Fluid Checks for All Vehicles

An important part of general vehicle maintenance includes checking the fluids of your car to prevent overheating or damage.  Most people do not know how to test the car fluids or where the reservoirs are located under the hood of their car.  The most common fluid checks are transmission, brake fluid, engine oil, coolants and windshield washer fluid.  While this can be confusing if you have never accessed these fluids before, you can refer to the user manual for your car if necessary.  These common instructions will help you learn how to simply check vital car fluids for top performance of your vehicle, but you may seek help the first time that you attempt these checks.

Transmission Fluid Checks

Depending on the engine of your manual or automatic transmission, you will be looking for a dipstick that typically has a white or yellow cap or a small ring that you can pull upwards from the long tube.  Make sure your car is in park and the engine should be running to warm the engine.  Take your fingers and touch the liquid from the dipstick and the lubricant should be almost clear and smooth to the touch.  If there is a burnt smell or if the fluid feels grainy, you will need to have the fluid checked out or flushed.  Next, wipe off the dipstick and re-enter it into the tube to test the fluid again.  If you pull it out and the fluid does not reach the “full” line, then you need to add more transmission fluid.

Engine Oil Fluid Checks

To check the oil in your car, you need to warm up with car first and let it run for a bit.  After a few minutes, you need to let the car sit to let the oil settle.  You will have to find the dipstick which is normally labeled “Engine” or “Motor Oil.”  Wipe the dipstick once you remove it, put the dipstick back in its original place and remove it again to see if it is filled to the “full” mark.  You may have to check the oil two or three times, but you can add oil and start the car for a few minutes.  You can start the process all over again once the new oil is added for proper levels, but you must be very cautious as to not overfill.

Coolants and Radiator Fluid Checks

This operation tests the coolant levels in your car, so you will have to locate the radiator cap to check the fluid level.  The car must be completely cool before you open it as a running engine would spray out burning water and can potentially injure you.  Use a cloth or gloves to remove the cap as a precaution and have a towel close by incase anything comes out of the container.  You should be able to look into the container and see fluid with your eyes.  If you cannot visually see the fluid, then you must fill the container with more coolant depending on the brand or your cars need.  Most cars require a 50/50 mixture, that is, 50% coolant and 50% water.