not to worry as we’ve got some great ideas that will help to benefit your car in 2019.
Did you know that you could start improving your fuel economy right now? Discover how you can save money and drive further with our top tips right here.
Going on a road trip? Get an idea of the type of things you should be checking on your car with our foolproof checklist right here.
Bees do not poo on their own doorstep, you should check their flightpath. We use our investigative skills to find out why Bee poo is so difficult to remove
The synthetic fuel train is full steam ahead, but is it the key to becoming greener? Find out all you need to know about e-fuel here.
Buying your first car can be an exciting but also a daunting
Buying a used car can be a tricky process, especially if you’re
Pre-registered cars – how you can save money Did you know that
Car depreciation explained: future residual
It turns out that electric vehicle drivers are willing to pay more
The Tesla Supercharger network is expanding fast, providing reliable rapid charging throughout
Are you and your family ready to go electric? Well there’s no
How fast do Electric cars charge? How quickly your electric car charges
Purchasing a new or used car is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make and you should never be afraid to negotiate for a better car price.
Thinking of buying a second-hand electric vehicle but can’t make your mind up? Find out here whether or not you should give them a wide birth.
What is a car warranty? To help you answer this question and much more on car warranties, check out our handy guide all about car warranties.
Depreciation and assets can muddy the waters for you, so we’ve made it simple. Find out what a depreciating asset is and if your car is considered one here.
How Often Should You Service Your Car or Van? A Complete UK Guide Knowing how often to service your car or van helps keep it
How Much Does Poor Service History Reduce Car Value? Service history plays an important role in how buyers assess a car’s condition and value. While
Most cars need a service every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.
If you drive shorter trips, tow heavy loads, or use your car in extreme temperatures, servicing may be needed more often. Regular servicing helps prevent breakdowns and keeps repair costs low.
You should never ignore the following dashboard lights:
Engine management light (amber or red)
Oil pressure warning
Battery/charging warning
Brake system warning
If a red light appears, stop the car as soon as it’s safe and investigate immediately. Ignoring these can cause expensive engine or electrical damage.
You may need new tyres if:
Tread depth is below 1.6mm (the legal limit)
There are cracks, bulges, or uneven wear
The steering wheel vibrates at speed
Braking distances feel longer
Checking your tyres regularly improves safety and fuel efficiency.
Every driver should check:
Engine oil
Coolant/antifreeze
Brake fluid
Power steering fluid
Windscreen washer fluid
Running low on any of these can cause performance issues, overheating, or even engine failure.
Most car batteries last 3–5 years.
Signs you may need a replacement include:
Slow engine cranking
Dim headlights
Electrical problems
Battery warning light
Needing to jump-start more often
Cold weather also reduces battery capacity.
You can greatly reduce breakdown risk by:
Keeping up with regular servicing
Checking tyre pressures weekly
Maintaining proper fluid levels
Replacing worn belts and hoses
Keeping your battery in good condition
Small checks now can prevent big repair bills later.
Before winter, make sure to check:
Tyre tread and pressures
Antifreeze strength
Battery condition
Wiper blades and screenwash
Heater and demister system
Carrying essentials such as a torch, blanket and ice scraper is also a good idea.
What sellers expect when using modern car buying platforms Car buying platforms have evolved significantly — and so have seller expectations. While jamjar is fundamentally
How jamjar vets and reviews car buying partners When sellers use a car-selling platform, trust isn’t assumed — it’s earned. Sellers want confidence that the
How jamjar matches sellers with the right car buying partners When sellers use a car-selling platform, they’re not just looking for offers — they’re looking
Why some car buyers lose seller trust (and how good partners avoid it) Most sellers don’t go into a car sale expecting problems — but
Coolant and Anti-freeze: What is the correct type for your car? Did you know that different cars require different coolants? You might be thinking it’s
Which car battery do I need? Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning to find out your car’s battery is
How to remove scratches from your car Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than discovering that your car has a scratch on it. It has
Blowing exhaust Is your car’s exhaust not sounding too healthy? Does it sound like it’s blowing a gale? Your exhaust does several jobs in your
What is a car warranty? To help you answer this question and much more on car warranties, check out our handy guide all about car warranties.
If you’re thinking about investing in a garage to store your car, this list of benefits will help you make up your mind.
