Is Your Car Thirsty?
Fluids are essential to the life of almost every living organism and mechanical creation. Your car is no exception. In order to keep your car running, you need to make sure several critical fluids levels are filled properly.
Don’t worry if you’re not a mechanic – most fluids can be checked fairly easily, according to Edmunds.com. And not only will you keep your car on the road by replacing old fluids, you can also add miles to the life of your car.
Oil and more
The obvious fluid most people know to check is oil, which is essential to your car. But there are many more to be checked.
- Window Washer – You need to keep this tank full to keep your windshield clean, and therefore, the road visible. The reservoir is typically located in the engine, underneath the windshield. If you have an SUV, you might have another receptacle in the back. A quick visual inspection will tell you whether you need to top it off.
- Brakes – Your car’s brakes are a sealed system, so if they’re losing fluid, you need to find out why. A brake fluid reservoir is typically located in the engine compartment. The owner’s manual should be able to point you to it. Make sure you don’t get any water in the brake system.
- Transmission – If you have an automatic transmission, check this fluid with your car running. The transmission dipstick is usually a smaller one behind the oil dipstick. Proceed as if you were checking the oil – take it out, wipe it clean, stick it back in and pull it out.
If you have any questions about your fluid levels, or if you suspect you have an issue with an important system (such as brakes or transmission), make sure you consult your mechanic.
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