How to Keep Your Car Fluids Topped Up

One of the most important parts of vehicle maintenance is regularly checking your car fluids and topping them up when necessary. Aim to check your car fluids at least every four to six months to protect your vehicle against damage and save repair costs in the long term.

Before you change your car fluids, remember to park your car on a flat surface, turn the engine off and ensure that your car is in neutral. You should also wait until the engine is cold before you top up any fluids.

Engine Oil

Engine oil lubricates the moving parts in your engine that come into contact with each other. This lubrication reduces friction, minimising damage and keeping your engine parts in good condition.

Engine oil picks up dirt over time, making it less effective. Therefore, you need to replace your engine oil regularly. Read up on the signs that mean you need to replace your engine oil.

You can also follow our simple, step-by-step instructions to change your engine oil.

Engine Coolant

Engine coolant regulates the temperature in your engine to stop it from overheating. It has a high thermal capacity, low viscosity and is chemically inert.

If your vehicle runs warmer than it should, if you notice leaks beneath your vehicle or if you hear a grinding noise coming from your engine, you should check your engine coolant level.

You can also follow our easy steps to replace your engine coolant. Before topping up, check whether you’re adding to pre-mixed engine coolant or a blend of coolant and water.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid keeps hydraulic brakes in good condition. However, over time, moisture accumulates in brake fluid, making it less effective. 

Check your brake fluid if your ABS warning light comes on, if your brake pedal feels heavy or if you hear strange noises coming from the brakes.

If your brake fluid has a dipstick, you can use this to measure your top-up. Alternatively, use the minimum/maximum markers.

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is core to the hydraulic system and allows you to turn your car smoothly. The fluid deteriorates over time, especially if you have a leak in your system, so it’s important to regularly check it under the bonnet.

You might be low on power steering fluid if the steering is noisy, jerky or difficult to manage. 

Like your engine oil and brake fluid, you may find a dipstick in your power steering fluid to check the level. If your power steering fluid doesn’t have a dipstick, use the minimum/maximum markers to measure your top-up.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid lubricates the gears and valves. It only needs to be changed occasionally, but the fluid does become dirty and ineffective over extended periods of time.

If your car makes a screeching noise, if your gear changes are rough, or if your car surges, it’s likely that you need to change your transmission fluid. Check its colour under the bonnet. The fluid should be amber or red. If it’s darker-coloured or cloudy, it’s contaminated.

Like your other car fluids, your transmission fluid may have a dipstick that you can use to check the level. If your transmission fluid doesn’t have a dipstick, you’ll need to get a mechanic to check your fluid level and condition.

Replacement Car Fluids

When it’s time to replace your car fluids, you’ll find the best priced and best quality car fluids at DIY Car Service Parts.

All DIY car service parts are manufactured by trusted, high-quality brands. Here are just a few of the brands that we stock.