Last week we uploaded our first edition of “On The Couch” where we had a short discussion on how to make sure your car is ready and safe for your holiday travels.
We touched on a few things like your pre-trip inspection, some safety tips and a few other need-to-know information.
We promised to do a more in-depth post on all things mentioned. Remember if you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can leave it at the bottom of this post or post it to our Facebook wall.
Don’t forget to check out our first “On The Couch” session here.
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First up: ”Checking and Adding car Fluids“
To check and maintain car fluids, such as oil, windshield washer fluid, coolant and power steering fluid you first have to pop that bonnet and get in there. Check your fluids once on a monthly basis to make sure all is good.
Each car is different so consult your car manual before adding or replacing any car fluids.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Most cars have a fluid light that glows on the dash if and when the fluid is low. The fluid level will also be visible through the container. It is important to remember that there are different washer fluid mixes for summer and winter. Winter washer fluid contains de-icing chemicals, but any automotive store will be able to assist you.
It’s easiest to hook the washer’s container lid under a nearby hose and to use a funnel to pour in the fluid mix. Easy as that.
Coolant: There is a clear indication where your coolant level should be. “Cold fill range” with an arrow pointing to the accurate level. MOST IMPORTANT THING, do not open your coolant container if your car has been running. It gets hot. Hot water burns hands. Burned hands aint pretty. You should also have a look at your car’s manual because different cars use different coolant mixes.
Power Steering Fluid: Not all cars have power steering so don’t stress if you can’t find it. Again you need to check your manual. Most car manufactures tell you that you need to start your engine, let it run for a while as well as moving your steering wheel as if you are driving to get the most accurate reading.
Last but not least is Engine Oil: Get ready to look like a modern day backyard mechanic if you are a messy dipstick handler. Have a paper towel handy and set your sight to find the dipstick… Most cars’ dipstick has a bright end so it won’t be that hard to find. If you found it, pull it out and wipe it clean with the paper towel. Now put it back in, and again pull it out. Your oil level should be clear now. All dipsticks have indicators on the ends to indicate how much oil you should have.
If your car needs oil, just pull in to a garage and again there will be someone who will be able to assist you.
Older cars’ oil levels need to be checked more frequently than newer models. You might also want to check your oil more regularly if your car has a lot of kilometres on the clock or if you suspect an oil leak.
I suggest keeping a note in your manual with all the fluids your car takes for easy reference. Checking your fluids or filling them up is such an easy task to do, just remember to double check your car manual always.
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