16 Common Errors to Avoid When Checking Your Car’s Fluids

Routinely monitoring a car’s fluids is an important aspect of maintenance. But are you sure you are doing it correctly? You might think it is as simple as opening the hood and having a quick look, but certain frequent blunders might lead to worse difficulties in the future. 

Let’s review 16 common mistakes you may make while checking your car’s fluids and how to avoid them. 

Using the Wrong Type of Oil

Using inappropriate oil for your vehicle can result in a variety of problems, including oil leaks, clogged oil filters, and less lubrication, which can increase engine friction and heat. You must refer to the manual. It will provide certain guidance on the correct type of oil. Do not just go to the store and buy any ordinary bottle; ensure it is made for your car OR it suits your vehicle needs.

Not Checking the Levels Regularly

One of the common mistakes that most people make is failing to monitor fluid levels in the car because everything seems okay. However, this habit can burden your pocket with damages such as overheating or engine failure. It’s wise to check your car fluids at least once a month. This small task can help you avoid a lot of issues.

Ignoring Coolant Levels

Ignoring coolant levels can cause minor to major engine problems. Small inconveniences may include the engine operating hotter than usual, resulting in lower efficiency and compromised performance. Significant issues, on the other hand, may include increased friction and excessive heat buildup, which can result in engine failure and, in turn, costly repairs. Monitoring and maintaining the optimum coolant level will help avoid these potential problems.

Overfilling or Underfilling Fluids

Problems resulting from either overfilling or underfilling your car’s fluids might be just as bad as not having any fluids at all. Excessive oil use may result in leakage or damage to the seals, while low oil levels may cause severe engine breakdown. Use the dipstick or the reservoir level indications to add the right amount.

Not Checking for Leaks

Even if it is just a small hole, it can become a big issue if not addressed right away. Leaks may also harm your engine, radiator, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Not checking for holes or leaks may also lead to premature wear of seals and rubber hoses. When you are under the hood, try to find out if there are some signs of leakage somewhere. It is always beneficial to fix the problem at early stages to avoid bigger issues that could be more costly.

Skipping Brake Fluid Checks

Brake fluid plays an essential role in how your braking system performs. If you do not properly maintain the brake fluid, you may encounter issues such as brake fading, brake pedal failure, corrosion, or degradation of brake parts. Always check the brake fluid level on a regular basis and refill it as needed. If you see levels drop, then you should get your brake system checked for leakage.

Overlooking Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is another important thing to keep check on. It facilitates the smooth running of the steering system. If the level is low, you might realize that the car is hard to steer or even produces some unusual sounds. Look at the power steering fluid often and add more if necessary. 

Not Changing Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is responsible for guaranteeing the smooth operation of the transmission system and controlling its temperature to avoid overheating. Over time, the fluid may become dirty and ineffective. If you don’t replace transmission fluid timely, it loses its capacity to lubricate and clean the parts of the gearbox, resulting in sludge buildup and excessive friction on the internal clutches that shift gears. It might lead to overheating and significant damage to the transmission system.

Using Water Instead of Washer Fluid

Using plain water instead of washing solution might seem harmless, but it freezes in cold weather and does not wipe the windshield well. Furthermore, bacteria and germs might build up in the washer fluid tank if you merely use water. Always fill the washer compartment with the right washer fluid. It is particularly made to clean the windshield and prevent freezing, providing a clear vision while driving.

Checking Fluids on an Incline

Always use a level surface to check the fluids in your car’s engine. If you do this on an incline, the measurements you receive may be inaccurate, and you might think that you have more or less fluid than you actually do. This confusion might lead to either overfilling or underfilling, which can result in a number of issues. For example, low levels can result in insufficient lubrication, overheating, and possible engine damage, while overfilling can cause fluid leakage and harm to seals and gaskets.

Forgetting to Check Belts and Hoses

When checking fluids, remember to look at belts and hoses, too. Inspect areas for signs of wear and tear, cracking, or leakage. Worn-out belts and hoses can lead to fluid leaks, among other issues, resulting in breakdowns or costly damage.

Ignoring the Color of Fluids

Never overlook the color of fluids because, if ignored, minor concerns can develop into serious ones. The color determines the condition of a car’s fluids and helps you schedule refills. For example, the oil should be amber, while the coolant may be green, yellow, or orange. The change in color can indicate that the medium is contaminated or that it is the time to change the fluids.

Checking Fluids When The Engine Is Hot

You should not open the coolant reservoir or radiator cap when the engine is hot. It’ll prevent burns and help you get precise readings. Additionally, checking the fluid when the engine is cold avoids damage to components because you’ll be adding fluids after measuring accurate levels, i.e., no under or overfilling and thus no friction, overheating, or leakages.

 Mixing Different Types of Fluids

Mixing various fluids can decrease their efficiency and cause damage. The mixture can harden, clog your engine, and create overheating, resulting in issues including degraded cylinder heads, head gasket failure, damaged hoses, reduced vehicle performance, and corrosion of the radiator and water pump. Always use the proper type of fluid for your vehicle and avoid combining other brands or types. Even better, stick to the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Not Keeping Spare Fluids 

You must have additional fluids in your vehicle, including oil, coolant, and washer fluid. These fluids might run short suddenly, so being prepared allows you to treat the problem right away. Without backup fluids, a minor issue, such as engine overheating or poor visibility due to a dirty windshield, can quickly become a major one. Hence, keeping spare fluids improves your vehicle’s dependability, extends its lifespan, and ensures the safety of all road users. 

Relying Solely on Warning Lights

While warning lights are there to tell you about fluid levels, you should not rely solely on these as they do not show the exact level. Moreover, waiting for these lights to come on might mean the problem is already serious and could cause major damage to the engine or other parts. So, you may need to check manually to avoid irreparable damages.