Your car may seem like it runs on gasoline alone, but in fact, there are six major car fluids, all of which are vital to your vehicle's daily operation. Even if you're not the type to get involved with what's going on under the hood, there are some automotive maintenance tasks that everyone should learn. It's a good idea to know how to check each fluid level and learn what you should do if any of them come up short. Use this quick and easy guide to learn how to check your car's fluids, so you can help it stay on the road longer!
Here's what you'll need:
- A pair of work gloves
- Clean rags
- Your car's owner's manual
- A funnel (several, if you'll be filling up multiple fluids)
- A well-lighted area to park your car
Brake Fluid
With very few exceptions, most modern cars are built with hydraulic brakes. In simple terms, pressurized fluid is used to operate the braking system. When you press your car's brake pedal, a plunger causes the fluid inside the brake lines to pressurize. In response, your brake pads clamp onto your rotors, slowing your car down.
If your car does not have adequate brake fluid levels - or if your brake fluid has been contaminated by water - your car won't be able to brake properly. That's why proper brake fluid levels are critical to automotive performance and safety on the road.
You should check your brake fluid level around once per year. Here's how to check your car's brake fluid:
- With your engine cool and your car turned off, consult your owner's manual to find the location of the brake fluid reservoir. You can often find the page quickly via the manual's glossary.
- Examine the level and color of the brake fluid. If it falls below the lowest line, add additional fluid carefully using your funnel until it is between the minimum and maximum lines (first consult your owner's manual again to make sure it is compatible with your car).
- Brake fluid is not one universal color since some manufacturers make different colored brake fluid. However, no matter the color, you should be able to see through the fluid, and it should not be murky, dark, or cloudy. If it is, it's time to have your car serviced and your brake fluid replaced.
Coolant
Coolant is also known by the name antifreeze, but this car fluid doesn't prevent freezing. Rather, it does the opposite - it helps prevent your car from overheating as its engine runs.
You only need to check your car's coolant level every 50,000 miles or so. Nevertheless, doing so can help you spot a coolant leak before it becomes a bigger issue. Here's how to do it:
- With your engine cool and your car turned off, consult your owner's manual to find what type of coolant check you should perform for your vehicle. Most cars either have a coolant expansion tank, or the fluid has to be checked underneath their radiator cap.
- If you see a coolant expansion tank, check to ensure the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum lines.
- If coolant levels must be checked by the radiator cap, carefully twist open the radiator cap and check. It should be filled to the top with coolant.
- If there is not enough coolant in the vehicle, consult your owner's manual to learn what type is approved for your car, then carefully add it until the level is appropriate. Wait 5-10 minutes for the coolant to settle without any air bubbles.
Oil
Engine oil is one of the most important fluids in your car. Without the help of motor oil, your engine wouldn't be able to spin smoothly, and its parts would suffer from serious friction.
You should check your oil level around once per month. Here's how it's done:
- Take a short drive of 10-15 minutes, then park in a well-lit area, turn off the car, and prepare your gloves and a clean rag.
- Wait at least 10 minutes for the engine to cool and the oil to settle back down, then open the car's hood. Do not open the oil reservoir if the engine feels hot (wait around five more minutes).
- Look for the dipstick. It usually has a yellow tip or end. If you can't find it, consult your owner's manual.
- Pull the dipstick out, then wipe it clean with the rag.
- Reinsert the dipstick into the reservoir, then pull it out to examine it. Don't forget to replace the dipstick when you are finished!
If you look closely, you will see marks on the dipstick indicating your car's oil level. The oil level should be close to the maximum line. If it isn't, use your funnel to add more according to your owner's manual specifications. Be careful only to use the type of oil listed in your owner's manual, or you may cause damage to the vehicle. Add oil slowly, checking the dipstick periodically, until your car reaches the appropriate level.
Be sure to also inspect the color and quality of the oil. If it appears gritty, there may be something breaking down in your engine. If it's milky, coolant is leaking into your engine, and your car needs service ASAP. If it's dark brown or black, you're overdue for an oil change. Contact your dealer to schedule one right away.
Power Steering Fluid
Power steering is what makes your car so easy to maneuver. Without it, you'd likely have difficulty driving just about anywhere!
You should check the level of your power steering fluid about once per month. Here's the way it works:
- With your engine cool and your vehicle turned off, consult your owner's manual to find where to check the power steering fluid. It will either be via dipstick or by checking a specialized reservoir.
- Remove, wipe, and reinsert the dipstick. Check the markings to ensure the level is where it should be. Alternatively…
- Check the markings on the reservoir to ensure the fluid is between the high and low lines.
If you are low on power steering fluid, research what type your vehicle needs, then add more using a clean funnel. Beware if you notice your level dropping frequently even after you refill - this can indicate a leak.
Transmission Fluid
Most vehicles bought and sold in the United States have automatic transmissions. If your car falls into this category, you have another fluid to check: transmission fluid.
Transmission fluid should also be checked about once per month. However, the transmission fluid checking process is slightly different:
- Consult your owner's manual to find out if your car contains a transmission fluid dipstick. If it doesn't, you will need to visit a qualified dealer or mechanic to have them check for you.
- If it does, park the car in a well-lit place, then turn the car on. Leaving the car in park, pull the dipstick, then wipe it off and reinsert it to get a reading.
- Examine the level and color of the fluid. It should be smooth, translucent, and either red or amber colored. If it is sandy or cloudy, schedule a service appointment ASAP.
- In order to add more transmission fluid, add it to the fill tube or use your funnel. Check that there is enough fluid via the dipstick.
- Get back in the car and put your foot on the brake, then move the car slowly through each different gear to let the fluid move throughout the transmission.
Wiper Fluid
Without windshield washer fluid, you wouldn't be able to wash away all the gunk that seems to end up on your windshield as soon as you turn your back. While poor visibility is hardly one of the most common car problems on road trips, it's still an important part of safety in the car, so you should never let your wiper fluid run out.
You should check wiper fluid levels once a month but can do so less often if you don't frequently use your wiper fluid. Here's how to check your wiper fluid levels:
- With the engine off and the car parked, consult your owner's manual to find the wiper fluid reservoir. It usually has a blue cap and an icon resembling a windshield.
- Check if it is filled to the top. If it isn't, open the cap and top it off with additional wiper fluid. This fluid does not need to be vehicle-specific and can be bought at most gas stations or big-box stores.
- That's it! You're ready to have a clean windshield once again.
Stop By Piazza Subaru Today!
We hope you learned a little bit about DIY car maintenance today, but it's important to always seek service from qualified professionals if your car needs attention. If your Subaru needs service, you can always come by Piazza Subaru for maintenance and repairs. Or you can speak with one of our dealers about car financing in Limerick to get started buying a new Subaru you'll love!
