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CarsChecking Fluids
by:
Kevin Schappell
Keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape requires constant observation of vital fluids. See you owners instructions and look for a diagram of the engine. Most times there wish be a diagram showing wherever
to check all the major fluids. This should be your starting point. If your instructions is lost in the glove box or you ne'er
had one, then ask your mechanic or a friend who knows cars to show you all the places to check. There are 4 major levels to check on most cars.
· Engine oil - Normally towards the front of the engine and marked "OIL" Always check your oil level with the engine OFF. Move out the gauge and wipe the oil off with the rag or towel then put the gauge back into the hole. Now pull out and get a reading. You mightiness have to hold the gauge to the light to get a good reading as fresh oil can sometimes be hard to see. On the gauge there wish be two marks indicating a maximum and minimum level for the oil. Do it a habit of checking your oil every two weeks.
· Transmission fluid - If you have an automatic transmission then you wish have a gauge to check the fluid level. It is most normally found towards the back of the engine compartment or towards the rider side. You should find out how to check the fluid by looking at the owner’s instructions or on the gauge itself. Most cars have to be running with the transmission in park or neutral. Besides the transmission should be warm
up to give a true reading. Do sure the car has been driven for a short distance to do sure everything is up to operational temperature. Checking the level is simply like checking your oil, wipe off dipstick, replace, pull out once again and check level. If you have a instructions transmission there is no gauge and to check the fluid level you must crawl under the car and move out a fill plug. I would-be have your mechanic check this for you once a year if you do not feel comfortable doing this.
· Engine fluid - -- CAUTION -- Ne'er
open your radiator cap once
the engine is hot ! The pressure in the system can send hot fluid splashing out on to you. Most cars have an overflow bottle, which wish have level markings. Support the fluid between these markings. If you have to open the radiator, do sure the engine is cold.
· Power steering fluid - Your car uses oil to assist in steering the car. The fluid is normally checked at the pump, but can be away from the pump in a separate reservoir. Like the transmission, this fluid should besides be checked once
up to operational temperature. Most normally the level is measured by a small gauge attached to the cap of the reservoir.
· Brake fluid - On most newer cars you can check brake fluid level without removing the cap on the master cylinder. There wish be level markings on the side of the plastic reservoir. If you have to move out the cover to check the fluid level, be careful not to spill any fluid on the encompassing paint. Brake fluid does a good paint remover :-)
· Windscreen washer fluid - That's the magic blue liquid that squirts out of your hood. Most reservoirs have the level marked on the side but several newer cars have them buried underneath everything so you can not see. Simply fill to the top, there is no harm in overfilling.
If you need to add any fluids to bring the levels up, a funnel is helpful to avoid spills. Support track of how often you add oil, and transmission fluid. Frequent additions can point to leaks and engine wear.
Simply simply about the author:
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.comwhere he gives proposal
on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has distinct to spend his online time portion others discover simply about automobiles. To discover much simply about how your car works, Kevin has createdhttp://www.mycarwizard.com
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