How To Check Your Vehicle’s Fluid Levels

Incorrect fluid levels can cause breakdowns or even serious damage to a vehicle. For accurate vehicle care, CMH Nissan Hillcrest has compiled 5 basic fluid checks you can perform on your vehicle between your dealer service visits.

Checking your engine oil level

The vehicle engine must be cold and not running. Look for a yellow, red, or brightly coloured loop/hood that looks like a handle. Have a cloth/rag handy and pull the oil dipstick out of the tube. Wipe the dipstick clean with a cloth/rag and insert it fully back into its tube. Remove the dipstick and check that the oil level is between the markings indicated on the dipstick.

Engine/Radiator coolant

If the vehicle engine is hot/high, do not open the radiator cover or coolant reservoir for the coolant recovery system. In most cases, it’s a translucent plastic container mounted near the radiator. An upper (hot) and lower (cold) level marking will be moulded into the reservoir. If the fluid level is below the lower mark, add coolant up to that level, but not beyond.

Window washer fluid

This usually has a sign that looks like a tiny water fountain. If the level is low just fill the bottle with water until the fluid nears the top. Use a bug-removing washer fluid in summer.

Power-steering fluid

The remotely mounted translucent plastic power-steering bottle will have minimum/maximum indicators moulded into it. Make sure that the power-steering fluid is always between those two levels, and not too full or too low.

Brake fluid

The brake fluid reservoir is usually on top of the master cylinder at the rear of the engine compartment on the driver side. Locate the translucent plastic reservoir with upper and lower-level markings moulded into it. If the level is near or below the lower mark, have an auto repair shop inspect the brake system for leaks or wear as soon as possible.

Come into CMH Nissan Hillcrest and let us assist you with accurate vehicle care. Contact us on 031 763 3121 or visit www.nissanhillcrest.co.za for more details on our brand, accessories, and monthly specials.