How to check car fluids
Fluids play an important role in almost every aspect of your car, including fuel efficiency, performance and durability. Maintaining the fluids at the optimum level will help your car drive better and last longer. Therefore it is important to know what the various car fluids are and how to determine if they need topping up.
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Check engine oil
Engine oil is a critical component of your car. It keeps your engine running smoothly by serving the dual function of both lubricant and coolant. If your engine oil level drops too low, your engine could be damaged due to the lack of lubrication.
To check your engine oil, start by parking your car on a level surface and wait until the engine is completely cool before opening the hood. Next, locate the dipstick which normally has a brightly coloured handle. Pull it out and wipe the end with a clean rag to ensure you get an accurate reading.
After wiping the dipstick, reinsert it fully and then pull it out again. You can then check the end of the dipstick. There are two protrusions, one closer to the end of the dipstick and the other slightly higher up. These mark the upper and lower bounds of the engine oil levels. If your engine oil level falls between these two marks, you have enough engine oil. If the oil level is outside of this range, it’s best to head over to a trusted mechanic to get it sorted.
Check engine coolant
As the name suggests, engine coolant keeps the engine cool. To find the engine coolant reservoir, simply look for a cap labelled “engine coolant” that is attached to an opaque plastic container. It really is that easy!
Once you’ve located the reservoir, all you have to do is check the side of the reservoir for markings that indicate the coolant level. Depending on its location, it may be a bit tricky to see. If you don’t have enough coolant, head to the nearest workshop to get a top-up and inspection for a leak pronto!
Check windscreen washer fluid
Removing stains and bird droppings on your windshield is a simple matter. Just turn on your wipers and spray the windshield washer fluid (also known as wiper fluid) at the same time. In just a few seconds, your view will be unobstructed.
To ensure you always have enough wiper fluid on hand to clear away any unwanted dirt, simply pop open the hood and look for the wiper fluid reservoir. It is usually brightly coloured and either has “wiper fluid” written on it or an image of water sprayed over a windshield. You can then check if you have enough wiper fluid based on the markings on the side of the reservoir.
You can easily pop open the cap and refill the wiper fluid yourself. If you’d prefer not to, just head to a workshop and get it topped up at your leisure.
Check automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is a hydraulic fluid and lubricant used in automatic transmission cars. Unlike engine oil, ATF is checked with the engine running. To do so, park your car on a level surface and leave the engine running while you check the fluid level.
Similar to checking the engine oil, you will need to clean the end of the ATF dipstick with a rag to get an accurate reading. You can then go ahead and insert the dipstick back in and pull it out. You can now check if you have sufficient transmission fluid.
If your ATF levels are low or it is hard to get to your car’s gearbox, head to a professional workshop to get it checked and topped up!
Check brake fluid
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid, similar to ATF. When you step on the brakes, the fluid compresses and the brakes will make contact with the brake discs, slowing down the car. If your brake fluid is low due to a leak, there won’t be enough pressure on the brakes to slow the car effectively. Therefore, it’s important to check your brake fluid if you notice any issues with your brakes.
In your engine compartment, there should be a reservoir labelled “brake fluid”. Check the reservoir for markings that indicate the acceptable levels of brake fluid or pop it open to see if it is full. If your brake fluid is not within the acceptable range, head straight to a reliable mechanic to get it checked out immediately.
Check power steering fluid
If your car uses power steering, it will require power steering fluid. This hydraulic fluid converts the small motion of turning the steering wheel into the large motion of turning the wheels. If your power steering fluid is low, controlling your car can become significantly more difficult, potentially compromising your driving safety.
Like the other fluids, power steering fluid is stored in the engine compartment. The reservoir cap is usually labelled “Power Steering Fluid”. Once you locate it, you can then check the markings on the container’s side to see if the fluid is within the recommended range. If it’s low, head to a trusted workshop to get it topped up or inspected! It’s always better to address it promptly than risk losing control of your vehicle unexpectedly!
Keep in mind that many modern cars use steer-by-wire or entirely drive-by-wire systems. These systems rely on electric components for power steering and brakes, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluids. An easy way to tell is by identifying a box in the engine compartment as shown in the image below. To avoid unnecessary confusion, confirm with a
a professional mechanic which fluids your car uses so you won’t spend time looking for fluids that your car doesn’t use.
These fluids are vital to your car’s proper functioning, so they should be kept at optimum levels. If you spot a leak, notice fluid levels below the recommended range, or experience reduced performance, head to a trusted mechanic immediately. Neglecting these issues could lead to costly repairs or, worse, an accident!
If you have any trouble locating or checking any of the fluids, our professional mechanics can take a look! Simply book a service appointment and everything will be taken care of!
