How to check the engine oil
Place your car at the level spot. Stop the engine. Wait for a while to let the engine oil to
pour down to the oil pan. Pull the engine oil dipstick. If you don't know where is the
engine oil dipstick, check your owner's manual, usually it has a bright handle saying
"engine oil".
Wipe it off with a clean rag or tissue.
Then insert it back all the way down
into its place.
Now, pull the dipstick again and check the oil level. Normally it should be at "FULL"
mark. For example, here you can see that it's a bit lower. It's not a big problem yet, but
it's better to top it up. Check the oil condition: If it's way too black, it's definitely time to
change it. If it's slightly-brown, it's O.K. If it's dark-brown, but still transparent, it's
admissible but it's better to change it soon.
If it's white (coffee with milk color) it means the engine coolant mixes with the engine oil
because of some internal engine problem, for example, blown head gasket - have your
car inspected.
How to top up the engine oil:
It would be better to add the same type and brand of the engine oil as you already have
in the engine. Add a little amount of the oil as it's shown in the image. Wait for a minute
to let the oil to pour down. Check the oil level again with the dipstick. If it's still low, add
some more. But don't overfill it. Don't forget to install the dipstick back and close the oil
filler cap when you finished.
How to check automatic transmission fluid.
Place your car at a level surface and engage the parking brake. Start the engine. Set
transmission shifter in "P" (Park) position, and let the engine idle (on some cars this
procedure may be different, check the owners' manual for details). Pull the transmission
dipstick. Check your owners manual to find where transmission dipstick is located in
your car.
Wipe it off with a clean lint free rag. 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 within "COLD"
marks. If the car was driven and is fully warmed up, the level should be at the upper end
of the "HOT" mark. If it's just a little bit lower I wouldn't worry about it. Otherwise I'd top
it up. Check the fluid condition also: If it's too black and dirty with burnt smell - your
transmission is not going to last. Normally it should be clean and transparent, as in the
image. The new fluid comes red. Over the time it becomes brownish. If it is brown,
check your owner's manual, may be it's time to change it. Some manufacturers require
to change the transmission fluid at 30,000 or 50,000 miles others specify that you never
have to change it - check what's your car owner's manual says.
How to top up the transmission fluid:
It's very important to use only specified transmission fluid - check your owners manual
or simply visit your local dealer, they alway have proper transmission fluid in stock.
Incorrect transmission fluid can even destroy the transmission. Add a small amount of
the fluid through the dipstick pipe as shown in the image. Wait for a few minutes - let the
fluid to flow down. Recheck the level again. Do not overfill, it also may cause problems
with your transmission.
Engine coolant
Low coolant level will cause engine overheating, which may cause serious damage to the engine.
How to check the engine coolant level:
The coolant level should be between "LOW" and "FULL" marks in the coolant overflow
tank as in the picture. If it's lower, top it up. If there is no coolant in overflow tank or you
have to top it up quite often, have your car inspected in the garage, possibly there is a
coolant leak.
Never open the radiator or coolant overflow tank when the engine is hot!
When engine temperature is reduced (few minutes after the engine has been turned off)
, simply add a coolant into the overflow tank to "FULL" mark.
Tires
Check the tire pressure regularly - at least once a month. If you don't have tire pressure
gauge it's really worth to buy it. You can find recommended tire pressure in the owner's
manual or on the tire pressure placard. The maximum pressure listed on tires is NOT the
proper pressure! Refer to the owner's manual
Rotate tires at every second oil change - it will insure all tires wear equally. Feel
vibration at cruising speed? - have your tires balanced. There is a safe limit of the tread
wear. If the tire is worn below this limit it's unsafe to drive. Refer to the result of
mechanical inspection. Uneven tire wear indicates alignment problem.
Improper alignment causes increased tire and suspension components wear and poor
handling. In worst case improper alignment may throw your car into a skid, especially on
a wet road. If a car pulls aside, wanders or feels unstable on the road, have the
alignment checked. Properly done alignment will make your car's ride a lot more
enjoyable.
CV joint boots
CV joint boot is OK
Most of modern vehicles are Front-Wheel-Drive, and they all have CV-joints
(Constant Velocity joint) used to transfer the engine torque to the front
wheels. The CV-joint is greased inside and sealed by a rubber boot that
unfortunately, tend to break sometimes. If the CV-joint boot breaks, the
grease comes out, the dirt and water comes in and the whole axle unit may
become inoperative in a short period of time. CV-joint located on the internal
side of each of the front wheels. You can check CV-joint boots visually
looking inside the front wheel arch from the front of the car with the wheel
turned outside. The boot should be dry. If it's broken you will see a grease
splashed all over the area. If the boot is broken, it needs to be replaced. If not
replaced in time, whole axle shaft will need to be replaced which will cost you
few hundred bucks more than just replacing the boot.