Jack Williams

6 Fluids to Check in Your Car

Preventative maintenance is key when it comes to caring for your car. You should know when to take your vehicle in for maintenance checks and part of knowing is checking your fluid levels. Lifehacker.com shares the fluids you should keep an eye on when caring for your car.

Engine Oil- Everyone knows how to check their oil. It's one of the first things we learn when we start driving. In order to check it, pop your hood and look for the oil dipstick. Pull it out and wipe it down twice and you'll have your oil level. If you notice that your car goes through a lot of oil, chances are you need to see a mechanic. Try checking your oil once a month.

Transmission Fluid- Transmission fluid helps the gears in your car run smoothly. Make sure your car is running when you check this fluid. Since it runs on a closed system, transmission fluid should never be low. If it is, take it to an auto professional to look for a leak. When checking transmission fluid, look at the quality. It should be red and lack a burnt smell. If it's brown and smells burnt, you need a replacement. Be sure to check your transmission fluid monthly.

Coolant- Coolant keeps your car running, well, cool. If you run low on it, it is likely that your car will overheat. You can check this fluid by lifting up the radiator cap, only while the car is cool! Check this fluid once before the summer and again before winter starts. It should be replaced every 2-3 years.

Brake Fluid- Brake fluid is also part of a closed system and is therefore unlikely to be low. It is meant to keep your brakes functioning properly, so if you feel as though something is amiss while braking, check your brake fluid. Its reservoir is located under the hood on the driver's side. Brake fluid should be a golden color. It's time to replace it if you notice it has gone brown. Check this fluid every time you change your oil and replace it every two years.

Power Steering Fluid- Power steering fluid keeps your steering nice and smooth. If this fluid is low, you might notice some strange noises as you turn. Power steering fluid rarely gets low, so take your car into a mechanic to see if there is a leak. Check this fluid once a month.

Windshield Wiper Fluid- Lifehacker.com failed to mention this last fluid. Keeping your windshield wiper fluid is important to driving visibility. You have to see where you're going! Find the reservoir under the hood and fill to the designated line. Check this fluid level often.

These six fluids are vital to the functioning of your car. Check them often and take your car in to see us to change them! We're always here for all of your car damage concerns and questions.