To Check or to Change: Know the Fluids in Your Vehicle

Roberta Willson • September 20, 2021

As you know and as we have discussed, gas mileage can be affected by many things and many of which are in your control. Checking fluids in your vehicle is no exception. Although taking your vehicle to a mechanic is a good habit and should be done regularly, there are certain things you can do on your own. Learning how to check for these 6 fluids in your vehicle can be learned and will save you time and money.

Oil

Oil is obviously a pretty important fluid in your vehicle, maybe the most important aside from fuel. Learning to check your oil is not too difficult and can save you some time and money. Before you check the oil, let your car and oil cool down for at least 10 minutes after driving in order to get an accurate reading. Look for the oil dipstick, usually a yellow handle. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a towel. After it is clean, reinsert the dipstick into the oil firmly and take it back out. Generally speaking, you will want your oil level to be close to the maximum level line on your dipstick. The oil should also be a yellowish color. If it comes out brown or black, it is time for an oil change. If you need to replace/replenish your oil, check your owner’s manual to ensure you are replacing the right type of oil into your vehicle.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid has been in vehicles since the first hydraulic system was introduced back in 1914 but most people don’t think about brake fluid when having trouble with their brakes. Every time you step on your brakes your brake fluid goes down. If you find yourself hitting your brakes but not slowing down as fast as you used to, the first thing you can check is your brake fluid. Check your owner’s manual for the location of your brake fluid under the hood. Once you locate the brake fluid, take a paper towel and dip it into your fluid - you want it to be translucent, if it is not, it is time to replace it. There are also minimum and maximum level indicators on the brake fluid chamber, make sure your fluid falls in line with these levels and add some fluid carefully if it is low.

Power Steering Fluid

Most current drivers probably have not experienced driving a vehicle without power steering but what power steering actually does is allows you as the driver to turn the wheel easily while driving. Just like brake fluid, this is a hydraulic feature that needs fluid to work properly. Check your owner’s manual to find the location of the power steering fluid and just like the brake fluid, check to make sure the level is between the minimum and maximum markers. Before adding power steering fluid to your vehicle, make sure you find out the correct type of fluid your vehicle needs and if you continue to have issues, take it to a mechanic for further diagnosis.

Engine Coolant

Sometimes called radiator fluid, engine fluid is crucial to your vehicle. Maintaining the right amount of coolant prevents your vehicle from overheating. Before you check the coolant, let your car and engine cool down for a bit. You will want to be extremely careful when checking the engine coolant; use a towel to open the cap carefully. Depending on your vehicle, you will need to check if the coolant falls in line with the minimum and maximum levels or if it is filled to the top - check your owner’s manual to confirm. Before you add any engine coolant, be sure you know the correct type for your vehicle.

Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluid is very similar to your engine oil and should be checked almost the same way. Be sure to check your manual to confirm if your vehicle needs to be running or in neutral to check. Your transmission includes gears, clutches, and valves that need to operate smoothly to provide seamless shifting. Even though vehicles should not need transmission fluid to be replaced, bad fluid can cause noises, hard shifting and make it difficult to drive. Once you have checked the owner’s manual, you can decide if you should replace/add fluid yourself or if you need to take it to a mechanic.

Summary

Being able to check these 6 fluids in your vehicle will allow you to drive and operate your vehicle with more peace of mind. If you find yourself in need of a mechanic after checking anything on your vehicle, R H Willson has mechanics on-site with over 30 years of experience. Call us or stop in with any questions or concerns about your vehicle, anytime.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

A Thanksgiving Tradition: Macy’s Day Parade

By Roberta Willson • November 25, 2024

One of this country's most celebrated Thanksgiving traditions is the Macy’s Day Parade! I am sure you are excited about the floats, the entertainers, and the celebrities, but what about all the trucks that these floats are towed with and the numbers behind them? Here are just four fun facts from the Macy’s Day Parade.

