Checking The Fluid Levels
All the fluids in your car are vital to keeping your car running properly, except perhaps the window washer fluid. For all other types of fluid, there is an optimal level to account for different temperature when you measure the levels. Most modern car engine compartment is well laid out. The important caps for different fluids are usually white of yellow in color as you can see in the picture below. The ones the car maker do not expect you to check, but still important is black.
The manual that came with your car will also have a diagram to show you the different types of fluid.
The most commonly fluids you will check are the:-
- windshield washer
- coolant water level
- brake fluid
- the engine oil level
- power steering fluid
- automatic transmission fluid
- battery fluid (unless it is a maintenance free battery)
Besides the normal visual inspection or using the dipstick to know the correct level, also inspect the floor where your normally park your car. Clear water on the floor is not a concern as it is usually condensation from your air conditioning. However you need to pay attention if the fluids are different color.
Water in the cooling system is usually green in color due to the addition of anti freeze. If you drive an older car and did not put any anti freeze in, then any leak from the cooling system will be rusty in color. Engine oil is oily, light yellow when new or black when old. Automatic transmission and power steering fluid is thin red color. For most cars, the automatic transmission fluid and power steering fluid are the same but not all. Brake fluid is also reddish in color.
For an older vehicle, a drop or 2 of engine oil is still okay especially if you have a high mileage car. Any other fluid stain on the floor warrants a thorough inspection. If you are not familiar, get to your mechanic immediately. Water and oil leaks will get worst unless you fix them. If you notice a large puddle on the ground, then it would be better not to move your car or you can cause major damage.
For example, there is not much extra fluid in the braking system reservoir. Any leakage means you might not have brakes. The same goes for power steering or engine oil. If for some reason most of the fluid has leaked out, you risk major damage to the engine.
It is quite easy to see water coolant levels and brake levels as the containers are translucent. The other types of fluid will require you to pull out a dipstick to check the levels. If the levels are okay, do not open the cap especially for brake fluid because brake fluid attracts moisture reducing their boiling point properties. Not good.
Note: The automatic transmission fluid dipstick might be a little difficult to access since it is usually lower mounted.