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Checking
Your Fluids Experience shows, these days fluids are not checked often enough. As a result, we find many of the major repair problems now occurring are the result of poor fluid, or a lack of fluid. Engines and transmissions seldom wear out anymore. When we do an engine or transmission replacement it is usually because the fluids ran low, or were not changed often enough. A check of fluids in the engine compartment should be done every time you fill up your gas tank, particularly on older cars, or after major work has been done. Change your oil every 3,000 miles. Checking fluids is generally done with the vehicle at normal operating temperature and on a level surface. There are several fluids to check when you open your hood. These are listed below. Checking fluids does not require any tools- just a cloth or paper towel. We would be happy to help if you are uncomfortable doing this, or would like us to show you how! Make sure you have enough fluids. Note: Misunderstanding of fluids is not gender specific! A young woman brought her 2001 Volkswagen Jetta to the shop saying her temperature gauge had gone into the red zone. As an after thought, as she was about to leave, she mentioned her heater was not working, as well. On hearing this her boyfriend, who had just arrived to give her a ride home, said "Of course it does not work! There is no water in the radiator!" Unfortunately, though he knew what the problem was, he did not realize the main function of the water/anti-freeze mixture in the radiator is to keep the engine cool, thus preventing engine damage. Had they topped the radiator, or simply had the vehicle towed to the shop they might have saved the several thousand dollars it cost them to replace the engine. Also, it is very important to know which fluids go where. Consult your owner's handbook, or bring it in and we will show you. Not long ago we had another customer tell us she noticed the temperature gauge on her Honda Accord had gone high. Though there are any number of specific causes for this type of problem, she was correct in knowing the problem was related to her engine cooling system. After having her car towed to the shop she said, "I took the cap off the top of the engine. I did not see anything inside, so I filled it with my garden hose." Unfortunately, that where the engine oil goes, and it should not be filled up to the top, anyway. Continuing to drive it after this mistake caused major engine damage to this vehicle, as well.
Fluids to Check: Note: Most fluids are checked with minimum/maximum marks on a dipstick that rests inside the fluid reservoir or against minimum/maximum graduations on the side of a translucent reservoir. 1.
Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is usually checked against minimum and maximum graduations on a translucent reservoir. On older or antique vehicles without a translucent brake fluid reservoir, the reservoir cap or cover must be opened to check the fluid level. A slight and gradual decrease in the fluid level is normal as brake linings wear down. It is not necessary to continually top off the fluid as long as the level remains above the minimum mark. The thing to watch out for here is a major drop in the fluid level. This is generally an indication of a leak in the hydraulic system, which may lead to brake failure. Along with checking the quantity, note the brake fluid's condition. It should be a somewhat translucent, amber color. Brake fluid is hygroscopic- it absorbs moisture from the air. Over time, as moisture is absorbed the fluid becomes dark and discolored. This moisture will rust the internal works of the metal components in the brake hydraulic system. We can correct this by flushing the system and replacing the fluid. This is a relatively inexpensive maintenance procedure that could potentially save you thousands of dollars! 2.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Although it has little real effect on the vehicle's operation, it helps the driver maintain good visibility. It is a safety item and should be checked along with the other fluids. The washer fluid reservoir is usually well marked with a windshield wiper symbol. This fluid typically needs topping regularly as it is used. It's best to replace it with fluid that has a mild detergent and methanol (methyl alcohol or wood alcohol). Along with being poisonous, (if you get some on your hands, just rinse them off but, don't let your dog drink it or get it into his eyes) the methanol helps to dry your windshield after the fluid is applied. In cold weather, it keeps the fluid from freezing and ruining your windshield washer pump (these may cost around $60). To top up the reservoir, simply remove the cap and pour the fluid directly into the reservoir. 3. Engine Coolant or Anti-Freeze:
Most vehicles built since the 1970s have translucent coolant recovery tanks, which allow you to check the level without opening the radiator cap.
In any of the three types of systems above you can add plain water to replace a slight loss of coolant. If you think you may need more than a quart, use a mixture of 50/50 water and antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol has a sweet smell and is poisonous if ingested. It can cause damage to internal organs through skin absorption, and can cause dizziness if inhaled. Wash your hands after using it and don't let your dog drink it. Along with lowering the freezing point and raising the boiling point of the coolant, anti-freeze has anti-corrosive chemicals. Over time, these chemicals break down and will not prevent rust and corrosion in your radiator, engine and heater. Rust and corrosion in these areas will cause you needless expense. The coolant should be either a pale greenish yellow or an orange color and should have a sweet smell. If your coolant appears dirty, rusty or has a fishy smell it is time to have your cooling system flushed. Your vehicle owner's handbook will give you the recommended interval for servicing your cooling system. Common service intervals are every 24 to 36 months or 24,000 to 36,000 miles. The "long-life" orange anti-freeze has a service life up to 5 years or 100,000 miles. Do not mix the two types of anti-freeze. If you need help, drop by and we will check it for you. 4. Power steering fluid: To check your power steering fluid, simply remove the screw top cap from the fluid reservoir. In most vehicles, the dipstick is attached to the underside of the cap. The dipstick will usually be marked for checking levels either "hot" or "cold." The power steering
reservoir is either part of the power steering pump, or it The dip stick is marked with a minimum and maximum mark for cold and hot levels. Fluid levels vary with temperature. As the fluid heats it expands and the level raises. You will get a more accurate reading when the engine is at normal operating temperature. The level is ok if it is between the minimum and maximum marks. Do not overfill. This will cause the fluid to foam and may cause damage to the pump by depriving it of lubrication. Some manufacturers call for
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) to be used in the power
steering system, but most
carmakers recommend specific power steering fluids be used. Check
your owner's handbook to be sure. On some makes like Audi, BMW,
Honda and Mercedes (among others) the
wrong fluid may damage the power steering rack, hoses, and rubber seals in the power
steering pump. Consult your owner's handbook and use the type of fluid recommended by the
manufacturer. Do not mix different types of fluid. If you are unsure stop
by the shop and we can help you. 5. Automatic Transmission Fluid: Caution: Engine parts around the dipstick and the dipstick itself may be very hot. Use a cloth or glove to handle the dipstick and avoid touching hot engine parts. On most
vehicles, the transmission fluid is checked "hot." This is after
about 5 miles driving in stop and go traffic. All are checked with
the engine running. However, some are checked with the transmission in
park. While others in neutral. Your owner's manual will tell you which.
