How to Check a Car's Fluids

Learning how to check a car's fluid levels helps to save the owner money. It is relatively easy to learn to check the fluids levels and even add any fluids that are low. Checking the fluids levels is important to keep the engine, transmission and brakes in good operating condition. Low fluid levels can be dangerous when driving and can cause damage to the parts that have become low on fluid. The oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid and the radiator need to be checked monthly to protect the life of the car and parts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rag
• Any fluids that might need to be filled (oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and antifreeze)

1. Check the oil level. Find the dipstick that looks like a hook. This dipstick will be toward the front of the car near the radiator by the oil cap. The dipstick is to the right of the oil cap in most cars. Pull out the dipstick and wipe the oil off it with the rag. Reinsert the dipstick into the hole and pull straight out. Look at where the oil level is on the dipstick. There are little marks on the dipstick that tell you to add oil or if the oil level is good. If the oil level is low, remove the oil cap and add a little oil checking the dipstick until you have added enough oil.

2. Check the brake fluid. Up towards the front of the engine on the driver's side is a oblong metal container with a lock bar over the top. Undo the lock bar and look inside to see if the brake fluid is filled to the line. If the brake fluid is a bit low, add a little more fluid and close the lid.

3. Check the radiator. The radiator cap should be removed while the car engine is cold. Look inside to see if the water/antifreeze level is up to the top. If the level is low, mix equal parts of antifreeze and water together and add until it reaches the top of the radiator.

4. Check the transmission fluid. Every car might have the transmission dipstick in a different place. To find the transmission dipstick, look further down in the engine on the left or right side until you see another hooked dipstick that goes into the transmission. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it with a rag. Then reinsert the dipstick back into the hole and pull straight out. Check to see what the dipstick says and act accordingly.

5. Check the window washer fluid level. This is usually forgotten about when checking fluid levels. This container is usually found in the front part of the engine compartment. It is a white plastic container. Remove the lid and add the window washer fluid so it is filled to the line. Then go to the back window in vans, open the hatch and add fluid to that container if it needs it.

Tips & Warnings

• Never add the wrong fluid to something that it is not meant for.
• If you add the wrong fluid somewhere, do not start the car. Call a mechanic right away.

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