At CarLotta Credit and Car Sales we'd like to help you save some of your hard earned money...
A major component of car care is making sure your fluid levels are in check.
Those are... your engine oil, your transmission fluid and your engine coolant (anti-freeze).
* Engine Oil levels should be checked monthly. In your engine compartment, find your dip stick, pull it out, wipe it off, shove it back in and carefully pull it back out. Your oil should be a nice brownish color. It it's black or has "clouds in it", it's time for an oil change. If it's cloudy, you may have bigger problems and you definitely need to have it looked at. Look at your dip stick after a fresh dip and make sure your oil line is where it should be. There is an indicator on the stick that will help you determine that. If you need oil, either top it off with some new oil or bring it to someone who knows how to add oil, if you don't. Your oil should be changed out completely every three months or 5000 miles for optimal results.
* Transmission Fluid is very much like checking your oil but for most cars it has to be running and in park. Pull your dip stick, wipe it and shove it back in and pull out again. This time look at your levels, again there is an indicator to help with this. Transmission fluid should be a red color and should not smell likes its burned. If levels are low then either top it off or see your local lube shop for some assistance. Transmission fluid change intervals can vary widely for each type of car. Check your owners manual for recommendations.
* Engine Coolant (antifreeze) needs to be at a proper level. Coolant does just what is sounds like, it cools the engine. Make sure your engine is off and that your vehicle is completely cooled before you touch your radiator cap. Make sure your car is on level ground. If your coolant is low, certainly add more but know that if this keeps happening, you probably have a leak and you need to have your radiator checked out soon. Coolant should be changed about every 2-3 years.
These are the basics, but they can save you time, trouble and money down the road.
CarLotta, http://www.carlottacredit.com/
A major component of car care is making sure your fluid levels are in check.
Those are... your engine oil, your transmission fluid and your engine coolant (anti-freeze).
* Engine Oil levels should be checked monthly. In your engine compartment, find your dip stick, pull it out, wipe it off, shove it back in and carefully pull it back out. Your oil should be a nice brownish color. It it's black or has "clouds in it", it's time for an oil change. If it's cloudy, you may have bigger problems and you definitely need to have it looked at. Look at your dip stick after a fresh dip and make sure your oil line is where it should be. There is an indicator on the stick that will help you determine that. If you need oil, either top it off with some new oil or bring it to someone who knows how to add oil, if you don't. Your oil should be changed out completely every three months or 5000 miles for optimal results.
* Transmission Fluid is very much like checking your oil but for most cars it has to be running and in park. Pull your dip stick, wipe it and shove it back in and pull out again. This time look at your levels, again there is an indicator to help with this. Transmission fluid should be a red color and should not smell likes its burned. If levels are low then either top it off or see your local lube shop for some assistance. Transmission fluid change intervals can vary widely for each type of car. Check your owners manual for recommendations.
* Engine Coolant (antifreeze) needs to be at a proper level. Coolant does just what is sounds like, it cools the engine. Make sure your engine is off and that your vehicle is completely cooled before you touch your radiator cap. Make sure your car is on level ground. If your coolant is low, certainly add more but know that if this keeps happening, you probably have a leak and you need to have your radiator checked out soon. Coolant should be changed about every 2-3 years.
These are the basics, but they can save you time, trouble and money down the road.
CarLotta, http://www.carlottacredit.com/
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