Drivers, Take Charge of Your Car’s Health with These Simple Fluid Checks!

Regularly checking your car’s fluids helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your car running smoothly. Here’s a detailed guide to key fluid checks

1. Engine Oil

Engine Oil

​Engine oil is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle, as it helps lubricate the engine’s moving parts, reduce friction, and keep the engine cool. Without the proper level of oil, your engine could suffer damage, leading to expensive repairs or even complete failure.

How Often Should You Check Your Engine Oil?

It’s recommended to check your engine oil every two weeks, or before embarking on any long trips. Regular checks will help you spot potential issues early, ensuring that your car continues to run smoothly.

What You’ll Need:

  • A clean rag or paper towel
  • Your car’s dipstick (usually located near the engine block)

Steps to Check Engine Oil:

  1. Prepare the Vehicle:
    First, make sure your car is on level ground to get an accurate reading. If possible, wait until the engine has cooled down to avoid burns from hot oil or engine parts. Ideally, check your oil when the car has been off for at least 10-15 minutes.
  2. Locate the Dipstick:
    Open the hood and find the dipstick. It often has a brightly coloured handle (yellow or orange) to make it easy to spot.
  3. Remove and Clean the Dipstick:
    Pull the dipstick out of its tube and wipe it clean using a rag or paper towel. This step removes any oil that may be on the stick from the previous readings, ensuring a fresh and accurate measurement.
  4. Reinsert the Dipstick:
    After cleaning, carefully reinsert the dipstick fully back into the tube, making sure it’s securely seated.
  5. Check the Oil Level:
    Pull the dipstick back out and observe the oil level. You should see two markings: the minimum and maximum oil level indicators. The oil level should fall between these marks. If it’s closer to or below the minimum mark, it’s time to top up.
  6. Top Up if Necessary:
    If your oil level is low, add the correct type and amount of oil for your car. Be sure to use the oil recommended in your vehicle's owner’s manual. Adding too much oil can be just as problematic as having too little, so add it gradually and recheck the level to avoid overfilling.

Why This Matters:

Maintaining the proper oil level is crucial for your engine’s longevity and performance. Low oil can lead to overheating, wear, and even engine damage, so make it a habit to check your oil regularly.

​2. Coolant 

coolant

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays a crucial role in keeping your engine temperature regulated. It absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it, preventing overheating. Low or ineffective coolant levels can lead to engine damage, so it’s essential to check it regularly.

How Often Should You Check Coolant?

Check your coolant level every few months or more frequently if you notice any signs of overheating, such as the temperature gauge rising or warning lights on your dashboard.

What You’ll Need:

  • A clean rag or paper towel

Steps to Check Coolant:

  1. Allow the Engine to Cool:
    Always check coolant levels when the engine is cool. This prevents burns from hot coolant or steam, which can escape if the engine is still warm.
  2. Locate the Coolant Reservoir:
    Open the hood and find the coolant reservoir. This is typically a clear plastic tank with a cap that is either white or translucent. Most cars will have a “min” and “max” line marked on the tank to indicate the acceptable fluid levels.
  3. Check the Fluid Level:
    The coolant should be at or just below the “max” mark. If it’s near or below the “min” line, it’s time to top it up. Be sure to only use the correct coolant mix for your vehicle, as recommended in your owner’s manual.
  4. Top Up if Necessary:
    If the coolant is low, carefully add the recommended coolant mixture. Ensure the engine is cold when you remove the cap to avoid hot fluid from splashing. Never attempt to open a hot coolant reservoir cap as it can lead to injury.

Why This Matters:

Maintaining the right level of coolant ensures your engine remains at an optimal temperature, preventing overheating, corrosion, and expensive repairs.

3. Brake Fluid​

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is vital for the proper functioning of your braking system. It transmits the force from your foot on the brake pedal to the brake pads, helping slow down or stop your car. Low brake fluid can affect braking performance, leading to unsafe driving conditions.

How Often Should You Check Brake Fluid?

It’s best to check brake fluid monthly to ensure the braking system is functioning at its best, especially before long trips or after noticing any changes in brake performance.

What You’ll Need:

  • A clean rag or paper towel

Steps to Check Brake Fluid:

  1. Find the Brake Fluid Reservoir:
    The brake fluid reservoir is usually located near the back of the engine bay, often near the driver’s side. It’s a small, plastic container marked with “brake fluid” or a similar label.
  2. Check the Fluid Level:
    Check the fluid level by observing the markings on the side of the reservoir. It should be near the “max” mark. If it’s lower than that, you’ll need to add fluid. Brake fluid can vary depending on your car’s make and model, so consult your manual for the correct type.
  3. Look for Leaks or Damage:
    If you notice the brake fluid is frequently low, it could indicate a leak in the brake lines or worn-out brake components. If the level is below the “min” mark, it’s important to check for leaks and top up with the appropriate brake fluid immediately.
  4. Top Up if Necessary:
    If the fluid is low, carefully add the correct brake fluid to the reservoir. Don’t overfill, as this could lead to spillage and damage. Be cautious when handling brake fluid, as it can damage your vehicle’s paint.

