Are you interested in keeping your vehicle well-maintained? If so, then a quick look under the hood every six weeks can be an easy and beneficial way to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent you from developing bigger problems while on the road. The good news is that you don’t have to be an expert mechanic to do a few quick checks under the hood to make sure you’re up-to-date with vehicle maintenance!
In this blog, we share some under the hood tips that only add a few minutes to your regular vehicle maintenance routine. Before you get started, we suggest that you grab your vehicle owner’s manual for reference.
Once you have opened your hood and sure it is safely secured in place……let’s get started.
| Task | What to Do | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect the Engine | A quick inspection of the engine is a good way to make sure there are no visible and obvious problems. Look for: - Dirt and debris, like leaves or pine needles - Evidence of torn, frayed, or broken hoses and belts - Fluid stains or loose/missing caps | - Carefully remove debris - Replace loose caps - Contact a service professional at Colonial Service Station , if you suspect there are fluid leaks or damaged belts or hoses |
| Check the Wiper Fluid | Windshield wiper fluid should be checked often, especially in harsh winter driving conditions. Look for: - Wiper fluid below the full mark on the reservoir | - If low, add wiper fluid to the full mark - You can purchase wiper fluid in most large retail stores with auto sections |
| Check the Oil Level | Oil is one of your vehicle’s most important fluids that keeps the parts lubricated and insulated. When checking oil level, make sure the dip stick is completely clean and fully seated in the reservoir before pulling it out and checking the oil level. Look for: - Oil level should be at the Full mark on the dip stick - Examine the color of the oil; is it clear or dark and dirty? | - If oil is below the mark, add according to your owner’s manual - Do not overfill the oil - If oil is dirty, consider a complete oil change with Colonial Service Station. |
| Check the Coolant Level | Coolant/antifreeze is another important fluid for your vehicle to help regulate temperature. Always check the coolant when the engine has not been running and is not warm. Look for: - Coolant level below the full mark | - If low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water until the level is at the full mark. |
| Check Other Fluids | If you are ambitious and want to check other engine fluids, consult with your owner’s manual for the following: - Transmission fluid - Steering and brake fluid | - Always consult with your owner’s manual about proper replenishment of these fluids or consult with a service professional at Colonial Service Station |
One final task in this process is to look underneath the front of your vehicle and inspect the ground where you frequently park. Leaks and other issues that you might miss by looking under the hood may show up on the ground. Become familiar with the different type of fluid colors and compositions and make sure to notify your service professional with any concerns.
If you notice any problems or would like a full inspection under the hood from a service professional, schedule an appointment today. Contact Colonial Service Station in Staten Island, New York, today to schedule an appointment to look over your vehicle and replace any fluids that are needed.