CRS Automotive

CRS Automotive | Hamilton & Cambridge, ON Auto Repair

  • Car Sales
    • Premium pre-owned vehicles Cambridge, ON
  • Vehicle Service
    • A/C and Heating
    • Brakes Services
    • Fleet Services
    • Oil Changes
    • Suspension Services
    • Tire Services
  • Get Approved
  • Specials
  • Appointments
  • Blog
  • Contact us
    • About us
    • Google reviews

Your car’s fluid levels: How to check them and why (updated)

November 8, 2022 By CRS Automotive

car fluid levels how to check CRS Automotive Hamilton and Cambridge, ON
Basic vehicle maintenance includes checking the fluid levels of the different systems in your car’s engine compartment. A variety of systems in your vehicle use fluids to operate, and the list below may differ based on your vehicle type and engine. Follow our guide to understanding which systems you may need to monitor to ensure your engine runs safely and smoothly.

The fluid levels you need to monitor in your car, and why.

Regularly checking your car’s fluid levels is a simple exercise that can save you a lot of money and frustration in the long-run. A car’s engine is a complex system that relies on a specific set of conditions to run optimally, and the fluid levels inside your car’s engine help regulate these conditions. Some fluids are responsible for temperature control; some provide lubrication, and some even help control your vehicle. Here are some of the systems that rely on fluids and how you can monitor those fluid levels:

Engine oil

Most cars have mechanical engines with thousands of moving parts. The oil in your car’s engine keeps these parts from sticking, grinding and malfunctioning. If your car’s engine oil runs low, it can cause severe damage to your vehicle. We recommend that you check your car’s engine oil once a month to pick up any issues without delay.
You can check your car’s engine oil by locating the oil dipstick inside the engine bay, if it has one. Some newer vehicles do not come with a dipstick and must be checked through the onboard computer. Also make sure that the engine is turned off and has been sitting for at least 15min before checking the level with the dipstick. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it to check the oil level. If the markings on the dipstick show that the level is low, top up the oil immediately. Take note of the oil’s appearance. You may need to drain and replace the oil if the oil is very dark. If the oil is gritty, you need to book your car in for a service without delay because particles in the oil could mean that a component in the engine is breaking down. If the oil is milky in appearance, you might have coolant leaking into the engine, and you should speak to a service advisor at CRS Automotive about getting it fixed.
Even when you know how to check the oil fluid level in the engine, it is crucial to change the car’s oil regularly. How frequently depends on how often you drive, what conditions you drive in, and the type of vehicle you own. At CRS Automotive Hamilton, we not only check fluid levels and replace the engine oil when necessary, but we also inspect the following:

  • Oil filter
  • Air filter
  • Transmission filter
  • Vehicle lubrication
  • Engine coolant
  • Antifreeze coolant.

Do you know what the purpose of the oil filter is? It removes contaminants such as dirt, metal particles, oxidized oil, and unburned fuel from the engine oil and should be replaced every time an oil change is done. It is always best practice to check the manufacturer’s handbook for guidance.

Brake fluid

Modern cars use a hydraulic system for braking, which means that brake fluid levels are crucial to keeping your vehicle safe to operate. When you hit the brakes, the pedal compresses the fluid inside the system, pushing the fluid into the brake lines that activate the brake pads. We recommend getting your brake fluid checked at your annual service, but if you feel any change in your brakes, you can inspect your brake fluid levels to see if you need a top-up.
Locate the brake fluid tank inside the engine bay and note the fluid level. If the level is too low, you can top it up. If the fluid is not translucent, you will need to replace it to ensure no water in the brake system can cause rust and corrosion.
Brake fluid and brakes are like ketchup and chips, made for each other. Your top priority should always be keeping your loved ones safe, which is what CRS Automotive Hamilton believes as well. Now that you know how to measure the brake fluid level let us find out how you will know the brakes need replacing.

  • There is a screeching noise when your car comes to a quick stop
  • The vehicle pulls to one side
  • There is a grinding sensation when you slow down or speed up.

When you experience these signs, bring your vehicle to CRS Automotive Hamilton immediately. Our brake service includes checking the parking brake and front and rear brake pads and changing the brake fluid.

Engine coolant

Your car’s engine runs on combustion, which means there will be a lot of heat inside the engine when it is running correctly. The engine temperature is regulated through the engine coolant, which traps heat from the engine and releases it through the radiator. If the coolant level is low, your engine may overheat and get damaged. We recommend checking the engine coolant level every 50 000 kilometres or whenever the coolant light goes on. If the coolant light does appear, immediately pull your car over and wait for the engine to cool down before checking the coolant level.
Locate the coolant tank inside the engine bay and check that the fluid level is between the maximum and minimum. If your car doesn’t have a coolant tank, you can check the coolant level by unscrewing the radiator cap and ensuring it is filled to the top. It is essential to perform this check when the engine is cold because these fluids can spray and cause severe burns if the engine is still hot.

Steering Fluid

The power steering system in modern cars is similar to the brake system in that they use hydraulic technology. To keep the steering functioning correctly, you must keep your steering fluid levels up. We recommend checking steering fluid levels with your annual service or whenever you feel that the steering is becoming more difficult.
The steering fluid tank should also be located in the engine bay. Look at the fluid level and top it up if there is not enough fluid in the tank. If you find yourself topping the steering fluid up frequently, you should book a service with CRS Automotive to determine if there is a leak in the steering system.
Always refer to the owner’s manual to find out what type of steering fluid to use, as there are three types:

  • Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
  • Synthetic power steering fluid is used in most newer vehicles and is specifically engineered for the car
  • Non-synthetic, mineral power steering fluid.

