How to Check the Fluid for a Hydraulic Clutch in Your Car

Cars with manual transmissions (stick shift) use either hydraulics (which uses fluid) or a cable to connect your clutch pedal to the transmission. If your car has a hydraulic clutch, the fluid must be checked monthly to ensure that it's full and there aren't any leaks.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Brake Fluids

1. 

   Determine whether your car has a hydraulic clutch.

2. Turn the engine off and open the hood.

3. Look for a small plastic container about 1 inch in diameter located close to the back of the engine, usually near the brake fluid reservoir. It looks a lot like the brake fluid reservoir but it's smaller. Imagine that the clutch pedal went straight through into the engine compartment: this is where you'll find the clutch master cylinder and clutch reservoir.

4. 

   Check the fluid level. The reservoir is usually clear with a small round rubber cap on the top; it should be filled to the top.

5. 

   Add brake fluid if it's low.

6. Replace the cap.

Tips & Warnings

• The hydraulic clutch uses brake fluid. There's no such thing as "clutch fluid" - you'll get laughed at if you go into an auto parts shop asking for it.

• Cars with a clutch cable do not use any fluid.

• A leak can often be seen at the reservoir/clutch master cylinder, at the other end of the clutch hydraulic line at the clutch slave cylinder, or inside the car behind the clutch pedal.

• Take care not to spill brake fluid on yourself or the car's paint - it's highly corrosive. Wash your hands and wipe any spills with a rag.

• If the clutch reservoir is consistently low you probably have a leak. The reservoir is very small so even a little leak can empty it out quickly. Without fluid, your clutch pedal is useless so you won't be able to shift, or to drive. See your mechanic if you suspect a leak.