If the engine oil level gets too low, it could cause serious engine damage, so it is vital to check the oil level regularly. Check the engine oil level once a month or before a long trip. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick.
The engine oil and filter should be changed every 5,000 kilometres or every three months, or at worst every 12,500 kilometres or every six months.
Brake Fluid
If the brake fluid level gets too low, the brakes will work poorly, or not at all. Regular checking of the fluid level will warn you if a leak's developing. The fluid level falls gradually as the brake pads wear, but if you're adding fluid regularly, there must be a leak - stop driving the car until the leak's been found and fixed. The brake fluid container can be identified by having a wheel like canister situated behind it up against the firewall between the engine bay and the drivers seat.
1. Make sure the car is level, then wipe the brake fluid reservoir clean. The level must be kept between the "MAX" and "MIN" marks.Check the brake fluid level once a month or before a long trip.
Some manufacturers recommend specific intervals for brake fluid renewal. This practice may add life to your brake hydraulic system.
2. If topping up is needed, unscrew and remove the reservoir cap. Usually, the inside of the cap fits down into the fluid, so pull it out slowly, and place it on a piece of clean cloth to catch drips.
3. Top up to the "MAX" mark. Use a good quality brake fluid which meets the standard recommended by the manufacturer (such as DOT 4 - it will be marked on the container). Always use new fluid from a freshly-opened container.
4. Refit the reservoir cap and discard the cloth.
WARNING: Brake fluid is poisonous. It's also flammable, and acts as a very effective paint stripper. Wash any splashes off skin or paint right away with lots of clean water.
Coolant
Warning: Do not allow coolant to come in contact with your skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle. Rinse off spills immediately with plenty of water. Coolant is highly toxic if ingested. Never leave coolant lying around in an open container or in puddles on the floor; children and pets are attracted by its sweet smell and may drink it. Coolant is also flammable, so don't store or use it near open flames. Check with local authorities about disposing of used coolant correctly. Many communities have collection centers which will see that coolant is disposed of safely. Never dump used coolant on the ground or into drains.
The coolant is pumped through the engine, and cools it by means of the radiator. If the level gets too low, it could cause overheating and serious engine damage. It's normal to have to add coolant occasionally, but the need for regular additions suggests that there's a leak or some other problem which should be fixed before it gets serious. Make sure you use the right type of coolant when adding - some cars use coolant which cannot be mixed with other types (check in your car's owner's manual for details).
Check the level once a month, or before a long trip. The coolant should be changed at the manufacturer's recommended intervals (consult a repair manual for instructions). A few manufacturers use "life-time" coolant, which is designed to last the life of the car - check in your car's owner's manual for details. The coolant container is often near the radiator, attached by a small tube leading into the cap of the radiator - there is no need to top up coolant directly into the radiator!
The coolant reservoir or expansion tank may be transparent, or it may have a level indicator inside, which is visible once the cap has been removed.
1. Check that the level is up to the internal indicator or between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks. If you need to remove the reservoir or expansion tank cap, carefully unscrew the cap and check the level.
2. If the level's low, add a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze or appropriately mixed coolant mixutre (or clean tap water in an emergency) to bring the level up tot he appropriate mark. Do not overfill.
3. Refit the cap tightly afterwards, and wipe away any spills.
WARNING: Never remove the reservoir cap, expansion tank cap or radiator cap whilst the engine is hot 0 (you could be serverly burned). Unscrew the cap slowly and allow any pressure to escape. Wash off any accidental splashes from your skin, and from the car's paint - it can cause paint damage.
Power Steering Fluid
If your car has power steering and the fluid level's low, there may be a hissing or squealing sound as the steering wheel is turned. If the level is very low, or the system's leaking, the power steeering system may be damaged, and the steering wheel will be considerably harder to turn.
Many power steering systems use automatic transmission fluid, but you should always check your car's owner's manual - different types of systems use different fluids, and you could cause damage if you use the wrong fluid.
The power steering fluid reservoir may be transparent with level markings on the outside, or it may have a level dipstick on the filler cap. It is often located towards the side of the engine bay, and is rarely found up against the firewall between the engine bay and drivers seat (this is where clutch/brake bluid reservoirs are normally located instead).
Have the system checked for leaks if you need to add fluid regularly.
Check the power steering fluid level once a week, or before a long trip.
1. If you need to remove the filler cap to check the level, wipe around the cap first, then unscrew the cap.
2. Read off the fluid level, and add if necessary. Sometimes there may be "HOT" and "COLD" level markings for use depending on whether the engine's hot or cold - the level should be up to the relevant mark.
3. If the level's low, wipe around the filler cap, then remove it, if not already done, and add to the correct mark. Do not overfill. Refit the filler cap tightly afterwards.
Windscreen Washer Fluid
You can use plain water in the washer reservoir, but water can freeze in cold climates. Washer fluid is available at your local auto supplies store, such as your local Supercheap Auto stores. Note that directions on the container as to the quantity to add.
Check the washer fluid level once a week, or before a long trip. Many people find it convenient to add the washer fluid when they fill up with fuel. The reservoir is typically located near the cars battery and/or passenger side headlight.
The windscreen washer reservoir is usually located in the engine compartment. If your car has headlight washers, the headlight washers normally use fluid from the windscreen fluid reservoir, although on some cars a separate reservoir may be used.
Similarly, if the rear washer system is used, there may be a combined windscreen/rear fluid reservoir, or there may be a separate rear washer fluid reservoir (sometimes behind a panel in the luggage area).
1. If you need to add fluid, wipe away any dirt from around the filler neck, then pull off the filler cap.
2. Fill the reservoir, then refit the cap firmly, and wipe away any sipllage. A funnel can make the job easier.
You can clear a blocked washer jet by poking the fine nozzle gently with a pin. You can also use the ping to swivel the "eyeball" so that the jet is aimed correctly - but don't break the pin off in the nozzle.
WARNING: Never use engine antifreeze in washer system - it's not only hazardous to health, but it will also damage the car's paint and trim. Use a good quality washer fluid.
