Checking fluid levels and regularly changing or topping off the fluids in your car is a major part of routine maintenance. Fortunately, you can learn how to check the different fluids in your car’s engine on your own. In addition to performing this essential maintenance task, learning more about the fluids in your car gives you a better understanding of how your vehicle works and what to do if something goes wrong. Whether you’re learning new skills or brushing up on your engine knowledge, check out these tips for maintaining your vehicle’s various fluids.

Why You Should Check Fluids Regularly

Every fluid in your car plays an important role in keeping your vehicle working properly—from your engine oil to your windshield washer fluid. If these fluid levels become contaminated or simply get too low, it can start to cause problems in your car. Taking care of the various fluids in your car helps you prevent problems and keep every part of your vehicle functioning smoothly and safely. Plus, properly maintaining your engine’s fluids helps boost fuel economy and increases the longevity of your car.

It’s clear that checking your fluids regularly is a powerful part of preventative maintenance. When you learn how to perform basic checks yourself, you can save a lot of time and money by avoiding the mechanic. Accomplishing these straightforward tasks helps you keep your car in good shape while also establishing a deeper sense of ownership of your vehicle.

Checking the Engine Oil

First and foremost is the engine oil. Your engine is full of powerful components that need to move smoothly in order to keep your car running. Engine oil acts as a lubricant within your car’s engine, ensuring that all those various parts can move in unison without grinding together or seizing up.

As a rule of thumb, you should check your engine oil every 3,000 miles. If you use synthetic oil, you can check it every 6,500 miles or so. Start by checking the level of your engine oil. Your car will have a dipstick that’s usually located in front of the engine. Remove this dipstick and wipe it clean before inserting and removing it again for an accurate read. The dipstick will have indicators showing you the maximum and minimum oil levels. If your oil levels are nearing the minimum indicator, it’s time for a refill.

In addition to checking oil levels, you should also check the condition of your oil. Run your finger along the dipstick. If the oil feels gritty, it means debris from the road or various engine components are contaminating it. Pay attention to the oil’s color as well. New oil has an amber color, while worn or contaminated oil appears brown or black. If your oil is contaminated, it’s time for a complete oil change.

Checking the Coolant Levels

As your engine runs, it generates a lot of heat. Coolant is responsible for cooling down the various parts of your engine and preventing all the combustion and friction from causing your engine to overheat. If you notice your car overheating, there might be a problem with your coolant levels. Even if your car is in good shape, it’s a good idea to check your coolant levels every 50,000 miles or so.

Remember to let your engine cool down before checking your coolant levels. Once it’s safe to do so, look for the radiator cap in your engine and remove it to see how much coolant you have. Alternatively, if your car has a coolant expansion tank located above the radiator, use this to check the coolant levels. If you add coolant, be sure to check your vehicle’s manual to see exactly what kind you need.

Checking the Power Steering Fluid

Power steering makes modern cars far more maneuverable than their classic ancestors. Many power steering systems are hydraulic, meaning they get power from pressurized steering fluid. There’s no standard timeframe for checking your power steering, but it’s still a good idea to learn your way around the system.

Locate the fluid tank by its dipstick or reservoir located in the engine bay, usually in the back toward the firewall. The cap will say “Steering” or “Steering Fluid” on it. Like with other fluids, look at the markings on the dipstick or the reservoir to check the fluid levels. If your levels are low, consult your vehicle’s manual to see what type of steering fluid you need to top it off.

Checking the Brake Fluid

Like power steering, your brakes rely on hydraulic pressure created by brake fluid. Maintaining your brake fluid ensures your brakes have enough power to stop your vehicle.

Check your brake fluid by locating the brake fluid reservoir in the engine bay. This is usually a clear reservoir, making it easy to check where your fluid lies between the minimum and maximum indicators. In addition to checking the level of brake fluid, you should also check the state of the fluid. Brake fluid comes in different colors, but it should always be translucent. If you can’t see through the fluid, it’s contaminated, and you’ll need to flush the brake lines.

Finally, remember that brake fluid is one of the most toxic fluids in your car. Be careful when handling brake fluid, and always wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Checking Transmission Fluid

Like engine oil, transmission fluid acts as a lubricant to keep the various parts of your car moving smoothly. Transmission fluid should last a long time, but if you’re experiencing transmission issues—such as rough shifting, surging, or strange noises—checking the fluid is a good place to start.

When looking for the transmission fluid dipstick, keep your engine on and put the car in park or neutral. Every car’s transmission is different, so refer to your vehicle’s manual for precise details on how to check the transmission fluid.

Inspect the fluid’s levels and condition. Transmission fluid should be amber or red in color. If the fluid is dark or gritty, there’s a further problem with your transmission. If it’s just low, refill using the fill tube. Next, help the new fluid flow through the system by placing your foot on the brake and moving your gear selector through the different gears.

Checking Windshield Washer Fluid

A dirty windshield makes it hard to see what’s ahead of you. While windshield washer fluid doesn’t affect your engine, it’s still a crucial part of driving safely and keeping your vehicle in good shape.

When it comes to how to check the different fluids in your car’s engine, washer fluid is one of the easiest tasks. Locate the reservoir in your engine bay. The cap usually has a symbol of a windshield wiper on it. If your fluid levels are low, fill the reservoir to the top and close the cap again.

With quality parts and materials from Auto Value, maintaining your car has never been easier. Check out Auto Value today to buy engine oil online or purchase any other parts you need to keep your vehicle running smoothly.