Ensuring a long life for your vehicle requires certain things to be done periodically. One of the most important things you can do is to check the fluids regularly. Keeping a close eye on the fluid levels and conditions can give you warning of a problem that might be coming. Think about looking at a low fluid level might mean there is a leak, or looking at burned fluid might mean it is time to change it, or perform some other kind of repair. Here are the fluids that should be checked on a regular basis, and what to look for when checking them.
Checking Engine Oil
The oil in your engine is the same as the blood in your veins. It flows through the block in veins to deliver the oil, where it is needed to lubricate internal engine parts. So you can see how important it is to check the engine oil frequently. Under natural use the oil gets contaminated with gasoline, that is the reason for a PCV valve, but sometimes these systems are not as efficient as they were designed to be, and the oil can get contaminated with gas, shortening the life of your engine. Also a low oil condition can alert you to a possible leak that should be fixed, before all of the oil is drained from the engine while it is running. The oil dipstick is not hard to find. There is usually a long tube that goes down by the oil pan, and the handle on the dipstick will say “OIL” or have a picture of an oil can on it. With the engine off pull the oil dipstick out, wipe it off and put it back in. Now pull it back out and look at the level and compare the quality to new oil. You can add if necessary, but if the oil is dirty or contaminated, then it should be changed immediately. You should check the oil about once a week.
Checking Brake Fluid & Clutch Fluid
Checking the brake fluid in your automobile is one of the easiest things you can do, also. The brake fluid reservoir is usually in the top back of the engine compartment, directly in front of the driver. One thing to keep in mind is that brake fluid is designed to wear out, and if it is not properly maintained, it can cause the most expensive types of brake problems to arise out of nowhere. What you are looking for when you check brake fluid is low fluid levels that can be a sign of needing a brake job, or even a brake system leak. Also look at the color of the fluid. Dark and muddy looking fluid will need to be changed. You can get brake fluid test strips from the auto parts store that will let you know the condition of your brake fluid, because some darkening in color is normal and it is hard to say what is good or bad fluid simply by looking at it. The only bad thing about handling brake fluid is that it eats paint, so wipe up and clean any “accidents” immediately. Vehicles with standard transmissions also have a reservoir for the clutch fluid. This can either be the brake fluid reservoir, or a completely separate one, you check it the same way as you would normal brake fluid.
Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid
Certain automatic transmissions have to have their fluid levels checked by computer, and if you own one of those cars, then you will have to go to a shop to check the transmission fluid. For the rest of us, there is also a dipstick like the one used to check the oil. The one for automatic transmissions usually has a red handle on it. You will know it is the right one because the tube goes to the transmission. Do it after you get back from somewhere and the engine is still warmed up and running. Then you pull the dipstick out, wipe it, and put it right back in the hole. Now pull it out and compare the fluid level and fluid condition to that of new fluid. Burned fluid can be sign of an engine problem, and low fluid can be sign of a leak. Check your transmission fluid at least once every 2 weeks.
Checking Standard Transmission Gear Oil and Differential Lubes
Checking the oil in standard transmissions and differentials is not hard to do at all. These fluids will smell burned, because there is no cooling for them, so you should change them about every 2 years. Checking the level is done with a ratchet. Simply stick the ratchet into the plug in the side of the transmission, transfer case, or differential that you are looking at, and unscrew the plug. If a tiny bit of fluid starts to come out, then it is full. If not, then it needs some more gear oil. This can be very messy, and it helps to have a hand pump with a hose on it, if you ever have to add oil in a tight spot under your vehicle.
Checking Engine Coolant
The simple task of checking the engine coolant can either be as easy or as hard as you make it out to be. The only thing you need to know is to never check the coolant level on a pressurized system. So squeeze the radiator hose before you decide to remove the cap. If the hose is not pressurized, then it is okay to open the system. The coolant level should be to the top of the radiator, with no room for air. The coolant should be as new as the day it was poured in the system also. Off colored coolant is often a sign of major internal engine problems. Also consider the coolant expansion tank, some are separate from the radiator, and some have the radiator cap on the expansion tank itself. When you check levels in an expansion tank, the levels are clearly marked for hot and cold engine levels.
Checking Power Steering Fluid
Checking power steering fluid is where people usually get lost. The power steering pump is on the front of your engine and it is normally driven by the belt. Sometimes you can check the power steering fluid from the cap that is on the top of the pump, and sometimes there are hoses coming off the power steering pump that go to the power steering fluid reservoir. You want to find this reservoir, and remove the cap from it, by giving it ½ turn counter clockwise, and lift it up. You will know when you see it because it usually has red or white letting on it stating “Power Steering Fluid”. It also has a little “mini” dipstick on it with hot and cold level marks. You will want to keep an eye on this about once a month, and if your power steering pump starts making noise when you turn the wheels, then you can bet that there is a problem in the system. Heat is really not a factor for power steering fluid, but leaks are. Common places for leaks are the power steering pump, either internally or externally, the steering lines, and the steering rack and pinion. Keeping a close eye on the power steering fluid in your car can help you make those expensive components last much longer.
There you have it, a crash course in fluids. Now you know which fluids to check, how they are checked, how often to check them, and what to look for when you check the fluids. You even have possible causes for different fluid conditions and level issues. Pat yourself on the back for learning how to protect the investment in your automobile, and remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
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