How to Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids

Did you know that your vehicle’s fluids play an important role in its overall protection and performance? At Victorville Motors, we pride ourselves on helping local drivers keep their vehicles in top shape. That’s why we offer every type of fluid service for almost any make or model vehicle. From oil changes to transmission fluid exchanges, we do it all. To help you find out if your vehicle needs fluid services, here’s a look at how you can check its fluids.

Oil 

Your vehicle’s oil is the one fluid that should get the most attention after its fuel. You can check your engine oil by inspecting the dipstick that will be located inside the oil tank and attached to the oil tank cap. First, make sure that your vehicle’s engine has been off for at least 10 minutes. When your engine has been off the proper amount of time, pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean. Now place the dipstick back into the oil tank. Pull out the dipstick and see where the oil level is located on the stick. If the oil is located above the minimum indicator, then you have sufficient oil for the vehicle. If the oil level is below the minimum indicator, then you should add oil to the vehicle. 

Coolant 

Your vehicle’s coolant, also known as the antifreeze, is responsible for regulating the temperature of the engine. Usually, your vehicle’s coolant should be changed every 50,000 miles. First, it is important that you do not check the coolant while the vehicle is hot. When the vehicle’s engine is cool, you can proceed to check the coolant’s level and condition. 

The way that you can check the coolant can vary from vehicle to vehicle. You can check your vehicle’s coolant by looking to see if its level falls between the minimum and the maximum level on an expansion tank. If you have a coolant tank that does provide for a visible inspection from the outside of the tank, open the radiator cap and see if the coolant is filled to the top. If you need to add coolant, give the tank some time to “burp” out any air bubbles before you begin to fill it up. 

Power Steering Fluid 

Your vehicle’s power steering fluid is responsible for making it easy to steer your vehicle. In most vehicles, the power steering system is hydraulic. That means that it needs to use pressurized fluid to ease the turning of the steering wheel. While there is no real stringent timeline to check the power steering fluid, you should have it inspected at least once a year. 

Like checking your vehicle’s oil, you can inspect the power steering fluid by looking for the tank that occupies the fluid. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it off. Once you have wiped the dipstick, place it back into the tank. Then pull the dipstick out and see if the fluid falls below the minimum level indicator. If the power steering fluid falls below the minimum indicator, then add fluid as needed. 

Brake Fluid 

Many modern vehicles also have hydraulic braking systems. That means that you will have brake fluid in your vehicle that can help provide braking power. Therefore, it is important to check your vehicle’s brake fluid every once in a while. You can check your vehicle’s brake fluid by checking the brake fluid reservoir next to the engine. You should be able to viability check the level of the brake fluid by inspecting the minimum and the maximum indicators. If the brake fluid is below the minimum indicator, then make sure you fill up the reservoir to the correct level. In addition to checking the quantity of the brake fluid, you will also want to check the quality of the brake fluid. If the brake fluid is dark and thick, then it should be replaced. 

Transmission Fluid

Your vehicle’s transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating the gears and the other components in your vehicle’s transmission system. Without the proper amount of clean transmission fluid, you will not be able to experience fast shifting performance. 

In some cases, you can check the transmission by using a dipstick. However, there are other vehicles where a transmission fluid will have to be inspected by a professional mechanic. If your vehicle has a dipstick, then make sure the vehicle is in neutral or park before you inspect the transmission level. In addition to checking the level of the transmission fluid, check to see if the liquid is clear or translucent. If the fluid is dark or cloudy, then it should be replaced. 

If you want to add transmission fluid to your vehicle – and it has a fill tube – then simply fill the tube up the maximum level. However, if your vehicle does not have a conventual fill tube, with a dipstick, then have it served by a professional mechanic. 

Washer Fluid 

Finally, you will want to check the washer fluid on your vehicle. Your vehicle’s washer fluid reservoir is going to be located under the hood of your vehicle somewhere near the engine. To inspect the wash fluid, simply open the cap to the reservoir and see if it is filled to the top. If you don’t have a full tank of washer fluid, then it is a good idea to top it off. Also, remember that if it gets below freezing in your area, your washer fluid can freeze. Therefore, you will want to use what is known as a “winter mix” for your washer fluid. 

Get Complete Fluid Service at Victorville Motors

We know that you live a busy life, and you may not have time to check all of your vehicle’s fluids. However, your vehicle’s fluids should be checked periodically to ensure the protection and performance of your vehicle. If you don’t have the time to check your fluids, simply visit our service center today. We will be more than happy to provide your vehicle with fast and affordable fluid services in minutes.