Not knowing the basics of how your car works or what goes on under the hood is a quick way of getting into serious mechanical trouble that can lead to big, auto repair headaches. You probably know how to check your tire pressure and what most of the warning lights on your dashboard mean; but do you know how to check the fluid levels for the most important systems in your car? As intimidating as it sounds, it's really pretty easy and it could save you from having to call in auto repair West Frisco TX until you need professional help.
Engine Oil. Oil dipstick handles are usually yellow and are located on the side of the engine. Wait until the car engine is cool to check the oil level. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel; then completely reinsert the dipstick and pull it out. You'll see the oil level between two lines near the tip of the stick. If the level is below the bottom line, then you should add oil. If it's between the two lines, then your oil is fine. Make sure to check your oil regularly, especially if you drive a lot.
Transmission fluid. If your car has a transmission oil dipstick, it will be toward the back of the engine, near the firewall. Unlike engine oil, transmission fluid should be checked while the car is running. Again, make sure the level is between the two lines on the dipstick. If the level is low, you should take your car in for auto repair West Frisco TX to let a mechanic add the fluid for you.
Brake fluid. The brake fluid reservoir is usually a small, rectangular container on the driver's side of the car. Check this fluid with the car turned off. Most of the time, these containers are plainly marked with minimum and maximum level lines on the outside. If your container is not, you'll have to open it and check inside. It's dangerous to let the brake fluid level get low; it could be an indication that you have a leak in your brake lines or that your brake pads are worn and need replacing.
Power steering fluid. The power steering pump is usually located at the front of the engine and the cap will be marked €power steering fluid.€ Check this fluid with the engine off. The dipstick is similar to the oil dipstick, except that the stick will be shorter. If your level is low, it means you have a leak that should be repaired as soon as possible.
Coolant. This is usually in a large, light-colored, plastic reservoir in one corner of the engine compartment with a hose running from it to the radiator. These containers are clearly marked on the outside with fill lines. This keeps you from opening the radiator cap, which can be extremely dangerous if your car is hot. If your coolant is low, you probably have a leak that will need to be fixed by a mechanic. If you have coolant available, open the reservoir top to add enough to get you to an automotive repair shop.
Before you need an auto repair West Frisco TX shop, learn how to check your car's fluid levels. And when you do need help with a repair, come and see us at Meineke. Visit our website at http://www.northtexasmeineke.com to see which services we offer or call us at (214) 307-6166 to schedule a repair appointment.
Auto Repair West Frisco TX
North Texas Meineke
2972 FM 423
Little Elm, TX 75068
(214) 307-6166
Engine Oil. Oil dipstick handles are usually yellow and are located on the side of the engine. Wait until the car engine is cool to check the oil level. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel; then completely reinsert the dipstick and pull it out. You'll see the oil level between two lines near the tip of the stick. If the level is below the bottom line, then you should add oil. If it's between the two lines, then your oil is fine. Make sure to check your oil regularly, especially if you drive a lot.
Transmission fluid. If your car has a transmission oil dipstick, it will be toward the back of the engine, near the firewall. Unlike engine oil, transmission fluid should be checked while the car is running. Again, make sure the level is between the two lines on the dipstick. If the level is low, you should take your car in for auto repair West Frisco TX to let a mechanic add the fluid for you.
Brake fluid. The brake fluid reservoir is usually a small, rectangular container on the driver's side of the car. Check this fluid with the car turned off. Most of the time, these containers are plainly marked with minimum and maximum level lines on the outside. If your container is not, you'll have to open it and check inside. It's dangerous to let the brake fluid level get low; it could be an indication that you have a leak in your brake lines or that your brake pads are worn and need replacing.
Power steering fluid. The power steering pump is usually located at the front of the engine and the cap will be marked €power steering fluid.€ Check this fluid with the engine off. The dipstick is similar to the oil dipstick, except that the stick will be shorter. If your level is low, it means you have a leak that should be repaired as soon as possible.
Coolant. This is usually in a large, light-colored, plastic reservoir in one corner of the engine compartment with a hose running from it to the radiator. These containers are clearly marked on the outside with fill lines. This keeps you from opening the radiator cap, which can be extremely dangerous if your car is hot. If your coolant is low, you probably have a leak that will need to be fixed by a mechanic. If you have coolant available, open the reservoir top to add enough to get you to an automotive repair shop.
Before you need an auto repair West Frisco TX shop, learn how to check your car's fluid levels. And when you do need help with a repair, come and see us at Meineke. Visit our website at http://www.northtexasmeineke.com to see which services we offer or call us at (214) 307-6166 to schedule a repair appointment.
Auto Repair West Frisco TX
North Texas Meineke
2972 FM 423
Little Elm, TX 75068
(214) 307-6166
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