Fluids in a Car
There are six fluids under the hood of each car that have to be checked, changed and refilled regularly. Some require monthly attention; the others stay in good condition for years. Car owner’s manual usually gives information on the maintenance, and a caring person should learn how to deal with the fluids on his own doing it more often than it says in the instructions.
Before checking the fluid level it is important to park a vehicle on a flat surface in a shady spot. While the car is still running, check the transmission fluid. The rest of them would require for the car to cool down for about an hour. Keep the manual close for consultation.
1. Motor oil is the one that should be checked and changed more frequently than any other liquids. Owner’s manual will help to find the oil dipstick. It is important to get it all the way out releasing all the clips that might hold it. Clean the dipstick with a rag or paper towel in order to have good understanding of the oil level in the container. Put the dipstick back in its place as deeply as it can go and pull it back out. This time the clean dipstick will show the right oil level.
All oil dipsticks have markings that are either scratched or dimpled, or notched on it. They will help to find out the currant level of oil. If it is low, the oil should be added. An owner of an older auto can do it by himself, while the new models require dealer’s or auto service’s help.
The color of motor oil is also important. If the engine is in good shape, the oil will have golden color; dirty engine will show brownish fluid. However, dark oil might indicate that it has not been changed in a while, keep a schedule and change motor oil regularly. When you notice the oil became milky or foamy, run to mechanics, because it is a sign of mixture with coolant which might ruin head gasket or cause other serious problems.
2. Transmission fluid. There will be various requirements for automatic and manual clutches, see owner’s manual for detailed information on your specific case. The fluid should be checked with running engine on either Neutral or Park (depending on model of the car). Transmission fluid also has a dipstick and you do the same manipulations as with the oil: pull it out, clean it and dip it again to have the best reading.
It does not need changes as often as engine oil does. Some newer models allow up to 100,000 miles without fluid change. However it also needs a check-up from time to time.
Besides the level of the fluid, its color is most important. Transmission fluid can be from pink to brown. Darker color indicates old fluid or problems in transmission. Change transmission fluid as often as it says in the manual and if the brown color appears soon after the fluid was replaced, consult auto service, because it means something does not work right or got burnt in the gear system of the car.
3. Brake fluid. As a rule a white plastic tank with words “Brake Fluid” is easy to find. If you encounter problem finding it, check with the manual. When it is clean on the outside, there is no problem reading the level of the fluid. A vehicle does not use up brake fluid, so if it is low there might be a leak or the brake surfaces are worn. Check with auto service if you think the fluid is low because one day the car might fail to stop with low fluid.
4. Power steering fluid. It is usually a plastic or metal reservoir. On the sides of it there are several markings for hot and cool engine, so read the appropriate ones for your situation. Some of the models have a dipstick that would be helpful if the tank is metal. Cars do not consume this fuel either, so the only reason might be a leak that should be fixed by a mechanic.
5. Coolant is necessary to cool the engine down. Its reservoir is usually situated at the very front, by a radiator. Refill it if necessary. Only antifreeze should be used for this purpose. Various kinds of it have different requirements: some can be poured into the coolant tank as they are, the others should be mixed half-and-half with water.
6. Windshield washer fluid. Its level and color does not affect the work of the vehicle, but it comes up when you spray the windshield for washing. Some people use it often the others do not. There is no harm in having it low, but it is good to watch it in case you have to have the emergency clean-up.
Although some people might use water instead of washer fluid, it is especially good to have the fluid that does not freeze in low temperatures when they are expected.
Joe Martin
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