The Vital Fluids in Your Car
Fluids to check with a dipstick:
• Engine Oil: This is the lifeblood of your engine. Check your oil dipstick regularly (Remember to clean the dipstick with a rag when you first remove it and then to reinsert it and withdraw it again to get a true read on your oil level). If you continually need to add oil, consult your technician immediately. Other trouble signs may include the oil having a “foamy” appearance or a strong gasoline odor. Check your owner’s manual for the location of the oil dipstick.
• Transmission Fluid: Check your transmission fluid dipstick while the engine is running. The color should be pink or red. If it appears brown or has a burnt smell, have it checked immediately.
• Power Steering Fluid: small dipstick can usually be found attached to the cap of the power steering fluid reservoir. The fluid should stay level. If you need to add fluid, have it checked as soon as possible for a leak.
Fluids to check visually:
• Brake Fluid: Do you know where the brake fluid is located? In most cars you’ll find it in an opaque chamber under the hood, right in front of the steering wheel. If your brake pads are starting to wear, the brake fluid level will drop. If the fluid drops below two-thirds full, have it checked.
Note: Be careful with brake fluid as it will damage your paint!!
• Coolant: When you check the coolant, make sure your car has had time to cool down. Two marks (“Full Hot” and “Full Cold”) can be found in the reserve tank. If you need to keep adding water, you probably have a leak. The engine can be damaged from overheating, so make sure that the reserve tank contains adequate coolant and never allow your car to redline.
• Windshield Washer Fluid: You can check the windshield washer fluid level by looking at the marker on the opaque chamber or by looking into the reservoir.
