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Checking your Transmission Fluid

October 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Checking your Transmission Fluid

To check your transmissions fluid and the fluid level, park your car on level ground and start the engine.

Set transmission lever to the “P” (Park) position, and let the engine idle (on some cars this procedure may be different, please check the owners’ manual for details).

Pull the transmission dipstick (check your owner’s manual to find where transmission dipstick is placed in your car if you don’t already know where it is).

Wipe it with a lint-free clean rag or tissue. Then insert it back carefully all the way down into its place.

Pull again and check the fluid level. If the engine is cold, it should be above the “COLD” mark. If the engine is hot, the level should be at the upper end of the “HOT” mark. If it’s just a little bit lower you don’t need to worry. If required top it up.

Checking the Fluid Condition

If the fluid is black and has a burnt smell, your transmission isn’t going to last. Normally it should be clean and transparent. New transmission fluid is red in colour. Over time it turns brownish. If it is brown, check your owner’s manual, it may be time to change it. Some manufacturers require transmission fluid changed at 60,000km, others specify that you never have to change it – check your car’s manual for information pertaining to your car.

If you follow these tips you should decrease the chance of needing a car repair or unscheduled car service.

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Home Tune Mobile Mechanics
www.hometune.com.au
PHONE: 1300 368 863

Filed Under: Car Maintenance, Helpful Tips

Checking Your Coolant Level

October 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Checking Your Coolant Level

The coolant, like oil, is something your engine cannot go without and will cause damage and cause a car engine problem. Every engine is different but if you check your handbook you should find where the coolant reservoir is.

It will normally be bolted to one side of the engine bay or the other, and be a white semi-transparent bottle. Wait until your engine is cool and take a look at it – the outside should have ‘low’ and ‘high’ markings on it and the level of coolant inside should be between the two.

Usually the coolant level should be low when the engine is cold and high when the engine is hot.

Do not take the radiator cap off to check coolant levels.

If the coolant system is still hot then it is still under pressure and the pressure release may burn you.

If you follow this tip then this is likely to help your hip pocket come car service time.

Home Tune Mobile MechanicsAbout the Author
Home Tune Mobile Mechanics
www.hometune.com.au
PHONE: 1300 368 863

Filed Under: Car Maintenance, Engine, Helpful Tips

Checking Your Oil Level

October 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Checking Your Oil Level

Checking your oils level is simple and easy and will show you if your engine needs oil. If the oil is too high or too low, it can cause car engine problems.

To check the oil, park on level ground and wait until the engine has cooled down after driving, then locate the dipstick. Pull it out and wipe it clean, then push it all the way back in until the top of it is seated properly in the dip tube again. Wait a moment then pull it out again. Check the level of the oil. If it’s between the high and low marks, you’re fine. The high and low marks can be denoted by two dots, an “H” and “L” or a shaded area on the dipstick. The photos provided below show a Honda dipstick which has the two dots.

Engine Oil Dipstick

Cleaning the Dipstick

Dipstick Oil Level

Why not just read the level first time around?

The first time you pull the dipstick out, it will have oil all over it and it will be difficult to tell where the level is. That’s why you need to wipe it on a rag to get a clean dipstick, then dip it back into the oil to get a good reading.

About the Author
ACE Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Roadside Assistance | Vehicle Inspection
CALL 13 20 42
www.acemobile.com.au

Filed Under: Car Maintenance, Car Service, Engine, Helpful Tips