10 of the Best Vehicles from Films Over the Years

By Roberta Willson • September 9, 2024

Cars play a significant role in movies, they change how the film is viewed and enjoyed. We have compiled a list of 10 movies with some of the best or iconic vehicles of their time.

Getting Your Car Ready: Summer Vs. Winter

By Roberta Willson • May 15, 2024

There are many differences from the winter months to summertime and I am not just talking about the weather! Your car reacts differently and therefore needs to be taken care of differently. Here are 5 items to check when switching your vehicle from the winter to the summer months.

Fuel Economy by Season

By Jason Pelland • February 8, 2024

Just like us, our vehicles operate a little differently based on the season and temperatures outside. Here in New England, we get all kinds of weather but what does that mean for your car and getting the best gas mileage by the season. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your fuel economy, all year long!

What to do when you bring a car to the salvage yard

By Roberta Willson • January 24, 2024

Is it time for a new vehicle? Are you looking for a great way to make some money before you purchase a new or used vehicle? Did you just put on new tires or new parts into your vehicle? A salvage yard is a great option! A salvage yard might give you more money for your vehicle or parts than from a private sale or as a trade-in at a dealership. Once you have decided to bring your vehicle to a salvage yard, now what? How do you prepare yourself before you arrive and what happens when you get to the salvage yard? Let’s go through the steps to get you the cash you want from your used vehicle! Step One: Make sure you have the title to your vehicle. In order to sell your car to anyone, you need the title to your vehicle and a salvage yard is no exception. If you cannot find or have lost your title, you can request a new one from the RMV. The requirements to obtain a copy are dependent based on which state you live in.

How to Get the Most Out Of Your Gallon of Gas

By Roberta Willson • November 16, 2023

The national average through 2023 is $3.58 per gallon of gas with it fluctuating each and every month. The good news is that we have seen gas prices go down over the last 12 months but it is still high enough to affect where people go on vacations, holidays, and even just weekend activities. If you are looking to save some cash with the holidays just around the corner. Here are six tips to help you get the most out of that pricey gallon of gas!

5 Reasons For The Trend Toward Smaller Cars

September 25, 2023

The trend towards smaller cars has been in the works for awhile but this year was the first year that critics and consumers agree - smaller is actually better. Gas pricing are soaring, parking is expensive, the economy is still recovering and where consumers can save some money are on smaller cars. Smaller cars mean less gas, mostly likely a lower MSRP, which in turns would mean cheaper upfront costs or even monthly car payments. Let’s discuss 5 reasons for this trend.

What should you do when your car or a part is recalled?

By Jason Pelland • August 29, 2023

Did you get a letter in the mail from the manufacturer, car dealership or even check online to find out that your vehicle has a recall? What should you do, how urgent is the recall, what steps do you need to take to ensure your vehicle is at its’ optimal preference level? First, let’s put it into perspective. While a recall is not something you should ignore; there are over 400 recalls a year that affect more than 25 million vehicles in the U.S. alone. In addition, the average vehicle will have 4 recalls in its lifespan and recalls never expire. Now that we have some perspective. What is the first thing you need to do once you become aware of your vehicle’s recall status? If you purchase your vehicle new or used from a dealership, contact them directly and they will advise you. If you purchased your vehicle through a private seller, contact the vehicle manufacturer and they are required by law to either repair the issue, replace the recalled item or refund the purchase price of the vehicle, minus depreciation.

5 Noises that Need Immediate Attention

By Roberta Willson • July 12, 2023

Our vehicles go through a lot. Most of us will ignore some noises that come out of our vehicle but there are some that just cannot be ignored. The question is, what are those noises that need your immediate attention.

Road Trip Ready: Your Vehicle Checklist

By Roberta Willson • June 7, 2023

It might not always feel like summer in New England but it’s right around the corner. As summer arrives, road trips may be in your future. Road trips can be fun and adventurous but having any car issues could certainly put a damper on your road trip. Let’s discuss how to get your vehicle “road-trip ready” so you can focus on the fun and adventure and not any mishaps with your vehicle!