How to Check & Fill Car Fluids
Car care involves regular vehicle fluid checks and maintenance. Spend more time and less money under the hood with these simple tasks that, when neglected, could lead to problems. Engine oil, automatic transmission and power steering fluid maintenance includes checking fluid levels between two lines on a dipstick. The brake and hydraulic clutch reservoirs are similar in design with fill lines. Your radiator coolant overflow and windshield washer fluid need only be inspected and filled with the proper antifreeze mixture and washer fluid. If you have a manual transmission, your finger will do the trick.
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Things You'll Need
- Protective gloves and eye wear
- Clean rags
- Adjustable wrench
- Large hex key
- Motor oil
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Engine coolant
- Power steering fluid
- Car funnel
Instructions
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Preparation
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Plan your maintenance routine. The engine, transmission, and power steering fluids should be checked hot while the radiator fluid should be lukewarm and never under pressure. Perform the hot fluid level checks first and let the radiator cool while you go through the rest of your list. Consult your owner's manual for fluid specifications and capacities, and for locations of dipsticks and components.
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Drive your car around the block to warm up the vehicle's moving parts and fluids. You can also start your car, leave it in "Park" and allow it to run for five minutes, speeding up the engine a few times to get the fluids circulating. Turn off the ignition and wait five minutes to let the fluids settle.
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Ensure your car is on level ground and in park if it has an automatic transmission, or in gear with the parking brake on if it has a manual transmission. Use wheel chocks. Open and prop the hood.
Engine, Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluids
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Pull the engine oil dipstick out of its tube, wipe it clean and reinsert it. Pull it back out and check the oil level. If it is below the lower line, unscrew the oil filler cap, which is typically located on the engine with the word "Oil" on it. Place the funnel in, pour in a quart of oil and recheck the oil level. Add small amounts of oil to get the level between both lines, if needed.
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Skip this step if you have a manual transmission.
Start the engine, which should be running when you check the automatic transmission fluid. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it. Pull it out and look at the level between the high and low markings. Turn off the engine and fill to the top line, if needed. Transmission fluid must be added in small amounts through the dipstick tube. Use a small funnel. Restart the engine and double check the fluid level. Reinsert the dipstick and turn off the engine.
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Twist the power steering cap and dipstick counterclockwise to remove it. The cap may have the word "steering" on it. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert but do not tighten it. Pull it back out and check the level between the high and low markings. The dipstick will have the words "Hot" on one side and "Cold" on the other. Check the hot level. Add the fluid in small amounts, as needed, recheck, reinsert the cap and turn it clockwise to tighten.
Brakes, Clutch, Radiator and Window Washer Fluids
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Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap. It could be a twist off cap or a snap lid. Check the fluid level, fill markings and add fluid, as needed.
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Remove the clutch fluid reservoir cap. Check the fluid level, fill marks and add fluid, as needed.
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Unscrew or pop off the cap for the windshield washer bottle. Add to the fill line with your preferred washer fluid. Use fluids compatible with your region's climate to prevent freezing.
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Ensure the engine is lukewarm to the touch. The radiator is pressurized and must never be opened hot or while the engine is running. Remove the radiator cap and look inside to check the level. The level should be near the top, otherwise add fluid following the mixture specifications on the bottle of coolant. Check your radiator's overflow bottle, if your car has one, and add fluid, as needed. The overflow bottle is connected to the radiator with a rubber tube.
Battery and Manual Transmission Fluids
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Inspect the battery for leaks and corrosion. Clean the contacts and cables with a wire brush and apply an anti-corrosion spray or gel. Consult a certified mechanic if you suspect leaking. Most batteries are maintenance-free and should not be tampered with.
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Manual transmissions should be checked last to allow time for the vehicle to cool, as you need to reach under the car with a wrench or large hex key to check and fill the fluid level in the gearbox. Use proper equipment and safety procedures if you need to raise the vehicle. The steel plug is on the left or tight side of the transmission casing. It will be a bolt or hex screw. Loosen and remove the plug, and check the fluid by inserting a finger. The fluid level is satisfactory if you can feel it. Top up if needed through the same hole. Manual transmissions use gearbox fluid and the bottles have long tapered spouts. A small tube or hose attached to the end might help make the application easier.
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Properly dispose used bottles and rags.
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Tips & Warnings
Oil dipsticks are often marked with yellow, red or the word "Oil" for easy identification. Gear oil is messy, smelly and difficult to apply without raising the car, so consider a lube shop as an option for the manual transmission. Keep a journal with dates, mileage and a maintenance checklist for quick reference. Older vehicles do not use fluid in their clutch systems.
Follow all manufacturer warning and instruction labels. Avoid loose hair, clothing and jewelery when working near the engine and moving parts. Use caution when working around hot engines. Do not overfill fluids. Do not add fluids in the rain. Avoid spilling fluids on painted surfaces. Have your car inspected by a professional if you detect leaks or excessive fluid loss.
References
Resources
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