How to Check Automotive Fluids

Learn the basic steps on how to check the most important automotive fluids in your vehicle.

In our previous post on Identifying Car Fluid Leaks, we focused on fluid leakage and the negative effects it can have. This time around, we’re going into detail on what necessary fluids are used throughout the engine system, and what a regular fluid maintenance program should look like.

The Importance of Automotive Fluids

The fluids in your car play a crucial role in vehicle operations, as they are specialized to ensure optimal performance. As you can imagine, it is essential to maintain these fluids to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.

Let's explore the importance of some common car fluids:

• Engine Oil. Vital for lubricating the engine's moving parts, while preventing wear and tear, oil also helps engine cooling and heat dissipation during combustion.

 

• Coolant/Antifreeze. Usually a mixture of water and glycol, coolant circulates through the engine system to regulate temperature. It prevents the engine from overheating in hot weather and freezing in cold weather.
  

 

• Transmission Fluid. Transmission fluid is essential since it lubricates gearsets and aids shifting.
  

 

• Brake Fluid. Hydraulic in nature, brake fluid transfers pressure to braking components.
  

 

• Power Steering Fluid. Power steering fluid is also hydraulic, and helps reduce the physical effort necessary to cycle the system’s steering rack.
  

Step-By-Step Fluid Checks

Proper fluid maintenance is crucial for keeping your vehicle running smoothly, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to check five crucial fluids in your vehicle: engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Grab your dipstick and dive in.

Engine Oil

Checking engine oil should be done regularly, preferably when the engine is cold. The engine oil dipstick is typically located near the front of the engine. It is usually identified as a bright-colored handle.

1. Open the hood. Pull the hood release lever, typically located near the driver's side foot-well, under the dashboard.
2. Locate and remove the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out, and wipe the end with a clean cloth or paper towel.
3. Reinsert the dipstick. Return the dipstick to the tube, ensuring that it goes all the way in.
4. Remove the dipstick again. Remove the dipstick and observe the oil level. Dipsticks usually offer two marks indicating minimum and maximum oil levels. The oil level should be situated between these two marks.
5. Check the oil condition. Take note of the oil's color and consistency. Healthy engine oil is typically amber or brown, and offers a smooth texture.
6. Add oil if necessary. If the oil level is below the minimum, add more oil. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for the oil type and viscosity. Avoid overfilling.
7. Replace the dipstick. Once you are satisfied with the oil level, reinsert the dipstick.
8. Close the hood. Lower the hood carefully, ensuring that it is fully closed and latched.
   

Coolant/Antifreeze

Coolant and/or Antifreeze is checked at the radiator, along with its overflow vessel. In the case of the radiator, the primary component is typically located at the front of the engine bay. As for the reservoir (also referred to as the coolant expansion tank) the component is usually found connected to the radiator. Follow manufacturer guidelines regarding coolant type.

1. Ensure the engine is cool. It's important to check coolant levels when the engine is cool to prevent burns.
2. Inspect coolant level. Use the markings on the side of the reservoir, as these indicate appropriate fluid ranges.
3. Check coolant condition. Healthy coolant is typically brightly colored depending on the type of coolant utilized.
4. Add coolant. If the fluid is below the minimum mark, add more.
5. Open the coolant reservoir cap. If you need to add coolant, open the coolant reservoir cap. Some caps offer built-in pressure release mechanisms.
6. Add coolant to the reservoir. Pour coolant, ensuring that it reaches between the minimum and maximum marks. Do not overfill.
7. Replace the coolant reservoir cap. Once you have added necessary coolant, secure the reservoir cap.
8. Check for leaks. Inspect the area around the coolant reservoir and radiator for leaks.
9. Close the hood. Lower the hood carefully, ensuring that it is fully closed and latched.
   

Transmission Fluid

The transmission dipstick is usually located at the front or rear of the engine, or adjacent to the transmission bell housing. This appliance is often made of metal or plastic, and offers a colored handle. Be aware that not all vehicles have a transmission fluid dipstick. Some newer vehicles utilize sealed transmissions that do not offer DIY maintenance.

1. Warm the engine. Start the engine and let it idle to heat transmission fluid.
   Engage the transmission. With your foot on the brake, shift the transmission through each gear position (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, etc.) and then back to Park.
2. Remove the dipstick. After the shifting cycle, turn the engine off. Locate the transmission dipstick and pull it from its tube.
3. Check the fluid level. Wipe the dipstick using a cloth or paper towel. Reinsert the dipstick, and then remove it again. Observe the markings on the dipstick. Most dipsticks apply two sets of markings exhibiting hot and cold conditions.
   Inspect the fluid. The fluid should be a transparent or reddish color and should not exhibit a burned smell or obvious debris.
4. Check fluid level. There are usually minimum and maximum indicators relating to fluid level. Proper levels should rest between these marks.
   Add fluid if necessary. If the level is low, add fluid in small amounts while rechecking the level. Avoid overfilling.
5. Replace the dipstick. Once you have checked the fluid level, securely reinsert the dipstick.
6. Close the hood. Lower the hood carefully, ensuring that it is fully closed and latched.
   

Brake Fluid Master Cylinder

The brake fluid reservoir is typically located on the driver's side of the engine compartment on the firewall. Its vessel is usually fabricated of plastic and traditionally has a cap labeled ‘Brake Fluid’ or ‘Brake Master Cylinder.’ If you're having difficulty locating the brake fluid reservoir in your specific vehicle, it is recommended to consult the vehicle owner's manual.

1. Clean the reservoir. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe any dirt or debris from around the cap.
2. Check the fluid level. There are usually markings indicating minimum and maximum levels. A proper fluid level should rest between these two marks.
3. Inspect the condition of the brake fluid. Fresh brake fluid is typically clear or slightly yellowish. If the brake fluid appears dark, cloudy, or contains particles, it may be an indication of contamination or degradation.
4. Add brake fluid. If the brake fluid level is below the minimum mark, add fluid. Unscrew the cap on the brake fluid reservoir. Add fluid in small increments to avoid overfilling.
5. Close the reservoir cap. Once you have checked the fluid level, re-secure the reservoir cap.
6. Close the hood. Lower the hood carefully, ensuring that it is fully closed and latched.
   

Power Steering Fluid

The power steering fluid reservoir is typically located in the engine compartment near the power steering pump. The exact location may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. When dealing with this vessel, it is recommended to consult your owner's manual for detailed instructions. Additionally, bear in mind that some late-model vehicles are not equipped with hydraulic power steering systems, but instead utilize non-liquid electronic systems.

1. Clean the reservoir. Before opening the reservoir, use a cloth or paper towel to wipe away any dirt or debris.
2. Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir.
3. Inspect the condition of the power steering fluid. Clean power steering fluid is typically clear or light amber colored.
4. Add fluid if necessary. If the fluid level is below minimums, add fluid in small increments, while allowing time for settling before rechecking the level. Do not overfill the reservoir.
5. Securely close the reservoir cap. Once your checks are complete, secure the reservoir cap.
6. Close the hood. Lower the hood carefully, ensuring that it is fully closed and latched.
   

Regardless of how small these kinds of maintenance checks may be, they can make a big difference between happy motoring and sitting on the side of the road while your temper gets hotter than a steaming radiator.