Basic Automotive Repair: Checking Fluids

Article By: Daniel Saltman
Keeping your car ready for anything is all part and parcel of car ownership. There are some who ignore such things and those who keep an eye on them. Ideally, we

would like you to be one of the latter. Checking engine fluids is the most basic automotive repair tasks there is, and the easiest. We shall discuss it further here.

Much like our bodies, a car runs on fluids. It uses gas, water, oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and screen wash. We are all used to checking the gas, but not everyone is familiar with checking the others. That’s a shame because it only takes ten minutes and is a simple, but important part of auto maintenance.

First up, we should check the engine oil. This fluid is essential to allows the engine to run freely, stay cool and keep the motor free from dirt and particulates. If there isn’t enough oil, all these things are compromised, shortening the life of the engine and making it run inefficiently.

Fluids should only be checked when the engine is switched off and cold. This is for safety and accuracy. When heated, some of these fluids expand and circulate around the engine, meaning any readings you take won’t be accurate.

Look to the front of it for a small loop, often colored yellow, which should be the dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it down and put it back. Remove it once more and check the oil level. There should be two marks near the bottom called Min and Max. The point at which the oil stops should ideally be between the two.

If the level is nearer Min than Max, add some oil through the filler cap on the engine. Take care to use the right type of oil for your engine and pour carefully. Your manual will tell you which type of oil is best.

Next check the water. It isn’t just water, it is a mixture of coolant and water to keep the engine cool and to prevent it freezing when the weather turns cold. Most cars have a water overflow bottle, which saves you having to open the radiator. This too will have Min and Max markings on the side. Ensure the level is somewhere between the two.

Transmission fluid is present in both kinds of gearbox, but only checkable in an auto. There should be a dipstick similar to engine oil near the back of the engine on the passenger side. It should be labeled transmission fluid. If it isn’t check the manual. This too should have Min and Max.

Checking the brake fluid is exactly the same. You don’t have to open the bottle, you can just look on the side. You should also be able to see if the fluid is dirty through the bottle. If it looks cloudy or dark, it’s time for a change. Unless you know how to do it, take it to your auto repair shop.
Screen wash is exactly the same. Use the overflow bottle to ensure you have enough screen wash for when the road gets dirty.