DIY Network

Automotive Fluids--Checking Fluids Show host Trisha Hessinger demonstrates how to check automotive fluids. From "Car Care Workshop" episode DCC-105

If you want to keep your car's engine in good shape for years, it's essential to keep its fluids fresh and at the proper levels. Trisha Hessinger, host of DIY Car Care, shows how to check fluid levels, service the engine-cooling system and change the engine oil and transmission fluid.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Note the fill marks on the coolant-recovery tank (removed from the vehicle for easier viewing). Some tanks have both "cold full" and "hot full" marks for checking the level whether the engine is hot or cold.
	Figure E
	Figure F

Checking Fluids

Checking the fluids in your vehicle is critically important but simple enough for any do-it-yourselfer.

Materials:

clean rags or paper towels
antifreeze tester or test strips
motor oil, as needed
antifreeze, as needed
transmission fluid, as needed

Checking Oil

Check the engine oil frequently: driving with the oil level too low can damage the engine. When checking oil, wait until the engine has been off for at least 15 minutes so that the oil has drained to the oil pan. This ensures an accurate reading. Checking the oil immediately after driving may give a false low reading because much of the oil is still in the engine components.

1. The oil dipstick on most vehicles is on the side of the engine. It may be labeled (figure A). The dipstick extends through a metal tube into the oil pan. Locate the dipstick and pull it straight out.

2. Wipe the dipstick clean with a rag, and reinsert the clean dipstick. Make sure to depress it all the way.

3. To get a reading, pull out the dipstick again and inspect the oil on the tip (figure B). It should be in the safe zone between the "add" and "full" marks. Hash marks on the end of the stick usually indicate the oil level. Each mark usually translates to 1 quart. Markings may differ from one vehicle to another, so check your owner's manual.

4. If the oil is low, add enough to bring the level into the safe zone. Remove the filler cap (figure C), and add the oil at the fill opening. Don't overfill, as too much oil may foul the spark plugs.

The oil should appear clean and translucent. If it looks dirty, dark or milky, it's time for an oil change.

Checking Coolant

Check the level of coolant, or antifreeze, when the engine is cold. On newer vehicles the coolant level may be checked at the coolant-recovery tank (figure D). On some older vehicles, you'll need to remove the radiator cap to check the level in the radiator. If coolant is low, top it off at the recovery tank (or radiator) with a 50-50 solution of water and antifreeze.

Important: Removing the radiator cap when the engine is hot is dangerous. Wait until the engine is cool.

Check the strength of the coolant -- that is, the ratio of antifreeze to water -- using a hydrometer or antifreeze tester. Dip the tube into the overflow tank, depress the bulb, and take a sample of fluid. Read the scale to determine the level of protection (figure E). Or use coolant test strips (figure F). When dipped into the fluid, the strips change color to indicate how much life is left in the coolant.

Take note of the coolant's color. If it's brown or rust-colored, the car may need a radiator flush and refill. If you flush the system, you'll need to capture and recycle the spent fluid.

Important: Antifreeze is toxic, so keep it away from your skin and eyes and out of the reach of pets or children. (It has a somewhat sweet smell that attracts pets.) Antifreeze can damage painted surfaces, so avoid spilling it on the outside of your car.

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