Windshield washer fluid

Don’t neglect the windshield washer fluid when you are doing maintenance on your car. The windshield washers keep your view unobstructed and will keep you driving safely in rainy or snowy conditions. We recommend checking your windshield washer fluid a few times a year, especially after it has been raining or snowing and you have been using the washers more regularly.
Locate the windshield washer fluid tank in the engine bay to check the level. If the fluid is running low, you can top it up with fluid from a gas station or make your own with a bit of liquid dish soap and water.
Now that you know how to check the windshield washer fluid find out if your windshield wipers need replacing. Even the best washer fluid will be ineffective when the wipers are worn. Since temperature extremes damage windshield wipers by splitting and cracking the rubber blades, replace them at least after the winter and summer.
During the car fluid check, lift up the wiper blades and rub your finger along the rubber to feel for frayed, split or cracked areas. What do new and unworn blades look like? It should have a straight and clean edge that slides evenly across the windshield glass without leaving streaks. Another sign that wipers need replacement are a scraping noise when the blade moves across the windshield.

Transmission fluid

The transmission fluid in your car’s engine works to keep the components in your car’s transmission system cool and lubricated. Whether your vehicle has a manual or automatic transmission, the gears and parts need to move unhindered to keep your vehicle running. We recommend having the transmission fluid checked at your annual service as most cars don’t need fluid to be replaced often (or at all), but if something goes wrong in the transmission, you will end up paying dearly for the problem.
If your car has a transmission fluid tank, you can check the fluid level by using the dipstick. Some vehicles, however, need to be checked by a professional. If you feel any sticking or grinding in the transmission, make an appointment with our service professionals at CRS Automotive immediately to avoid severe damage.
Be sure to only use the fluids for each system that is recommended by your car’s manufacturer. If you don’t know which fluids are best for your vehicle, feel free to reach out to CRS Automotive in Hamilton, Canada, for your next car service or for help with topping up your car’s fluid levels.

Related posts:

How to Help Your Car Survive Summer Heat
Internet of Things: The Link Between Smart Cars and Smart Cities
The best 2020 luxury cars
The Best Way to Wash Your Car

Filed Under: Car Maintenance

Search

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Get Your Appointment Contact us

Subscribe

Recent Posts

  • Check your car AC: Is your AC ready for summer? (updated)
  • 4 Reasons People Change Wheel Rims on Their Cars (Infographic) (updated)
  • Ice Safety Guide (updated)
  • Car Depreciation: What Are the Risks? (updated)
  • 10 mistakes to avoid when purchasing a used car

Categories

  • Advice
    • Car Kits
    • Driving Tips
    • Safety Tips
  • Auto Repair
    • Car Battery
    • Cooling System
    • Dashboard Lights
    • My Auto Shop
    • Tires
    • Wheels
  • Car Dealership
    • Cambridge, ON Used Car Dealerships Archives
    • Car Brands
    • Car Buying
    • Car Makers
    • Car Models
    • Electric Cars
    • Total Cost of Ownership
  • Car Maintenance
    • Spring Car Care
    • Summer Car Care
    • Winter Car Care
  • CRS Automotive
    • Trusted Mechanic Cambridge, ON
    • Trusted Mechanic Hamilton
  • Ontario, CA
    • Cambridge, ON
    • Carbon Tax
    • Hamilton
  • People in the Automotive Industry Archives
    • Bertha Benz
    • Charlotte Bridgwood
    • Danica Patrick
    • Denise McCluggage
    • Elon Musk
    • Florence Lawrence
    • Jeremy Clarkson
    • Karl Benz
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Linda Hasenfratz
    • Mary Barra
    • Michael Schumacher
    • Niki Lauda
    • Trista Schieffer
  • Smart Cars
    • Car Apps
    • Connected Vehicles
    • Internet of Things
    • Smart Cities
  • Uncategorized

Archives

  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017

Working Hours

Hamilton

Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sun: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Cambridge, ON Vehicle Sales

Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed

Search Inventory

Search Inventory Search Inventory
Year:
   
Make:
   
Model:
   
Body Style:
+
 -

Find Us

Hamilton

999 King Street East,
Hamilton, ON L8M 1C6

(905) 544-8335

service@crsautomotive.com

Cambridge, ON

75 Water Street South,
Cambridge, ON, N1R 3C9

(905) 469-8335

sales@crsautomotive.com

Why Choose Us?

Open 7 Days a Week. Open Late.

Free Shuttle Service

24 Months / 40 K Warranty

Towing Service Available

Complete Auto Repair Service

Advanced Diagnostic Equipment

Auto service and maintenance Hamilton

CRS Automotive Stoney Creek car sale logo

Copyright © 2005-2019 CRS Automotive. Site Map
Powered by KEY27 Marketing Oakville

  • Home
  • Premium pre-owned vehicles Cambridge, ON
  • Vehicle Service
  • Get Approved
  • Specials
  • Appointments
  • Blog
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
    • About us
    • Google reviews