Monday 7 April 2014

9 Simple steps to check the fluids in your car!!!

09:59



Hi Bloggers,


1.       Your owner’s manual tells you when fluids must be checked, but this is only the minimum to keep your warranty in check.

2.       Your car will need to be parked on a flat surface and your engine will need to be cooled down.

3.       Open the hood of your vehicle.

4.       Check the motor oil: Make sure your car had cooled down for at least an hour or so, so that the oil has drained down so you do not get a false reading. Locate the oil dipstick and remove from its opening. Use a paper towel or rag to wipe the dipstick clean so that you will have a clear reading. Insert the dipstick into its opening and push it firmly all the way back, as far as it will go. Pull it out all the way, this time reading the oil level. When you are done, replace the dipstick back in its opening.

·         The dipstick will have markings on it indicating a range for acceptable oil level. If your oil level is too low, appropriate motor oil must be added before the car can be driven

5.       Check transmission fluid (only on automatic): This is usually done with the engine running and fully warmed up, either in neutral or parked, depending on the make and model. As with the oil locate it pull it out, wipe it off push it all the way back in to the bottom of its travel, then pull it out and read the level. Again look for a level between the two marks on the dipstick.

·         Transmission fluid is reddish because it’s reasonably fresh, it does not need to be changed as frequently as oil, but it does occasionally need changing. If the transmission fluid looks brown, black or burnt or its appearance suggests that it didn’t come out of a bottle lately, consider replacing it.


6.       Check the brake fluid: Check your manual for the location, or look around for a plastic reservoir labelled brake fluid. Wipe the dirt off the outside, if you need to. It might help to push your car gently so that the fluid level moves a bit. If you still can’t see it, take the cap off and look in.

·          Cars should not consume brake fluid. Low brake fluid can indicate either a leak in the brake line or worn brake surfaces. If your brake fluid is low have your car checked to find out why. If your vehicle has low brake fluid or leaking brake fluid your car could fail to stop.

7.       Check the power steering fluid:  This will generally also be a plastic reservoir. Read through the walls as you did with the brake fluid, by opening the lid and pouring more of an appropriate power steering fluid in. there may be two pairs of lines, one for a hot engine and one for a cold engine. Read the one that is appropriate to the current condition of your car.

8.       Check the coolant: Make sure the engine has cooled down, otherwise scalding water could spray out as you open the reservoir. The coolant will most likely be located in the reservoir up front near the radiator.

·         Cars are designed to operate with antifreeze as coolant, not water. Antifreeze is a mixture that has a lower freezing point, and a higher boiling point than water. If you need to replace your coolant make sure you purchase the right stuff.

·         Make sure you read the label on the antifreeze. Some formulations are intended to be mixed half and half with water, others need to be poured in at full strength.

9.       Check windshield washer fluid: Wiper fluid won’t affect the performance of your car. There is no harm in having washer fluid low, you will naturally use this up as you drive and clean your windshield. If you are expecting very cold weather, be sure to use washer fluid that won’t freeze in low temperature.
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 Until next time bloggers stay safe!!

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