Save money, maintain your engine's longevity
and protect your passengers by keeping
the proper fluid levels in your car.
A low coolant level is one of the most
destructive things to an engine, and
low washer fluid can present a dangerous
situation. A quick check under the hood
is all it takes in most cases.
Checking Coolant:
1. Locate the coolant reservoir
under the hood of the car (see owner's
manual for exact location); some cars
only have an exposed cap.
2. Check the fluid level.
On the side of the reservoir, there
are markings that show fluid levels.
If the level of the liquid is low,
add more of the proper coolant mix.
Checking Battery
Level:
1. Look for the battery's condition
indicator, a visible window on
the top of the battery that changes
color.
Green/blue: Good
Red: Add distilled water
White: Needs charge
Check your owner's manual or label
on the battery for further information.
This handy indicator should not be
the only test done to determine if
the battery is serviceable.
2. If the battery needs more fluid,
pour in a little at a time until
the level is near the top of the battery
grids. Do not overfill. Always use
distilled water, not tap or filtered
water.
Note: Certain batteries are
sealed, and it is not possible to
add fluid. Not all batteries are in
the same place: some batteries are
located under the rear seat, in the
trunk or in the front inner fender.
Any time a battery is serviced, safety
gloves, eye protection and fender
protection should be used to prevent
injury and paint from being damaged.
Checking Oil:
Under normal driving conditions, you
should change your oil every 3,000 to
5,000 miles.
1. Park your car on level ground,
turn the engine off and remove the keys.
2. Open the hood of your car and
secure it with the prop rod. Remove
the dipstick and wipe it clean. Put
the dipstick back into the tube that
you removed it from. Remove the dipstick
again and check the level of your motor
oil on the stick. If the level is below
the minimum indicator, add oil to your
car.
3. Check the color of the oil on
the dipstick. Motor oil is usually
a light clear fluid but will darken
under normal conditions. If the oil
is black, it should be changed along
with the oil filter. If the oil is light
brown and milky, this could indicate
a coolant leak into the crank case.
4. Feel the oil on the dipstick.
If the oil feels gritty, change the
oil.
5. Smell the dipstick. If the
oil has an odor of gas, it could indicate
that the engine, fuel system or ignition
system need to be serviced.
Checking Brake
Fluid:
1. Find your brake fluid reservoir.
They are usually located on top of
the engine and are labeled.
2. Clean the area around the cap
with an approved aerosol cleaner before
removing the cap. Any particles of
dirt that fall in the fluid can cause
costly service.
3. Open the cap on each and check
the fluid level on the dipstick
that is attached to the underside
of the cap. If either of these fluids
are low, you should have the car serviced
at a NAPA AutoCare Center soon because
it could be a sign of a larger problem.
Never used old steering or brake fluids.
Once opened and exposed to air and
moisture the fluid cannot perform
the required functions and can harm
the system.
Checking Transmission
Fluid:
1. Check the level of your automatic
transmission fluid. Pull out the
transmission fluid dipstick located
at the back of the engine near the
firewall. Wipe it off, replace it
and pull it out again. Check the level
against the markings at the bottom
of the dipstick. A low level should
be addressed immediately with a trip
to a transmission specialist.
2. Check the color of the fluid;
it should be clear pink. Any darkness
warrants a fluid and filter change.
Manual transmission should be checked
for oil level by NAPA AutoCare Center
when the engine oil is changed. Some
vehicles no longer have a transmission
dipstick they need to be checked by
an automotive professional (see owner's
manual).
Caution: Always install the correct
transmission fluid. Using the wrong
fluid can severely damage the unit.
Important
Tips:
- Never open the radiator cap on a
hot engine. Allow it to cool for 15
to 20 minutes before opening.
- Your car should be running when
you check the transmission fluid level.
Set the emergency brake and put the
car in park when checking under the
hood of a car that has the engine
running.
- Only dispose of used motor oil and
filters at authorized locations.
- If you prefer, bring your car to
your local NAPA AutoCare Center and
they can change your oil for you.
