If you’re the forgetful type, it may be a good idea to mark your calendar or set a reminder on your device. Your car’s fluids are its lifeblood. Regular inspections will help you ensure that it has everything it needs to continue running cleanly and efficiently.
If you have a button-style parking brake, simply push it in all the way to engage it. [3] X Research source The safest place to check your car’s fluids is inside the garage or in a parking lot that isn’t too busy.
With certain car models, it may be necessary to press a separate latch on the underside of the hood itself in order to open it up all the way. [5] X Research source Use the thin metal rod situated to one side of the engine compartment to keep your hood propped up while you work.
Always check the oil after the car has had an hour or so to cool down. That way, the oil in the return galleries, cylinder head valleys, and other components will have a chance to drain, preventing false readings. The dipstick has markings on it indicating a range of acceptable oil levels (usually notched, dimpled, or scribed). Double check the markings you see against the diagrams in your owner’s manual. If the oil level is too low, you’ll need to add an appropriate motor oil right away. [8] X Research source Note the color of your oil, too. Clean engine oil is a translucent golden color. Dirty engine oil will typically be black or dark brown. If your oil looks dirty, review your car’s records to see when the oil was last changed. A car can run on slightly darkened oil just fine, so it’s better to go by the schedule than the color alone. [9] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Schedule your oil changes based on time rather than mileage alone. Even if you don’t drive the specified number of miles, it’s a good idea to replace your oil about once every six months, or more frequently if you do a lot of driving. It’s possible for your car’s oil to break down and become less effective even if it’s just sitting in the driveway. Repeated, dramatic loss of engine oil could be a symptom of a leak. Keep a close eye on the ground under the spot where you normally park to look for telling oil stains. If you notice any, get your car into a shop to have it looked at. If your oil appears milky or foamy, it could be contaminated with coolant. This could point to a blown head gasket or another serious issue. [10] X Research source
Healthy transmission fluid will have glossy a reddish hue. If yours looks brown or black or has a distinct burnt odor, it’s probably time to replace it. [12] X Research source Your transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed anywhere near as often as your engine oil. In newer cars, the recommended service interval may be as high as 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Consult your owner’s manual to find more concrete guidelines for the model you drive. [13] X Research source This fluid is responsible for lubricating the transmission, or your car’s gear system.
If your brake fluid reservoir is especially hard to see through, it may help to jostle your vehicle gently on its suspension to get the fluid sloshing around and create visible movement. Cars shouldn’t consume brake fluid, no matter how old or hard-driven they are. If your brake fluid looks low, have your car checked to find out why. The culprit may be a leak in the brake line or worn brake surface, which in the worst case scenario could cause your vehicle to fail to stop. [16] X Research source
If you need to add more power steering fluid, you can do so by screwing the lid off the reservoir and pouring in an appropriate product up to the indicated fill line. These days, many cars are equipped with electronic power steering, which means they won’t have a fluid reservoir.
Never check your coolant levels without first allowing your engine to cool down completely. Opening the reservoir while it’s under pressure could cause scalding-hot water to come spraying out![19] X Research source Cars are designed to use antifreeze as coolant, not water. Antifreeze has a lower freezing point and a higher boiling point than water. If you need to replenish your coolant, make sure you’re using the right stuff. Be sure to read the label on the product you pick up. Some formulations can be added at full strength, while others must be mixed with an equal quantity of water. Sometimes there may be coolant in the reservoir but not in the radiator. If your reservoir is full but your car is running hot, remove the radiator hose to see if there’s enough fluid in the radiator.
Specialty wiper fluids formulated to easily cut through bugs and other road grime tend to be inexpensive, so there’s no excuse not to buy a quality product. However, adding a little water or window cleaner to the reservoir will also do the trick in a pinch. [21] X Research source If you live somewhere with a cold climate, choose a type of fluid that won’t freeze when temperatures drop. Wiper fluids with low freezing points will be plainly labelled as such.
As a general rule, you should check your tire pressure even more often than you do your key engine fluids. While you’re down there, take a moment to appraise the tread on your tires. This will give you a better sense of where they are in their lifespan.
