Checking and changing your car's fluids is a vital part of vehicle maintenance. You probably know that oil is important, and you might even know where the dipstick is and what you're looking for when you check it. But what about the other critical fluids that help your car run well? Check these five fluids under the hood regularly, and learn when it's time for a top off or change.
Engine Oil
You'll need to change your oil approximately every 5,000 miles, but you should also check the dipstick regularly to identify any problems with this fluid, such as a low volume or dirty oil. To check the engine oil:
Find and pull the dipstick from your engine.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick and take it back out.
Check that the oil level is between the high and low markings on the dipstick.
Transmission Fluid
If your vehicle also has a dipstick for the transmission fluid, you can check the levels just like you did with the engine oil. The level should reach between the two markings on the dipstick, and the fluid should be a reddish color. If it's dark brown, you need to replace the fluids.
Unfortunately, many newer vehicles don't have a transmission fluid dipstick. If this is the case in your car, take it to a mechanic to check the levels. Aim to change the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Coolant
Checking your coolant is easy, as you should have no problem finding the tank next to your engine and seeing the high and low marks on the side. Simply top off the fluid levels with more coolant if needed. Note, however, that the engine should be off and cool before you do this. Also check the coolant you're using; some types need to be mixed with water before going into your car.
Windshield Wiper Fluid
Windshield wiper fluid is another easy one to check. The fluid tank should be labeled with a windshield logo on the cap. Look for this next to the engine, remove the cap, and add fluid as needed to top off your levels. This process is simple, but it's critical to seeing clearly on the road in any conditions.
Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid also just requires a visual check. Look for the reservoir, and check to see whether the level is low. The tank will either be labeled like how the coolant tank is labeled, or it will have a dipstick like your engine oil reservoir.
Add more power steering fluid if needed, and note that you shouldn't have to do this often. Your driver's manual will have specific information about the power steering fluid, but some vehicles can easily go 100,000 without a change.
Aim to check these fluids at least once a month as part of your routine maintenance. You should also make these checks a priority whenever you're preparing to leave for a long trip. If you need any help or want to guarantee that all your fluids are OK, take your vehicle to a mechanic. However, with some initiative and a bit of research, you can manage these five fluids under the hood on your own.
Posted in:
Recommended Posts
Nov 29, 2018
Choose the Wrangler JK for Your Next Adventure
When you're looking for a new vehicle that's capable of tackling the adventure of a lifetime, consider a car from Jeep. The company makes lots of adventure-driven vehicles that are perfectly capable of going off-road across any terrain and through any climate. No matter your selection, you're bound to get a durable and capable vehicle that's built for both everyday errands and trips across the country.
One vehicle in Jeep's lineup we'd like to highlight is the 2018 Wrangler JK. This specific automobile is one of the most durable and capable in the company's entire line. Its durable and striking design is met by powerful specifications, incredible interior features, and advanced safety technologies. In a nutshell, the Wrangler JK is the ultimate vehicle for an adventure of any kind. Here's why. more An Exterior Built for Adventure The first time you lay eyes on the 2018 Wrangler JK, it becomes immediately clear this car is built for tackling anything you come across during your adventure. Its exterior design is reinforced by a strong frame and heavy-duty materials, allowing the vehicle to take a beating better than most cars out on the market. It can even be cleaned easily thanks to its wash-out interior. No matter what the road ahead presents before you, the Wrangler JK is built to last. Powerful Performance For an adventure-driven vehicle, it's important to have excellent performance. Jeep doesn't skimp out in this department. The 2018 Wrangler JK packs a ton of heat under its hood, including a 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. What's more, you'll find either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission along with other driving-centric features such as upgraded handling and steering. All of this is to say the Wrangler JK certainly won't disappoint while navigating the open road. Amazing Interior Enjoying the inside of a car is just as important as good performance and design, and the 2018 Wrangler JK comes through yet again with its premium feature set. Jeep packs the car up to the brim with comfortable and convenient features that make any car ride bearable. Things like premium seating, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a lockable center console, a premium instrument cluster, power outlets, Uconnect technology, a premium audio system, and smartphone connectivity are just a few key features included with the Wrangler JK that make it stand out among other adventure-focused vehicles. Advanced Safety Technologies Of course, during your adventure, you want to remain as safe as possible. That's why the 2018 Wrangler JK includes Jeep's vast array of advanced safety technologies all designed to help you navigate the open road as safely as possible. Here, you'll find electronic stability control, anti-lock braking, trailer sway control, hill start assist, remote keyless entry, speed control, and traction control all onboard. These features help to create a safer traveling environment for both you and your passengers.
