Long ago, it was typical for a gas station to not only fill your gas tank, but wash your windows and check your cars fluid levels. Nowadays, most people really don't even know how or when to check the car's fluid levels. Most are content to go in for an oil change every now and then, and let them check the fluid levels.
For your car to be working well for the long term, you need to know what fluids needs to be checked and do it regularly. Your car or truck guide book will have all the information you need to help you keep your fluid levels in check. There should be a diagram of the car engine and the location of all the fluids. In order to be sure, you can even do additional research on the internet. When you want to check the oil, look for a cap around the front of the engine that says "oil." To check the oil level, make sure the engine is off then remove the dipstick, wipe off the oil with a towel. Stick in the dipstick completely back in then remove it again to view your oil level reading. You are going to be able to observe the oil on the dipstick and if it is between the maximum and minimum marks, your oil is okay. When it is lower than, then you will want to add some oil.
You may need to check your oil every couple of weeks for older cars since oil will often leak. You may possibly not need to do this for older cars or trucks. The fluid for automatic transmission is found toward the back of the engine. Don't forget to look at the car manual to locate the exact location and how to check it. Generally your vehicle needs to be turned on with the transmission in neutral or park. For obtaining a genuine reading, you need to drive the car so the transmission is heated up. You may only need to execute this once a year unless you notice the fluid is leaking.
When checking the engine's coolant, ensure that you never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. It is possible to get bad burns when you're splashed by the hot coolant. Most cars come with an overflow bottle where you can check the levels with the visible level markings. The power steering fluid must also be checked routinely. Check through your owners manual to determine where it is at on your vehicle. You should also have your brake fluid examined regularly as well and can be found by looking at your car manual. Paint can be marred if you are not mindful when handling brake fluid.
The very last fluid to measure is for your windshield washer and it is the easiest of all. Washer fluid is fairly safe and will not harm other parts if accidentally spilled.
For your car to be working well for the long term, you need to know what fluids needs to be checked and do it regularly. Your car or truck guide book will have all the information you need to help you keep your fluid levels in check. There should be a diagram of the car engine and the location of all the fluids. In order to be sure, you can even do additional research on the internet. When you want to check the oil, look for a cap around the front of the engine that says "oil." To check the oil level, make sure the engine is off then remove the dipstick, wipe off the oil with a towel. Stick in the dipstick completely back in then remove it again to view your oil level reading. You are going to be able to observe the oil on the dipstick and if it is between the maximum and minimum marks, your oil is okay. When it is lower than, then you will want to add some oil.
You may need to check your oil every couple of weeks for older cars since oil will often leak. You may possibly not need to do this for older cars or trucks. The fluid for automatic transmission is found toward the back of the engine. Don't forget to look at the car manual to locate the exact location and how to check it. Generally your vehicle needs to be turned on with the transmission in neutral or park. For obtaining a genuine reading, you need to drive the car so the transmission is heated up. You may only need to execute this once a year unless you notice the fluid is leaking.
When checking the engine's coolant, ensure that you never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. It is possible to get bad burns when you're splashed by the hot coolant. Most cars come with an overflow bottle where you can check the levels with the visible level markings. The power steering fluid must also be checked routinely. Check through your owners manual to determine where it is at on your vehicle. You should also have your brake fluid examined regularly as well and can be found by looking at your car manual. Paint can be marred if you are not mindful when handling brake fluid.
The very last fluid to measure is for your windshield washer and it is the easiest of all. Washer fluid is fairly safe and will not harm other parts if accidentally spilled.
About the Author:
Frequent check-up of transmission and engine fluids is an important maintenance tasks, as these two serve as the car's lifeblood. The author is a mechanic who provide advice on transmission fluid change and likewise discuss if transmission flushing is actually important.