Car Articles

Oil is the lifeblood of your car. You might find it cliche; nevertheless, it is true to the core. Without the oil in the crankcase of your engine, your car's engine would freeze up very fast. It is a rather easy task to check the oil level. Experts suggest that you should drive the car first before checking it. Take your car for a ride, then find a cool and shady place to open the hood.

Give the engine oil some time, like 5 minutes, to settle down before you start the inspection. Next locate the dipstick, which is found near the front of the engine. After that, remove it and wipe it clean with a rag or a towel. Reinsert it into its place and remove it again. Check the level now. The oil mark should fall between the two hash marks on the dipstick. If it is below the lower level, you need to add oil, usually a quarter does the trick. If it is still low, add another quarter and recheck. Be careful while refilling because an overdose can lead to other problems.

You should check the automatic transmission fluid while the engine is still on. You will find the transmission dipstick behind the oil dipstick. If you find it difficult to locate it, consult your user manual. Most of the times, it will have some colourful markings.

Start the engine and find the transmission fluid dipstick. Just one word of caution though: remove any loose clothing hanging from your neck, such as a scarf, sweater, necktie, or long jewelry. These may get entangled in a running fan belt and cause some harm.

Extract the transmission dipstick while the engine is on. Wipe it clean and reinsert it, then extract it again. It is likely to have similar markings as the oil dipstick, one mark for too low, another for too high. Mostly the Transmission fluid will not be low. The automatic transmission / transaxle is a sealed system, that needs little maintenance. A low fluid level means that there is leak in the system.

In case the oil level is right, note the color and consistency of the fluid. If it is very dark or black, check your records and owner's manual and plan on getting it changed.

This one needs to be done while the engine is off. For most cars, you need to get under the car and remove the fill plug. Insert your finger and feel the fluid level. If you can feel the fluid on your fingertips, it is OK. Again, you need to check the colour and the consistency of the fluid too.

Most cars these days have a hydraulic clutch system that requires brake fluid to keep the parts lubricated. One of the easiest methods to tell if your car has one is to check under the hood and look for a small plastic reservoir-similar to the one used for brake fluid, but smaller. After locating it, remove the lid and check the level. It should be at least two-thirds full. If not, fill to the 'full' line with brake fluid.

You need to do it while the engine is cool or lukewarm, not cold. Be careful while doing so because the contents of the radiator are pressurized and very hot when it is opened. Also, never check the radiator while the engine is on.

The radiator cap is located in the center of the engine compartment. Use a cloth to remove it. Look down into it and see if you can notice fluid. If the level is near the top, it is good for your car. If not, you need to fill it to the optimum.

Add engine coolant and water on a 50/50 basis. Additionally, read the instructions on the coolant container for more information.

While you are at it, you can check the fluid level in the coolant reservoir too. This would be a plastic container to the side of the radiator. It serves the prime purpose of an overflow receptacle for excess radiator coolant (since the fluid expands and contracts with heat). Fill it about two-thirds of the way full.