Engine Oil:
The most important
fluid to check. Make sure the
engine is turned off, and the car
parked on level ground. The best time to check your
oil is when the
engine is cool, as the oil clings to the
dipstick better, and it has had a chance to flow back into the bottom of the
engine. Remove the
dipstick, wipe it with a rag or
paper towel and fully reinsert it. Remove it again, the oil should be between the "add" and "full" mark (occasionally these may just be holes drilled in the stick). The oil should be a golden brown colour, and fairly clear. If it is very dark or
opaque, it may be time for an
oil change. If the oil level is at or below the "add" mark, add enough
oil to bring it back up to the "full" mark. Generally, it takes 1 litre of oil to fill from the "add" mark to the "full" mark. Be sure to use the correct
grade of oil as indicated in your
owner's manual.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
If your car doesn't have an
automatic transmission,
disregard this section.
Transmission fluid should be checked with the
engine running. Be sure your car is parked on level ground, start the engine, and open the
hood. Find the
automatic transmission fluid
dipstick, remove it, wipe it off with a rag, and reinsert it. Remove it again. The
fluid should be within the "full" range. The
fluid should be bright pink. If it is
amber or brown, its a sign the fluid should be changed. If the
fluid is black or burnt-smelling, its a sign there might be something wrong with your
transmission. Bring your car to a
qualified mechanic.
Engine
Coolant:
Make sure your car is parked on level ground, and the
engine is off. NEVER check your
coolant when the engine is hot. The
coolant could spurt out of the
radiator cap and
scald you. Locate the
radiator cap, it is on the top of the
radiator at the front of the
engine compartment. The
coolant should be within one
inch of the top of the opening. If the
coolant is low, mix 50% water and 50% antifreeze and add enough to fill the
radiator. The
coolant should be a bright greenish yellow or orange colour, and clear. If the coolant is opaque and/or brown, it may be time to have it changed.
Brake Fluid:
The
brake fluid
reservoir is usually clearly labeled, and usually on the
driver's side of the car. Clean the
reservoir cover and the area surrounding it before opening the
reservoir to keep dirt and
debris from getting into the
master cylinder. The
brake fluid should be clear to amber coloured, or have a purple tint. If the fluid is brown or black, it should be replaced.
Power Steering Fluid:
The
power steering fluid reservoir is usually clearly labelled. It is best to check the
power steering fluid when the engine is warm. The reservoir cap will have a small
dipstick attached to it. Be sure that the fluid is within the acceptable range. If you have to add fluid, check your
owner's manual for the proper type of fluid to add.