Checking Fluids Written by Kevin Schappell Continued from page 1 ·Engine coolant - -- CAUTION -- Never open your radiator cap when engine is hot ! The pressure in system can send hot coolant splashing out on to you. Most cars have an overflow bottle, which will have level markings. Keep coolant between these markings. If you have to open radiator, make sure engine is cold. ·Power steering fluid - Your car uses oil to assist in steering car. The fluid is usually checked at pump, but can be away from pump in a separate reservoir. Like transmission, this fluid should also be checked when up to operating temperature. Most commonly level is measured by a small dipstick attached to cap of reservoir. ·Brake fluid - On most newer cars you can check brake fluid level without removing cap on master cylinder. There will be level markings on side of plastic reservoir. If you have to remove cover to check fluid level, be careful not to spill any fluid on surrounding paint. Brake fluid makes a nice paint remover :-) ·Windshield washer fluid - That's magic blue liquid that squirts out of your hood. Most reservoirs have level marked on side but some newer cars have them buried underneath everything so you can not see. Just fill to top, there is no harm in overfilling. If you need to add any fluids to bring levels up, a funnel is helpful to avoid spills. Keep track of how often you add oil, and transmission fluid. Frequent additions can point to leaks and engine wear. Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has createdhttp://www.mycarwizard.com An Automobiles fuel system Written by Kevin Schappell Continued from page 1 Last but not least are dirty injectors. While fuel filter does a good job of filtering fuel, it's not perfect. Over time deposits and tiny particles lodge themselves in injectors. This can clog and injector and prevent it from delivering fuel engine needs. It can also cause an injector to stick open and send too much fuel into engine. A regular addition of fuel system cleaner like STP Injector Cleaner, or Techtron fuel system cleaner can help keep your injectors clean. Most gas stations, department stores and all automotive parts stores will have a good cleaner available. Add it to your empty tank right before you fill up and it will clean as you drive. I recommend doing this every 3 months to keep your injectors performing like new. Mechanics also offer a cleaning service where they actually disconnect fuel line and flush cleaner through engine. This is only necessary when you let your injectors get to a point where they can not be cleaned by a store-bought product. Regular use of a good in-tank cleaner will keep you from having to pay for this service. Where do you buy your gas? Believe it, or not, it can make a difference. Always buy from a well know national brand service station. Gas stations, which are not affiliated with one brand of gas, tend to get whatever is left at end of day from delivery truck. One day them might get Texaco, and Exxon another. Also water mixed with gas will cause problems with your engine. The engine will not run right, plus water will promote rust in fuel system. I have experienced this when I purchased gas at some no-name gas stations. Your car will feel sluggish and sometimes refuse to run if there is enough water in gas. Octane rating tip!!!! Putting super in tank will not get you any more performance or gas mileage unless specifically recommended by your cars manufacturer. If your owners manual says put in 87 octane...... DO IT. You are throwing money out window if you are filling up on Super or Premium and you only need Regular. Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has createdhttp://www.mycarwizard.com     <Back to Page 1   ImproveHomeLife.com © 2005 Terms of Use