Why This Matters:

Ensuring your brake fluid is at the proper level is essential for safe braking performance. Low fluid levels can result in reduced braking efficiency or complete brake failure.

​4. Windscreen Washer Fluid

Windscreen Wash

Windscreen washer fluid helps keep your windscreen clean, ensuring a clear view of the road, especially in adverse weather conditions. It’s essential to keep the reservoir topped up to prevent smearing and reduce the risk of accidents.

How Often Should You Check Windscreen Washer Fluid?

Check your windscreen washer fluid frequently, especially during winter months when dirt and grime are more likely to accumulate on your windscreen.

What You’ll Need:

  • Windscreen washer fluid

Steps to Check Windscreen Washer Fluid:

  1. Find the Reservoir:
    The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is usually a translucent container with a blue or green cap, often marked with a symbol of a windscreen and wiper.
  2. Check the Fluid Level:
    Check the level of fluid in the reservoir. Most reservoirs will have a “min” and “max” line to indicate the fluid level. If it’s low, it’s time to refill.
  3. Top Up if Necessary:
    Use a dedicated windscreen washer fluid (not plain water) to top up the reservoir. Washer fluid is designed to clean your windscreen more effectively, and it won’t freeze in colder temperatures like water can.
  4. Winter Tip:
    In colder months, make sure you use a washer fluid that’s rated for freezing temperatures to prevent the fluid from freezing in the lines or on the windscreen.

Why This Matters:

A clean windscreen is vital for safe driving, as it ensures clear visibility. Keeping your windscreen washer fluid topped up improves your ability to clear dirt, bugs, and frost from your windscreen, particularly in challenging weather.

5. Transmission Fluid​

transmission fluid

Transmission fluid is essential for keeping your vehicle’s transmission system functioning properly. It lubricates the gears, clutch packs, and synchros, ensuring smooth shifts and reducing wear on the internal components. Both manual and automatic transmissions rely on this fluid to prevent overheating and excessive friction, which can cause costly damage. Regular checks and maintenance can help extend the life of your transmission and prevent expensive repairs.

How Often Should You Check Transmission Fluid?

Transmission fluid doesn’t need to be checked as frequently as engine oil, but it’s still essential to inspect it at regular intervals. Most manufacturers recommend checking the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 40,000 miles, or as specified in your vehicle's owner’s manual.

What You’ll Need:

  • A clean rag or paper towel
  • Your car’s dipstick (in vehicles with a dipstick for transmission fluid)

Steps to Check Transmission Fluid:

  1. Check the Engine Temperature:
    For the most accurate reading, ensure your car is warmed up. For automatic transmissions, it’s best to check the fluid while the engine is running. For manual transmissions, refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions, as the procedure may vary.
  2. Locate the Transmission Dipstick (if applicable):
    In some vehicles, particularly older models or certain automatic transmissions, there will be a dipstick specifically for transmission fluid. It’s usually located near the back of the engine bay, distinct from the oil dipstick. The dipstick handle is often colored red or yellow.
  3. Remove and Wipe the Dipstick:
    Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel. This will remove any excess fluid and give you a clear reading on the second check.
  4. Reinsert the Dipstick and Check the Fluid Level:
    Reinsert the dipstick back into its tube, making sure it’s seated properly, then pull it out again to check the fluid level. There should be marked indicators on the dipstick to show the minimum and maximum fluid levels.
  5. Check Fluid Condition:
    In addition to checking the level, it’s important to inspect the fluid’s condition. Healthy transmission fluid should be clear and reddish in color. If the fluid is brown, dark, or has a burnt smell, it may be time to replace it.
  6. Top Up or Replace if Necessary:
    If the fluid level is low, add the recommended type of transmission fluid for your vehicle, carefully following the instructions in your owner’s manual. Be cautious not to overfill. If the fluid looks dirty or burnt, a complete fluid change may be needed.

Why This Matters:

Neglecting to maintain your transmission fluid can result in transmission slipping, overheating, or, in severe cases, total transmission failure. Since replacing a transmission is a costly repair, staying on top of fluid checks and changes is key to keeping your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.

If you are unsure about any issues with your vehicle and would like to consult a professional, please don't be afraid to Contact us or Book a service online