Just like human being, vehicles need liquids to survive, and maintaining these level is an extremely and essential task. There are several parts of a car that require to be filled with specific liquids and adding them as recommended will also enhance the lifeline of your car. This procedure is particularly essential if you’re travelling long distances, and simply if you haven’t opened the hood in a while. The components of a vehicle that need a liquid diet are transmission, engine, brakes, cooling system/radiator, window washer, brakes, battery and air conditioner. This article will outline how to fill fluid in these various components and the best time to do so.
Just like human being, vehicles need liquids to survive, and maintaining these level is an extremely and essential task. There are several parts of a car that require to be filled with specific liquids and adding them as recommended will also enhance the lifeline of your car. This procedure is particularly essential if you’re travelling long distances, and simply if you haven’t opened the hood in a while. The components of a vehicle that need a liquid diet are transmission, engine, brakes, cooling system/radiator, window washer, brakes, battery and air conditioner. This article will outline how to fill fluid in these various components and the best time to do so.
Locate your transmission dipstick put do not extract it to check the level of oil until you’ve started the vehicle. Once you’ve removed the dipstick, wipe is clean and reinsert it. Leave it in there for approximately 10 seconds and the remove and check the markings. Keep in mind that the transmission system requires minimal maintenance so great chances are that the fluid will never be low, but it’s always a good practice to check.
The level of the fluid is not the only thing to watch out for but also the color of the fluid, and is best to refer to your owner’s manual to check what shade of oil calls for a transmission oil change. Unlike automatic transmissions, manual transmissions must be checked with the engine off. In most vehicles, you will need to go below the car and remove the fill plug with some tools. Furthermore, many new cars are equipped with a hydraulic clutch system so you will need to lube the parts in this area as well.
Checking fluids in the cooling and radiation systems must be done when the engine is lukewarm or cool and not cold. An easy way to locate it is to look right in the center of the engine compartment. Use a rag, press down and twist to open it, and if the fluid id near the top, then there’s nothing to worry about, but can’t see the fluid, you will need to fill some. It is recommended that you always use engine coolant at a ratio of 50/50, which is 50% coolant and 50% water.
Just like the transmission, the brake system is rather an leak resistant so chances of it getting low in fluid consistently is rather slim to none, but if you do notice it, then it’s time to have it checked. The storage hub for the brake fluid is located in the engine compartment, and all you need to do is remove the lid carefully and check the fluid level. The recommended level is two thirds up or even until the "full" line.
Most new vehicles are fitted with a "Maintenance Free Battery", which comes sealed from the manufacture and should not be opened or toyed with. However, there are still many cars especially classics that still feature the old battery design, where you have six cells with six caps. Access to the caps is pretty straightforward, which can be unscrewed with bare hands or use a flat-head screwdriver for the stubborn ones. It is recommended that you use distilled water to fill the battery, since it does contain trace elements and contaminants that sometimes are a reason for corrosive buildup around the terminals.
The above are the most crucial components of your vehicles that need regular fluid intake, and by satisfying them regular, you will have a smooth and safe driving experience.
