Vehicle Maintenance is one of the most important things that we can do. Other than oil changes, what else should everyone be doing to maintain their vehicles? This is just the start of a series that we will be sharing with yall. Today we are going to start by checking your fluids.
Checking and maintaining your vehicle’s fluids are vital to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. It can help to prevent breakdowns and expensive repairs. I am going to cover what fluids to check, how to check them, and why they are important to your vehicle’s overall health.
Engine Oil
Your engine oil is arguably the most important fluid in your vehicle. It lubricates the engine’s moving parts, reduces friction, and keeps the engine cool. Low oil levels or dirty oil can cause damage, reduce performance, and can cause your engine to seize. Lack of oil is the most common reason for engine failure.
To check the oil level, locate your dipstick, pull it to remove it from the tube, and use a rag to clean it off. Reinsert the dipstick and remove it again. To read the level you will have to look toward the bottom and see it shows that you are at max level. There will be an indicator on one side. If the oil level is low, then add oil to the recommended level.
Coolant
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is responsible for keeping the engine at the correct temperature. Without enough coolant, the engine can overheat, causing damage to not only the engine but other components as well. Other than oil, lack of coolant is the second most common reason for engine failure.
To check your coolant level, locate your coolant reservoir which is usually translucent & should have low and high indicators on the body of it. Be sure to only add coolant if your engine is cool. The cap of your reservoir can expel hot coolant if you do not let your engine cool properly. If your coolant level is low, add until the recommended level is reached.
Transmission Fluid
Your transmission shifts gears to transmit the power from your engine to your wheels, making your vehicle move. Your transmission fluid keeps all those moving parts lubricated and cool. Low or dirty trans fluid can cause it to shift poorly, increasing fuel consumption or overloading your engine and causing engine failure.
First things first, let’s find your transmission dipstick. This is usually located near the back of your engine, but some vehicles do not have one. Just like your engine oil dipstick but usually orange, you’re going to remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it. Your level indicator is located on one side of your dipstick. Remove the dipstick again and check where you are on your level, add oil if needed.
Brake Fluid
Your brake fluid is responsible for transmitting the force from your brake pedal to the brake calipers, which clamps the brake pads onto the brake rotors, slowing/stopping your vehicle. Low brake fluid levels or contaminated fluid can cause reduced brake power or even brake failure. In Houston, you know how important brakes are!
Usually located near the back of your engine compartment, locate your brake fluid reservoir. Just like your coolant reservoir, there should be level indicators on the side of the tank. Check the level using those etchings and add fluid if needed.
Power Steering Fluid
If you have ever driven a vehicle without power steering, then you are well aware of how much this fluid helps. Power steering fluid assists us in turning our steering wheel with ease. Low or contaminated fluid can cause the system to fail and make your steering wheel harder to turn; no joke it’s so much harder than you realize.
Like your coolant and brake fluid, this is also a reservoir with markings that show you a low and max level. It is usually located near the engine, but you may need a flashlight to see the level of the fluid. Mine is tucked away and therefore it is harder to see the markings. Check where the fluid is showing and add more if needed.
Now you are ready to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently by checking and maintaining your fluids. Low or contaminated fluids can cause damage to your vehicle causing breakdowns, expensive repairs, or even accidents.
I hope that this guide has helped you and if you need further help just e-mail your questions to questions.mechanic.kacals@gmail.com
Have a great week & stay safe my friends!
Next Up: All about Coolant
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