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How do you check car fluids?
I always hear that I need to check my car fluids, but I’m not really sure how to do that. What fluids should I be checking?
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Here’s how to check various types of car fluids:
Engine oil:
- Open the hoodand make sure your engine is cold.
- Pull the oil dipstick** out of its tube, wipe it clean, then carefully insert it back into the tube.
- Pull it out again and check the oil level on the dipstick against the recommended measurements.
Transmission fluid:
- Let your engine warm up by idling.
- Set the parking brake and press the foot brake.
- Cycle through the gearshift a few times, then put your car in either neutral or park, depending on which setting your owner’s manual recommends.
- Check your dipstick the same way that you did when checking your oil level.
Brake fluid:
- Open the hood of your car and find the brake cylinder - look at your owner’s manual for the exact location.
- You should see a translucent plastic container with upper and lower level markings molded into it.
- Bring your car to a mechanic if the fluid is at or below the lowest mark.
Coolant:
- Make sure your engine is cold.
- Open the hood and find the coolant reservoir - a clear plastic container that is usually mounted near the radiator or on one of the inner fender panels.
- If your coolant level is below the low (or cold) level, add coolant until it reaches that mark, but no more.
Power steering fluid:
- Use your owner’s manual to find the fluid reservoir. Usually, it will be part of the pump.
- Remove the cap and dipstick, wipe the dipstick clean, then reinsert and remove it carefully.
- If the fluid level is at or near the lower mark, add enough fluid to bring the level to the upper mark.
- If your power steering fluid is in a clear container with level markings engraved, check the fluid level with the markings on the side of the container and add more if the level is at or below the lowest marking.
- Locate a clear reservoir under your hood.
- If the level is low, top it off with more fluid.
- You can also check your wiper fluid by using the sprayers; if nothing comes out, it’s probably time to add more fluid.
It’s great that you’re taking good care of your car, and I’m sure you’ll also want to keep it protected with a great insurance policy!
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- Gregory R.
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