Carol Bell, Owner


AUTHORIZED DEALER

OUR BLOG

9/6/2019
In order for your car to perform its basic duties well, it relies on a series of fluids to keep it all running smoothly. If you're not sure what these do or how to check on them, this post can help.

Tips for Checking Your Car's Fluids

Check your car's fluids can sound like an intimidating task, but it's actually quite simple. Before you get scared off by the idea of checking your car's brake fluid, check out this simple and very useful information that can guide you as you prepare to check on your car's essential fluids.

Tips to Help You Check Your Motor Oil

Your car's motor oil is often referred to as the lifeblood of your car, so it's pretty clear that it is super important for your car's well-being. Know how to check this essential fluid can help you avoid plenty of issues and it really isn't hard to do. First, be sure your engine is cool and you're parked on an even space, meaning no slopes. Open up your hood and locate the oil dipstick. Pull this out, clean it off with a clean washcloth, and put it back in its slot. Pull it out once more to get a clear reading of your oil. The dipstick should have two indicator lines that will let you know how much oil your car has left. Ideally, your oil level should fall somewhere between these two lines, but if it's running low you can fix this by simply topping off your oil. Next, check on your oil's condition by using your thumb and index finger to feel it. Oil that is a light color, translucent, and slick is still in great condition. If your oil is thick, opaque, gritty, and smells burnt, it's definitely time to replace it. Keep in mind that even if you don't use your car a ton, your oil will still break down over time, so don't forget to check on it. If you notice that your oil is constantly running low, this can be a sign of a leak or your car may be burning off your oil. Neither is a good sign, so get the problem taken care of promptly before it leads to bigger issues. Click here��to buy AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil and keep your car running more efficiently for longer. A synthetic oil change can make all the difference. To learn more about the benefits of using synthetic oil, contact the friendly oil experts at AMSOIL Dealer-Carol Bell. Give them a call at (512) 658-0357 or check out the online store for even more great products.

Check Your Brake Fluid

Your car's brakes are clearly super important while you're out on the road. In order to keep them working properly and keep you safe, take the time to check on your brake fluid. If this sounds intimidating, it really isn't hard to do. Start by locating the reservoir under the hood that holds your brake fluid. This reservoir is usually made of a semitranslucent plastic and has indicators on the side that make it easy to check your brake fluid level without even having to touch anything. If you can't see your brake fluid, simply open the cap and look inside. While doing this, also check on the condition of this fluid. If your brake fluid is running low, this isn't normal. Brake fluid shouldn't get used up or start disappearing. If this is the case, you may have a leak that can leave you in trouble on the road. Get this taken care of as soon as you can. Ideally, your brake fluid should be translucent, so if it's murky or you can't see through it, definitely have it replaced.

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Next up, check on your transmission fluid. If you're not sure what this fluid does, it's basically responsible for keeping gear changes smooth and seamless regardless of whether you have an automatic or manual transmission. To check on it, your engine will need to be on and your car will have to be in park or neutral. Locate the dipstick under your hood, pull it out, clean it off, stick it back in, and pull it back out. Like your oil, the level of your transmission fluid should fall in between the two indicator lines on the dipstick. When checking the condition of it, a reddish shade and a semi-sweet smell are good signs. Transmission fluid that is black and smells burned will need to be changed in order to keep your gearbox properly lubricated. If you've already noticed it's harder to shift gears or random surging, take a look at this fluid. One final note: not all cars make it this easy to check your transmission fluid. Some cars require professional help to access the transmission fluid, so use your owner's manual for the most accurate information.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Austin, TX

Staying on top of your fluids can help you extend the life of your car without much hassle. On top of this, be sure to give your car a synthetic oil change in Austin at regular intervals for the best results. To find out more about the benefits of using synthetic oil, contact the experts at AMSOIL Dealer-Carol Bell by calling (512) 658-0357.