Checking and Replacing Your Car's Fluid Levels

Regularly checking the fluid levels in your car is essential to prevent breakdowns while driving. Low fluid levels can also result in an MOT failure.

Checking these levels before a long journey is a good idea. However, you should also check them every few months. This helps you fix issues before they become serious.

In the next sections, we will show you how to check and top up your car’s fluid levels. 

How To Check Your Engine Oil 

​Checking the engine oil of your vehicle will only take a few minutes. However, before you check the engine oil, let the car cool down and turned off, so the reading is accurate.  ​

To check the engine oil, simply: 

• Locate the engine oil dipstick: The dipstick is typically found just above your car’s engine. The dipstick should have a brightly-coloured handle, so you can spot it. If you're having trouble finding it, consult your car’s handbook for guidance. 
• Carefully pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a towel to remove any oil.
• Reinsert the dipstick back into its tube, then pull it out again.
• Check the oil level: The oil should be between the lower "min" and upper "max" markings on the dipstick.

​If the oil level is on or near the minimum, you will need to top it up, using the right engine oil for your car. ​

How To Check Coolant in Your Car

Engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, is essential for maintaining your car's proper temperature. This is especially important in the summer, as low coolant levels can cause your engine to overheat. Always remember to check and replace your coolant only when the car is off and cool. This helps ensure safety and gives an accurate reading.

To check your engine coolant, you need to:

• Locate where your engine coolant will be. Check for the sign or your handbook for where it will be.  
• Inside the car’s engine bay, you will see the coolant reservoir. You should be able to see a coloured liquid inside.  

You will see an upper and a lower level on the coolant reservoir. If it is too low, top it up with your recommended coolant, which you can find in the handbook.  

How To Check Windscreen Washer Fluid Levels? 

​Windscreen washer fluid helps you clear your windscreen, so you have full visibility of the road. This is especially important during the summer, as your windscreen may get pollen built up on it.  

The easiest way to check your windscreen washer fluid level is to press the lever or button. If nothing comes out, you need more fluid.  

You can also check under the bonnet and change the fluid by: 

• Open the bonnet and check for a blue cap, where you will find the top of the windscreen washer fluid reservoir.  
• If there is no windscreen washer in there, top it up. 

Remember to use a ready-to-use or diluted concentrated screen wash for the best results.

Car Servicing Support At Snows Car Centre

At Snows Car Centre Southampton, we are here to help with any car service problem you may have. Our trained technicians will be able to support you at our state-of-the-art workshop in Southampton. We offer MOT testing and car servicing to ensure your car is roadworthy and safe. Book an aftersales appointment through our booking portal, or feel free to contact our team by phone or email, and we will gladly assist you.

Are you heading on a road trip this summer? View our Summer Driving Guide to be prepared.