Check your Fluids and Change your Air Filter

Under The Hood Vitals

OK so you have checked the oil but what about your fluids? Your car needs fluids to survive. There are many things in your vehicle that run with fluids. If these fluids are not properly "Topped Off", you can expect troubles and repairs.

Maintaining proper fluid levels is an essential and easy maintenance task. It's easy, quick, and can add thousands of miles to the life of your car.

You should routinely check and top off the following fluids, especially if you're planning on a long road trip and want to travel safely and efficiently.

If nothing else, learn how to change your own air filter. It's quick and easy and saves you money from the quick lubes and dealerships.

First, park your car in the shade and pop the hood. Prop it up so it doesn't slam you in the head, and then let the engine cool for a few minutes.

Changing Air Filter:

The air filter is typically enclosed in a black plastic casing near the center-top of the engine (sometimes, especially in larger vehicles, it will be off to the side). It should be the largest non-metal assembly you see, about the size of a breadbox. Find it? Good. Now, open it.

How? Well, most of them are held together by a couple of large metal clips on the side. Slide a flat-headed screwdriver between the casing and the clip and pry the casing open. Occasionally you'll find one held together with several long screws, in which case you'll have to unscrew it to get at the filter. (Many of the older cars use a cylinder air cleaner held inside a circular black case. It's like a giant doughnut that sits at the direct top-center of the engine.)

 

Anyway, crack it open. You'll find the air filter inside. It's usually white, bright yellow, orange, or red, the better to see the collected dirt.

Pull it out. It's typically flat, elongated, usually about a foot long by six inches wide by two inches high. It's made of paper filament, with rubber edges along the bottom to seal it against the casing.

Now, let's check it for cleanliness. Hold it up. Bend it back, so the paper ridges of the filter flutter like the pages of a book, and look inside the crevices. Do you see a lot of accumulated dirt and grime? Now hold it at arm’s length and look at it straight on. Is the orange or yellow paper mostly dirty in the center? If so, let's replace it. No big deal -- the replacement only costs about five bucks. If you did this at a quick lube or dealership, you'd be looking at prices up to $20.00.

Close up the casing. Then put the old air filter in a plastic grocery bag. You're going to want to bring it with you, to compare old with new and make sure you get the right replacement, so toss it in the car and go clean up.

By the way, it's okay to drive a car short distances without an air filter.

When you return (or even at the store if you want to look cool), go ahead and install the new air filter. Seal it up and you're done.

Radiator/Cooling System Fluid:

This should be done when the engine is cool or lukewarm, not cold.

Please note: The contents of the radiator are pressurized and can scald you if the system is opened when it is hot. Also, never check the radiator when the engine is running.

Locate the radiator cap. It should be in the center of the engine compartment, in the very front. Use a rag to remove it. Look down into the radiator and see if you can spot fluid. If it's near the top, you're in good shape. If not, you'll need to add some.

Engine coolant is added on a 50/50 basis -- 50 per cent water, 50 per cent coolant. Read the instructions on the coolant container for details.

You may want to also check the fluid level in the coolant reservoir. This is a plastic container just to the side of the radiator, with a hose connecting the two. It serves as an overflow receptacle for excess radiator coolant (since the fluid expands and contracts with heat). Pop the lid open and fill it about two-thirds of the way full.

Brake Fluid:

Like the transmission, the braking system is a sealed network. If it repeatedly gets low on fluid, you need to locate the source of the problem, either by yourself or with the help of a mechanic. A leak in the braking system is nothing to play around with.

To check the fluid level, locate the brake fluid reservoir. It's usually in the engine compartment. If you can't find it, consult your owner's manual or call a dealership. Remove the lid and check the level. It should be at least two-thirds full. If not, fill to the "full" line with brake fluid.

Note: Avoid getting water in the braking system, at all costs. Therefore, do not do this procedure in the rain, unless in a garage or under an overhang.

Battery Water:

Some cars have what is called a "maintenance-free battery." This means the battery is sealed and should not be tampered with. You'll be able to tell right away, since the battery has a flat top with no openings.

A lot of vehicles, however, still utilize traditional battery design, with six cells that need occasional refilling. Access to the cells comes through six screw caps, or, more commonly these days, two rows of plastic caps that pressure-fit over three cells each. Either pry the caps off with a flat-head screwdriver, or unscrew the six caps.

It's best to fill battery cells with distilled water, since it lacks contaminants and trace elements that can cause a corrosive build-up around the battery terminals. The battery cells should be filled to the bottom of the fill hole, no further.

 

CAUTION: Battery acid has sulphuric acid in it, which is highly caustic to skin and eyes. Wear eye protection and gloves when doing this procedure.

Window Washer Fluid:

Some newer cars and trucks now have a light that comes on to indicate when this receptacle needs refilling. It's typically located in the engine compartment, underneath the windshield. It looks a lot like the coolant overflow reservoir, but will be located closer to the rear of the engine compartment. Also, both of the caps will be labelled "coolant" and "windshield," or something similar, to distinguish one from the other.

Some vehicles, such as SUVs and minivans, may have a second receptacle, located in the rear of the vehicle, to supply the rear wipers.

If you're unable to locate these fluid reservoirs, consult your owner's manual or call a dealership for assistance.

Remember, maintaining proper fluid levels insures safe and trouble-free driving. It takes only a few minutes, and can often catch a problem before it becomes a crisis.