You don't have to be super-handy under the hood to keep your car running smoothly. Fully qualified mechanics at RAC Auto Services can perform your regular car servicing, but you can check the following things each month.
Transmission
Most modern automatic transmissions don’t need much maintenance, but it pays to check the fluid level each month. Running a car with low or contaminated fluid can cause erratic gearshifts.
Your owner’s manual will explain how to check your vehicle's fluid level and what type of fluid to use. It’s a simple process, but different vehicles and models can vary, so it's best to check.
- When checking the fluid level, park the vehicle on level ground. The vehicle should be at its correct operating temperature with the engine idling, the gear selector in the park position and the handbrake on.
- Withdraw the transmission dipstick and wipe with a clean soft cloth.
- Note the level indicators.Reinsert the dipstick and remove again.
- Check the indicated level and top up with the correct fluid if necessary.
- Check the colour and smell of the fluid. If the colour is dark and the fluid has a burnt or sweet smell, this may indicate an internal problem.
- If in doubt, have your transmission checked by a specialist.
Hydraulics
If your vehicle has a manual transmission, it may have a hydraulically operated clutch. The reservoir is usually mounted on the firewall in the engine bay, beside the brake fluid reservoir (check your owner's manual for details).
Be careful to clean any dirt from around the reservoir caps before opening, as dirt can contaminate the fluid and cause inefficient brake or clutch operation. If the reservoir is the clear plastic type, you should be able to check the levels without removing the caps.
- Never overfill, as brake fluid is corrosive and will damage your car's paintwork.
- Keep a clean cloth nearby to wipe up any spills immediately. Wash the bodywork off with clean water.
- If the brake or clutch fluid level drops suddenly, take the vehicle to a qualified technician.
- Brake fluid is particularly sensitive to moisture and will absorb it. This can lead to a change in the fluid boiling point, inefficient operation and, in extreme cases, brake failure.
- Change your fluid in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule.
Power steering
The power steering reservoir is located in the engine compartment. Consult your owner's manual for details on the correct checking procedure and type of fluid.
- If the reservoir has a metal container it will have a dipstick, much like the engine oil dipstick. Some reservoirs are made of clear plastic and the level can be checked without removing the cap.
- Switch off the engine before topping up. Use extreme care when checking items with the engine running. Clothing can become entangled in moving parts and cause severe personal injury.
- Always wear appropriate clothing when working on your vehicle.
Note: Some cars should be checked while the engine is idle, others while the engine is stopped.
Coolant
You can check the coolant level in the expansion bottle each week and the level in the radiator once a month. But note, not all cooling systems allow checking of the radiator – your owner's manual will tell you which system applies to your vehicle.
The car needs to be cold to check the radiator coolant – do not open the radiator cap if the engine is warm.
- Carefully remove the radiator cap and check the level. If the level is low, top up with the appropriate coolant.
- Check the seal on the cap for deterioration, as this can cause coolant leaks or low pressure in the system. Low pressure can lead to overheating and, in extreme cases, engine failure due to coolant loss.
- Do a quick visual inspection of all the cooling system components. Check hoses for softness and splitting, the connections for evidence of corrosion and the outside of the radiator core for blockage.
- Never use tap water in the cooling system. This can cause corrosion and eventually engine overheating due to head gasket failure. If your radiator core is blocked with bugs and debris, you can blow the rubbish out with an air line or garden hose at low pressure. Always blow from the inside out to prevent debris from being further embedded in the core.
Fanbelt
The fanbelt drives various engine components. Your car can have one or multiple belts depending on the engine design.
Don’t start the engine when you’re checking the belts. As always, your owner's manual will serve as a guide.
- Visually check the belts for cracking, deterioration and oil contamination.
- Check the tension on the belt. A loose belt can cause squealing and inefficient operation. A belt with too much tension can cause premature wear of associated parts.
- When checking the fanbelt tension, depress the belt between two pulleys and note the movement. Your owner's manual will tell you the correct tension for your car, but as a general rule a deflection of 10mm-13mm would be appropriate for most applications.
