Checking Under the Bonnet

Part of maintaining a well functioning car is to routinely check the engine and the fluid levels and to use the proper petrol grade for your auto. If you do not look under the bonnet at least once a month to make sure that everything is in working order, you could be taking unnecessary risks. You don't have to be a mechanic to know if something looks wrong under the bonnet, and if you know how to check the different fluids in your car, you can make everything much easier on your auto's wear and tear.

Oil and Transmission Fluid

You should always know where you can check your oil, your transmission fluid levels and your other various fluids that help to make your car the high functioning machine that it is. Even if you just changed the oil, you will want to check the level of it a few days later to make sure you do not have a leak that could cause the oil either to burn up in your engine with your petrol, or to leak out onto parts of the engine, risking fire and other malfunctions. The location of the oil dipstick will vary between auto models, so if you do not know where the handle for the dipstick is located, consult the manufacturer's manual to find a description or drawing of where the handle is located. Every manufacturer's guide will be able to point you in the right direction to find a certain aspect of your engine, so never discredit the help that your car's manufacturer's guide can offer you.

Looking for the oil dipstick, you should look towards the bottom of the body of the engine. It should be clearly marked in either black and white lettering, or a symbol for an oil can. Once you locate the dipstick, take it out, usually right after you have shut the car off so that the oil is still slightly warm and at a good expansion level. Use a rag or paper towel to wipe the stick off then replace the stick for a moment. Remove it and look at the tip of the stick. You can tell a few things about your oil from this process, such as whether or not your oil is dirty, and how much oil you have in your tank. If you are getting low, consider adding a half a quart of oil.

For transmission fluid, this dipstick will not normally be marked, but rather a yellow ring that is usually a little ways below the engine. This dipstick can sometimes be hard to find, but this is also because you will probably not be checking this fluid level that often. If your auto is jumping as you change gears, this would be cause to look at your transmission fluid levels. Otherwise, just make sure that you get a transmission flush every couple of years, or as directed in your manufacturer's manual.

Other Fluid Checks

If you are checking under the bonnet one day and notice a fair amount of oil residue on your engine, you should consider taking your auto to the garage for a checkup. However, if you open the bonnet and simply find that your windscreen fluid reservoir is low, this is something you can add by yourself easily. The same goes for engine coolant, but you may want to get the advice of an auto parts store or garage professional about the right coolant to use depending on the climate your auto will primarily be in. There are many advantages to checking under the bonnet, and if you know what to look for, you can keep your car in top shape.

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