How to Check Your Car's Essential Fluids
At Kirmac Collision & Autoglass, we are proud to be the preferred auto body shop serving the B.C. Lower Mainland area. During this challenging global health crisis, we want our valued customers to know that we are here to continue providing safe auto body repair services, including collision repair and auto glass repair. We also want to equip you with the tools you need to get the most out of your vehicle and ensure it continues running smoothly. Here is a short guide on how to check your vehicle’s essential fluids.
Engine
The oil will be located either to the front or back of your vehicle’s engine. Look for a cap with a picture or icon of oil, or the type of oil listed out, such as 5W-20. To check the oil level, unscrew the cap and pull out the dipstick. Wipe it clean with a towel, then reinsert it all the way, and pull it out again. The dipstick will indicate whether your oil is full or approaching empty and needing to be filled. Look for the maximum and minimum lines and see where the oil falls. It should be close to the maximum area, and it should appear amber or gold in color. If your oil is brown or black, you will need an oil change. If the level of oil is closer to the minimum line, add oil to the reservoir and re-test to ensure the level is satisfactory.
Transmission
If your vehicle has a dipstick for transmission fluid, you can check it yourself just like your engine oil. Simply locate the cap that indicates: “Trans Fluid.” Note that your car must be running and in park or neutral to perform this check. Some vehicles don’t have a transmission dipstick and must be checked by your trusted mechanic.
Power Steering
To locate your power steering fluid reservoir, look for a cap or dipstick labeled: “Power Steering.” This fluid is also checked like engine oil, except the color of the fluid will be similar to the color of white wine, or slightly pink.
Coolant
The radiator cap will have an image of a thermometer measurement, or feature words such as: “Antifreeze” or “Engine Coolant”. If the fluid is low, always replace it with the same type of coolant recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual, and never mix different coolant types.
Brake
The brake fluid cap should be obviously labeled as such. Checking this fluid does not involve any dipsticks or other testing. You simply need to look inside the reservoir and check the level and color of the fluid. Brake fluid should be a white wine color and close to the top of the reservoir.
Wiper
A cap labeled with “Washer” or “Wiper” wording, or an icon resembling a windshield with dotted wipers, easily identifies wiper fluid. If the fluid is low, pour washer fluid into the reservoir until it nears the top.
Kirmac Collision & Autoglass is proud to continue providing exceptional auto body services at our many locations, including:
- Vancouver
- Richmond
- Surrey
- Langley
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- Maple Ridge
- New Westminster
Find a location near you, or schedule an appointment with us today for your auto body needs. For details on the additional steps we are taking to keep you healthy and reduce the spread of coronavirus, read our COVID-19 Update here. Thank you for your business!
