Do you know your way around under the hood of your car? While not as critical as it
used to be, checking under the hood periodically can head off problems before they become
costly. Today, with self service gas stations everywhere, often the only way you will get
it done is for you to do it yourself.
Start by reading your owners manual. There will always be a section on under hood
checks. Keep a pair of old gloves and a roll of paper towels in the trunk
First, a word about safety. Read the safety warnings in your owners
manual and any safety warning stickers that may be under the hood.
If the engine has been running for any length of time, there are areas under the hood
that can be very hot. Except for checking transmission fluid level, all checks should be
done while the engine is turned off. If the engine is running, do not put your hands near
any belts or fans. If you are not comfortable with touching a hot or running engine, then
just do the checks that can be done with the engine cold and turned off and have someone
else do the rest.
The following items should be checked periodically:
Engine oil level This is the most important under-hood check you can do. An engine cannot run
without oil even for a minute without serious engine damage or total destruction! To
check the oil level, make sure that the engine is turned off, then find the engine oil dipstick and remove it. With a paper towel or
rag, wipe off the end of the stick and notice the markings on it. You will usually see a
mark for "Full" and another mark for "Add." Check your owners manual
to be sure. Push the stick back into the tube until it seats then immediately pull it out
to see the oil level. You should not add oil unless the level is below the "Add"
mark and NEVER add oil to bring the level above the "Full" mark. Your
main concern with this check is that oil consumption is not rapidly increasing. If
it is, take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible and have it checked out. It is
acceptable for the oil to be dark as long as you change it at the recommended intervals.
However, it should never be foamy and should never have a strong gasoline smell. If either
of these conditions exist, have it checked out soon.
Transmission fluid Most automatic transmissions should be checked while the engine is
running. Check your owners manual to be sure. Also make sure the car is on a level surface
and fully warmed up. Pull the transmission dipstick out, wipe off the end and note the
markings on the end of the stick. The usual markings are "Full" and "Add 1
pint." Push the stick into the tube until it seats, then immediately pull it out to
see the fluid level. Transmission fluid should be pink or red in color with
the look and consistency of cherry cough syrup. If the fluid is a
muddy brown or has a burnt smell, have it checked by a mechanic. As with the engine, never
add fluid unless it is below the "Add" mark and never bring it above the
"Full" mark. Make sure you use the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle.
If you plan to add Transmission fluid yourself, you should know that fluid
usually comes in quarts, but the level may not be low enough to take the
full quart. Also, you will need a special funnel to get the fluid into
the small tube that the dipstick came out of. Check your owners manual for the type of fluid and
do not substitute anything else. Any
noticeable transmission oil consumption should be checked out at a repair shop.
Brake fluid The brake fluid reservoir is under the hood
right in front of the steering wheel. Most cars today have a transparent reservoir so that
you can see the level without opening the cover. The brake fluid level will drop slightly
as the brake pads wear out. This is a normal condition and you shouldn't worry about it.
If the level drops noticeably over a short period of time or goes down to about two thirds
full, have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
NEVER PUT ANYTHING BUT APPROVED BRAKE FLUID IN YOUR BRAKES. ANYTHING ELSE CAN CAUSE SUDDEN
BRAKE FAILURE! Keep the reservoir covered except for
the amount of time you need to fill it and never leave a can of brake fluid uncovered.
Brake fluid must maintain a very high boiling point .Exposure to air will cause the fluid
to absorb moisture which will lower that boiling point.
Power steering fluid The power steering fluid reservoir usually has a
small dipstick attached to the cap. Remove the cap and check the fluid level. The level
should not change more than the normal range on the stick. If you have to add fluid more
than once or twice a year, then have the system checked for leaks. These systems are
easily damaged if you drive while the fluid is very low. Another warning of low power
steering fluid is a buzzing noise when you turn the steering wheel at slow speeds.
Coolant (Antifreeze)
level Never open the radiator of a car that has just been
running. The cooling system of a car is under high pressure with fluid that is
usually hotter than boiling water. Look for the cooling system reserve tank, somewhere
near the radiator. It is usually translucent white so you can see the fluid level without
opening it. (Do not confuse it with the windshield washer tank). The reserve tank will
have two marks on the side of it. "FULL HOT" and "FULL COLD." If the
level frequently goes below "full cold" after adding fluid, you probably have a
leak which should be checked as soon as possible. Today's engines are much more
susceptible to damage from overheating, so do not neglect this important system.
Battery Most batteries today are "maintenance
free" which simply means that you can't check the water level. This doesn't mean
however, that there is nothing to check. The main things to check are the top of the
battery which should be clean and dry, and the terminal connections which should be clean
and tight. If the top of the battery continuously becomes damp or corroded soon after
cleaning, then have the charging system and battery checked by your mechanic.
Windshield washer
solvent Windshield washer solvent is readily available by the gallon in auto
supply stores as well as supermarkets and it is cheap. It is fine to use with or without
adding water but will clean better undiluted. Never dilute it during winter months to
insure that it retains its antifreeze protection.
Belts & Hoses In most cases your mechanic can check your belts
and hoses when you bring in the car for an oil change. However, if you get your oil
changed by some quick lube type centers, belts and hoses may not be on their list of items
to check in which case you're on your own. These checks are best done while the car is
cold.
Belts are used to drive a number of components on an engine including: the water pump,
power steering pump, air conditioner, alternator and an emission control pump. Some later
model cars have a single "serpentine" belt that handles everything. This type of
belt looks flat on one side with several ribs on the other side. You should check the
ribbed side for signs of dry and cracked rubber. Serpentine belts are usually self adjusting and very durable. They should
last about 30,000 miles. The other type of belt is called a "V" belt and is
adjustable.There
is usually more than one to an engine, sometimes three or four. Check each one for cracks
and tightness and have them replaced if you find any problems. Some V belts are hard to
reach but no less important so if you can't reach it to check then have your mechanic do
it periodically.
Hoses should be checked visually and by feel. You are looking for dry cracked rubber,
especially at the ends where they are attached. You should also check the ends for any
signs of ballooning.
Windshield wiper blades I think that every driver knows what it is like
to drive in the rain with bad wiper blades. (I know... I'm not under the hood any more...
stop being technical) Wiper blades should be changed every 6,000 to 10,000 miles. Wiper
blades will tend to streak when they are dirty. Take a paper towel with some window
cleaner and clean the rubber blade whenever you clean the windshield.
Tires Buy a decent tire gage and keep it in the car.
Improper tire pressure can affect tire wear as well as ride and handling. You should
always check your tires when they are cold. Use the manufacturers recommended tire
pressures. Tire pressure tends to rise as you drive due to heat build-up. Manufacturers
have this in mind when they set the recommended cold pressures so do not let air out when
the tire gets hot. Check the tire again when it cools off and you will find that the
pressure is back to where it was. Tire pressure will change with the seasons, so in winter
months make sure they are not under inflated. Remember, always check them when they are
cold.
Family Car Parts Store
Do you know your way around under the hood of your car? While not as critical as it
used to be, checking under the hood periodically can head off problems before they become
costly. Today, with self service gas stations everywhere, often the only way you will get
it done is for you to do it yourself.
