Liquid Levels to Maintain in your Car
When it comes to maintaining our vehicles, there are a million things to keep an eye on and lots of
things that could go wrong. I don't know about you but I like to think ahead when it comes to
maintenance. One of the easiest ways you can keep your car running smoothly is to monitor the
liquid levels in your vehicles. It doesn't take a mechanic or someone highly skilled in car repair to
do and is something you can incorporate to your regular routine of car maintenance.
Today we are going to go over some of the most critical liquid levels to check and where you can find the level sensor for liquids for each of these types.
1. Engine oil
This is one of the most critical fluids to check on your vehicle. This fluid acts as a lubricant for the
moving parts of your engine. Without it, or if it's old, your car will not run as smoothly and you're
likely to encounter engine problems down the road. Engine oil helps to cut down on the amount of
friction for the engine parts and keeps the parts in newer condition for a longer period of time. You
can check your engine oil by pulling out the dipstick located in your engine, wiping it off with a
clean paper towel and sticking it back in to measure it. On the dipstick will be markers for safe
levels of engine oil so you should easily be able to see the level and quality of your engine oil when
you check it.
2. Brake Fluid
The braking system in your vehicle is powered by fluid to create pressure. This is called a hydraulic
system. The brake fluid is important to keep an eye on because without the proper level of fluid,
your vehicle may not be able to come to a complete stop or may be unable to stop altogether. You
do not need to change your brake fluid very often – only about every 2 years but it is a good idea
to keep an eye on it since it is such an important part of what keeps your vehicle safe to drive. To
check the brake fluid, look to the back, under your hood toward the back, there will be a reservoir
where you can see the levels.
3. Coolant
Your radiator is another part of what keeps your car in safe working condition. It helps your engine
to cool down and gets rid of heat coming off the engine. Without it, your engine will overheat and
this could cause your vehicle to stall out. Coolant should be changed every 30,000 miles or so but
you should check it now and then to ensure it's in tip top condition. If you need to fill your car with
coolant, be sure to consult your local auto supply store because they'll be able to direct you to the
proper coolant for your car. When in doubt on how often to change the coolant, check with your
vehicles instruction book.
Check our guide on factors to consider when buying a new car.
