How To Check Your Vehicle’s Fluid Levels: A Quick Guide
Keeping your car healthy doesn’t require a mechanic every time! Did you know that checking your vehicle’s fluid levels regularly can help prevent breakdowns and costly repairs?
CMH Suzuki Hillcrest has put together a handy guide for five essential fluid checks you can easily do yourself between scheduled dealership services. This will help you ensure your car is running smoothly and safely.
Checking your engine oil level
The vehicle engine must be cold and not running. Look for a yellow, red, or brightly coloured loop/hood that looks like a handle. Have a cloth/rag handy and pull the oil dipstick out of the tube. Wipe the dipstick clean with a cloth/rag and insert it fully back into its tube. Remove the dipstick and check that the oil level is between the markings indicated on the dipstick.
Engine/Radiator coolant
The vehicle engine needs to be cold and not running (do not open the coolant or radiator cover when the engine temperature is hot/high), locate the reservoir for the coolant recovery system. It is usually a translucent plastic container mounted near the radiator. The reservoir will have upper(hot) and lower(cold) level markings moulded into it. If the fluid is below the lower mark, add coolant up to that point, but not any higher.
Window washer fluid
This usually has a sign that looks like a water fountain. If the level is low just fill the bottle with water until the fluid nears the top. We advise using bug-remover washer fluid in summer.
Power-steering fluid
The remotely mounted translucent plastic power-steering bottle will have minimum/maximum indicators moulded into it. Make sure that the power-steering fluid is always between those two levels, and not too full or too low.
Brake fluid
The brake fluid reservoir is usually on top of the master cylinder at the rear of the engine compartment on the driver side. Locate the translucent plastic reservoir with upper and lower-level markings moulded into it. If the level is near or below the lower mark, have an auto repair shop inspect the brake system for leaks or wear as soon as possible.
Just like we need water and oil to function, your vehicle relies on various vehicle fluid levels to operate smoothly and avoid breakdowns. But how can you tell if your vehicle fluid levels are at the right level? Don’t worry, CMH Suzuki Hillcrest is here to help! Regular maintenance checks, which include checking your vehicle’s fluid levels, are crucial in ensuring your car’s performance and longevity. For expert advice and to schedule your next service appointment, visit CMH Suzuki Hillcrest today.
Visit us and let us assist you with professional vehicle care. Contact us on 031 763 3121 or visit our website for more details on our brand, accessories, and monthly specials.
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