Some transmission dipsticks have the instructions stamped into the blade,
such as: "Check fluid hot, in neutral, with engine running."
After you have located the dipstick, remove it and wipe it clean with the
rag. Notice the markings and reinsert it fully. Remove the dipstick again, and check the level of the fluid. If the fluid is low, transmission fluid will need to be added. Check your owner's manual for the correct fluid type. On most vehicles, transmission fluid is added directly to the tube from which you removed the dipstick. Use a narrow funnel and add only enough fluid to raise the level to full. Generally, the quantity between the minimum and maximum marks is 1 pint, or less. Do not overfill. Drop by the shop if you are uncomfortable doing this and would like us to show you how. 6. Manual Transmission Fluid: This is not something you can usually check from under the hood and without tools. However, there are some types of cars where the manual transmission fluid can be checked with a dipstick under the hood. Check your owner's manual or if you are unsure, drop by and we will check it for you. 7. Engine Oil:
On most cars the engine oil is checked with the engine off. The exceptions are exotic cars like the Porsche 911, and other dry sump type engines with an oil reservoir. After removing the dipstick, wipe it clean with your rag or paper towel. The end of the dipstick opposite the handle is marked to indicate the "full" and "low" levels of the oil. The markings may be notches, holes, lines, or engraved text. Place the dipstick back into the tube. Be sure to insert it completely. Remove it again and check the level on the dipstick. If the oil is low, add only enough oil to bring the level up to the full mark. Oil is added to the engine by removing the screw cap on the top of the engine. Be sure to replace it after adding oil. Usually, the quantity to bring the level from the minimum to the maximum mark is 1 quart. Do not overfill your oil. Excess oil also can contribute to higher pressures and excessive vapors in the engine crankcase. If the oil level is extremely high, the rotating crankshaft may strike the oil and cause the engine to labor harder. This can reduce gas mileage and actually lead to premature engine wear. Check the oil a final time to insure that it is indeed full. Then fully reinsert the dipstick to keep oil from getting out, dirt moisture from getting in, and so it is there the next time it is needed. Note: Though some manufacturers may recommend a higher mileage interval, for most cars we recommended you change your oil every 3,000 miles. If you have questions about your specific model please ask us. End Note: Before making any adjustments to your motor vehicle, even those as simple as adding fluids, it is always a good idea to consult your owner's manual to insure that your auto does not require any special handling.
Although checking
your fluids is one of the most routine maintenance tasks, it is one that
many individuals frequently overlook. Spending 5 minutes now, could save
you several thousand dollars in the future.
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and there was always someone there to "fill
'er up and
check the fluids." However, at the time the market was changing to
convenience stores selling gasoline. A couple years later we had the fuel tanks
and gas pumps removed. These days most gas is purchased at
self-serve stations. 
Never
open a radiator cap, such as the one pictured left, when the engine is a
operating temperature. The system runs at temperatures of 180 to 220
degrees and is under pressure. Opening the cap when the engine is hot may
cause injury. Wait until engine completely cool to check this type of
system.
Some
coolant recovery tanks that are more than just overflow reservoirs. Tanks
like the one pictured at right, are pressurized to full system
pressure when hot like the radiator above. Like the radiator cap you should remove the cap from this type system ONLY
after the engine is completely cool. You can recognize these pressurized
coolant tanks from the warning decals them and
because the cap is not a simple plastic plug or twist-off cap. The tank
cap is a system pressure cap with a pressure warning. On this type system
the
radiator either will not have a cap, or if it does, it may not be a traditional
radiator cap. 
may be mounted to the side of the engine compartment. The cap is marked PS or STEERING or POWER STEERING.
Locate
the engine oil dipstick and remove it completely from the small tube.
Frequently, this dipstick will have a large or brightly colored handle to
aid in locating it. It may even be labeled ENGINE. Cars with an automatic transmission will have a second
dipstick that is used to check the transmission fluid level. This dipstick
is rarely as obvious as the engine oil dipstick.