One of the major components of car care is making sure your fluid levels are in check. In particular, your oil, your transmission fluid and your coolant, or anti-freeze as some of you may know it.
Let's start with your oil. Oil levels need to be checked monthly. Find your dip stick, pull it out, wipe it off, shove it back in and carefully pull it back out. Your oil should be a nice translucent light brownish color. It it's black, it's time for an oil change. If it's milky you may have bigger problems and you definitely need to have it looked at. Look at your dip stick after a fresh dip and make sure your oil line is where it should be. There is an indicator on the stick that will help you determine that. If you need oil, either top it off with some new oil or bring it to someone who knows how to add oil, if you don't. Either way, your oil should be changed out completely every three months for optimal results.
Your next step is to check your transmission fluid. It's very much like checking your oil but your car has to be running and in park, of course, before you pull out your dip stick. Pull your dip stick, wipe it and shove it back in and pull out again. This time look at your levels, again there is an indicator to help with this. Transmission fluid should be a nice pink or red color and should not smell likes its burned. If levels are low then either top it off or see your local lube shop for some assistance.
Lastly, it's important that your coolant is at a proper level. Coolant does just what is sounds like, it cools the engine. No coolant can be very bad. Your engine can seize up entirely and then you won't be going anywhere in that vehicle for a long time, if ever again. Make sure your engine is off and that your vehicle is completely cooled before you touch your radiator cap. Another good tip is to make sure your car is on level ground. If your coolant is low, certainly add more but know that if this keeps happening, you probably have a leak and you need to have your radiator checked out soon. Coolant should be changed about every 2 years.
Paul's Auto Care
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