There are many types of vehicle fluids that we as motorists, need to keep an eye on, to ensure that our car remains in tip top shape. If we don’t pay attention to the warning signs, a vehicle’s engine, and other vehicle parts, could sustain serious damage – leaving you with a very hefty bill.
Power-steering fluid
Locate the power steering reservoir which can usually be found near or on the engine. Some reservoirs’ are white or yellow and have a black cap. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. The power-steering bottle will have minimum/maximum indicators. Make sure that the power-steering fluid is always between those two levels, and not too high or too low.
Checking your oil level
Motorists should check their oil at least once per month to ensure that there is enough oil and that it isn’t contaminated.
- Wipe the dipstick with a rag
Make sure that the engine is cool before you check the oil. Pull out the dipstick and give it a wipe.
- Insert the stick back into the pipe
If the dipstick gets stuck, turn it around. The pipe that the dipstick fits into, is curved so the metal stick bends in the direction of the pipe.
- Look at the film of oil on the end of the stick
Note how high the oil film reaches on the dipstick and the condition of the oil, and add or change the oil as needed.
You don’t add oil into the tiny tube that the dipstick sits in; that’s just asking for messy frustration. Look for a screw-off cap on top of the largest part of the engine. It could be blank or it could be labelled “Oil Cap” or something similar, and it might even indicate which grade of oil you ought to be using in your car. Unscrew that cap and add oil as needed.
If your oil looks clean enough but only reaches the “Add” level on the dipstick, you need to add oil. You can buy oil the next time you fill up with gas at the service station or you can find it at auto supply stores, supermarkets, discount stores, and large drugstores.
Radiator coolant
When checking this fluid level, do not open the coolant or radiator cover when the engine temperature is high (i.e. you’ve recently driven your car). Once it’s cooled down, remove the coolant cap and check if it’s on the minimum or maximum level, then fill-up accordingly.
5 Window washer
This usually has a sign that looks akin to tiny water fountain. Flip the top open. Some vehicles are equipped with a dipstick to mark the water level. If not, just fill the bottle with water until the fluid nears the top.