No doubt about it, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK is practically the perfect vehicle for any sort of adventure. If you're interested in learning more about the car, be sure to visit Goldstein Chrysler Jeep Dodge and take one for a test drive.
Aug 08, 2019
Her Jeep. Her Story.
Nicole knows what she wants and has since and early age... a Jeep! Her husband insists that a Jeep is too rough and tumble for Nicole. He said a test drive at their local Jeep dealership, like Goldstein CDJR in Latham, would prove that. The Jeep, he insists, is nothing like the luxury SUV she's used to. So, Nicole decided to test his theory... and take a test drive of the new Jeep Wrangler. more And the husband is right. The Jeep Wrangler is nothing like the luxury SUV she had been driving. It was better! The Jeep Wrangler also opens Nicole up to adventures off-road with her family. Turns out, there's nothing more fun than riding in the back of a Jeep, while Mom is at the wheel! Jeep Wrangler - A Test Drive is a Fun Drive Watch Nicole's story, and you'll feel like driving a Jeep yourself. There are plenty to choose from at Goldstein Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Latham. Video - Nicole and Her Jeep
Nov 22, 2018
Choose Your Grand Caravan Trim
So you need a vehicle capable of transporting your family around and have decided on the seven-passenger Dodge Grand Caravan, perhaps because its price is below that of most competitors in its class. Or perhaps because of Dodge's Stow 'n Go seating system.
Now comes the decision on which version to purchase. The Grand Caravan comes in three trim levels: the base SE, the SE Plus, and the SXT. Let's take a look at what each has to offer. more SE The front-wheel-drive base model comes with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It has a six-speed automatic transmission, power rack-and-pinion steering, cruise control, front independent suspension and rear twist-beam suspension, 17-inch wheels, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system.
Behind the second-row bench seat, the SE's third row 60/40 split bench folds into the floor with Dodge's Stow 'n Go seating system.
The air-conditioning system offers separate controls for the driver, front passenger, and back-row passengers. Cloth seat trim is standard, along with sliding second-row doors on both sides. The SE comes with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an observation mirror (to watch the kids in the back seats without turning around), heated outside mirrors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and keyless remote entry.
The audio system features six speakers, a CD player, 6.5-inch touchscreen, auxiliary audio jack, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Safety is standard, too. All models have electronic stability control, trailer sway damping (to keep the vehicle and trailer under control), a rear back-up camera and sliding-door alert. Air bags? The Grand Caravan has advanced multistage front air bags, a driver inflatable knee-bolster air bag, seat-mounted side air bags in the first row, and side-curtain air bags in all rows. SE Plus Technology gets an upgrade here. Bluetooth streaming audio and Uconnect voice control are standard, as is SiriusXM satellite radio (with a free one-year subscription), and a remote USB port.
On the exterior, there are polished aluminum alloy wheels and a Blacktop appearance package. Fog lights and automatic headlamps are added. Inside, the seats get premium cloth upholstery, and a front center console is added.
The SE Plus comes with a remote starting system, allowing you to start the engine from several feet away (so you can preheat or cool the interior) with your key fob. It also comes with a security system that will activate the horn and lights during an unauthorized entry. SXT This level offers the Stow 'n Go system with second-row bucket seats and third-row tailgate seats. All fold into the floor, leaving 140 cubic feet of storage space. When the seats are not folded down, the in-floor bins provide 12 cubic feet of storage space.
Sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle are power-activated, as is the rear liftgate. The SXT adds silver aluminum alloy wheels.
The driver enjoys more luxury in this trim level, with a seat that is power adjustable eight ways, including two-way lumbar support. All seating gets leather upholstery with suede inserts, and there is a larger center console.
Figured it out yet? If so, go to Goldstein Chrysler Jeep Dodge and check out our selection of Grand Caravans.
Contact Us
Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
