Topping up car fluids is simple yet many of us run our cars forgetting our vehicles need a drink too. Car fluids are fundamental in keeping our vehicles running smoothly and without regularly topping up, your car won’t pass its MOT and vital components will be damaged, potentially resulting in costly repairs and replacements.
To save yourself money and stress, read our definitive guide to topping up car fluids below.
Engine Oil
Your engine’s moving parts won’t be lubricated without engine oil. To check the level, flip the bonnet, find the oil dipstick, remove it and wipe with a cloth. Place the dipstick back in place and remove again to check the oil line. If oil is between the minimum-maximum lines or notches, the level is fine. If low or below the markings, it’s time to top up.
Radiator Fluid
Without radiator fluid your car could overheat and stop running. Only top up when the car hasn’t been running and is cold. To check the level, pop the bonnet, locate the radiator cap, remove it with a cloth and assess fluid level. If it isn’t near the top, you’ll need more.
Transmission Fluid
Ignoring low transmission fluid can prove costly. To check levels, safely park and leave the engine running. Open the bonnet, find and remove the dipstick which should be labelled ‘transmission fluid’, touch the fluid by hand and gently rub between finger and thumb. If it’s pinkish to clear, it’s fine, smelly or burnt fluid needs replacing. To top up, funnel new fluid into the dipstick tube until it is underneath the ‘full’ line.
Brake Fluid
Hugely important, brake fluid helps you avoid collisions by assisting you in stopping. To check brake fluid levels, open the bonnet, find the brake fluid reservoir and remove the cap. The correct level of brake fluid is recommended to be half an inch beneath the cap, so top up if necessary.
Air Conditioning Coolant
Cars can get pretty uncomfortable in summer without this. Recharging the air conditioning system requires using an A.C. gauge, thermometer and refrigerant. The process can be tricky so visit a mechanic if you’re unsure on what to do.
Power Steering Fluid
Regularly topping up power steering fluid ensures maximum steering control and power. To check the level, flip the bonnet, locate the power steering fluid reservoir – usually marked ‘steering’ – open the cap and remove the dipstick. Just like checking engine oil, repeat the process of seeing whether the fluid is between the minimum-maximum markings.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Screenwash helps clean your windscreen and rear windscreen, aiding your visibility in bad weather. The washer tank is typically marked by a cap with a windscreen and spray symbol once you’ve popped the bonnet. Unscrew the cap and top up fluid until the tank is three quarters full. You can top up with water in a pinch but washer fluid is far more effective at removing road dirt.
If you find you are needing to top up your car fluids too regularly or topping them up hasn’t helped, a leak or repair may need to be looked at by a mechanic.
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