How to Check Your Vehicle's Fluids

Your vehicle has many systems and components that all work in unison to keep the vehicle running. In many of your vehicle's systems are fluids that cycle through the systems' components. There are a variety of fluids that cycle around your vehicle as you operate it. The fluids that are in your vehicle all serve different purposes, and overall work to keep the vehicle running smoothly. These are some of the most essential fluids in your vehicle that you need to check routinely.

 

Engine Oil

Oil is one of the most important fluids for your vehicle. The oil that is in your vehicle's engine primarily works to keep the components of your vehicle's engine properly lubricated. However, the purpose of your vehicle's engine oil is not only limited to lubrication. Oil also helps to keep your vehicle's engine both cool and clean.

 

You can check the oil of your vehicle's engine in several ways. If your vehicle's engine is equipped with an oil level sensor, then checking the oil level in your vehicle's engine can be as simple as accessing a menu within the cabin of your vehicle. However, the engines of most vehicles are equipped with dipsticks. If your vehicle's engine has a dipstick, then you will need to check the oil of the engine after you park the vehicle on a flat surface. Once the vehicle is parked, you will need to remove the dipstick from its tube and use a rag to wipe off any oil that is on the dipstick. After you have wiped the dipstick off with a rag, place it back fully into its tube. Remove the dipstick once again. However, take notice of where the oil line is on the dipstick. If the oil line is below the "minimum" and "maximum" markings that are labeled on the dipstick of your vehicle's engine, then your vehicle has enough oil in its engine.

 

Engine Coolant

Engine coolant is an essential fluid for your vehicle's engine in both hot weather and cold weather. Coolant, also known as anti-freeze, keeps your vehicle's engine cool when it is hot and prevents the engine from freezing when the temperature is cold. Engine coolant prevents your engine from overheating, ultimately preventing the engine from experiencing heat damage.

 

To check the coolant level of your vehicle's engine, you will need to locate the reservoir that it is stored in. The coolant reservoir is a clear container that is typically located near the radiator of a vehicle's engine. Once you have located the coolant reservoir in your vehicle's engine, you will see "minimum" and "maximum" markings on the reservoir, which will allow you to determine how much coolant is in your vehicle's engine. Allow your vehicle's engine to cool off before you open any of the components that are in its cooling system.

 

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is a fluid that is necessary for your vehicle's brake system to function properly. The brake systems of most vehicles use hydraulic pressure to deliver the stopping power that is needed to slow the vehicles down. Brake fluid provides the hydraulic pressure in a vehicle's brake system.

 

Brake fluid is located in a clear reservoir that typically has a black cap with three symbols on it. To check the level of brake fluid in your vehicle, locate the brake fluid reservoir in your vehicle's engine compartment, and locate the "minimum" and "maximum" markings on the reservoir. These levels will allow you to identify how much brake fluid is in your vehicle's brake system.

 

Power Steering Fluid

Many vehicles have power steering systems that use hydraulic pressure to make steering easier for drivers. While there are several different power steering designs for modern vehicles, with some vehicles not even equipped with power steering, most power steering systems rely on fluid to provide pressure in the systems. 

 

The reservoir for the power steering fluid of your vehicle's power steering system is located in the vehicle's engine bay. There are several different power steering fluid reservoir designs, but most reservoirs have "minimum" and "maximum" markings that allow drivers to identify where the power steering fluid levels of their vehicles are. 

 

Visit Glockner of Ashland

There are a variety of parts and components on your vehicle that work together to allow the vehicle to function properly. Routinely checking the fluids that are in your vehicle will promote the longevity of your vehicle and also help to prevent unnecessary problems. Developing an inspection routine will also allow you to determine if your vehicle is experiencing any fluid leaks, which you will need to address immediately. If you would like additional help with maintaining your vehicle, then contact one of the representatives here at Glockner of Ashland. Our dealership's team members will be glad to help you with your vehicle and make sure that you have what you need to remain on the road safely.