Any auto repair expert will tell you that one way to save money on their services is to check your fluids.
If you don't want to have to pay for unnecessary auto repair work,
regular maintenance can go a long way. One aspect of that maintenance includes checking your vehicle's fluids.
When your vehicle's fluids are low or dirty, your car won't be running as efficiently as it could. Left unchecked, depleted or dirty fluids can mean extensive and costly auto repair work.
The good news is, that you can check many of your vehicle's fluids on your own with little to no experience in auto repair or related skills. The information below will help you get started.
Radiator Fluid
When it's new, this liquid is typically neon green, similar in color to Mountain Dew. (Some brands come in bright orange, instead, like Sunkist soda.)
It's important that you only check your radiator fluid when your engine has been off and cool for some time. If you're unsure, put your hand on the upper radiator hose to make sure it's cool to the touch and has no pressure built up in it; otherwise, the hot radiator fluid will spray all over when you open the reservoir.
If, and only if, you're sure that there is no hot fluid in the hose, locate the reservoir bottle for your radiator fluid. To open it, press down on the cap and twist. The fluid should come all the way to the top. You'll want to check to make sure there's plenty of fluid in your radiator, too.
Motor Oil
Perhaps the most commonly recommended aspect of vehicle maintenance recommended by auto repair experts, this fluid turns from amber to black. When you let your car run on dirty oil, it won't just cost you more in gas, but it will decrease the lifespan of your car.
You'll want to check your engine oil level when your car has been off for a while, and the oil has had time to run down into the oil pan so you can get a correct reading. As with any fluids you check with a dipstick, you'll want to pull it out and wipe it off before replacing it and checking the dipstick for the fluid level.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
You'll need to check this only if your car has an automatic transmission, and you'll want to check it while your engine is running. The fresh fluid is bright red, like strawberry soda or the juice from maraschino cherries. When it darkens to a deeper, brownish red, you'll know it needs to be replaced.
Now that you know how to check your vehicle's fluids and know what you're looking for, you have fewer excuses for not performing regular maintenance, without which your vehicle will require more frequent auto repair.
