Try an get a HAYNES car manual, they are invaluable for all users, it will tell you what maintenacne check to do and when.
Also try and see if there is a collecge near you that does basic car maintenance.
I did this a few years ago and doing working on my car helped me get it thru the MOT
. the minor work that needed doing formed part of the course work. (there were as many women as well as men, they said they did it because they travelled on dodgy roads)