FIFTH COMMANDMENT:
THE VITAL FLUIDS

ANTIFREEZE/COOLANT
Check level of antifreeze in the radiator only when the engine is cold. If there is an over flow tank, it may be checked and fluid added to that tank whenever needed.

BRAKE FLUID
There is a minimum and maximum level noted on the reservoir Fill as needed. Check owner’s  manual for recommended type, usually DOT 3.

POWER STEERING FLUID
As with the brake fluid there is a minimum and maximum this indicator may appear on the reservoir or on a dip stick in the cap.
Do not over fill.

WINDSHIELD WASHING FLUID
It may be argued if this fluid is vital but it is sure nice to have the additional chemical help in getting the bugs off of your windshield. Water will work in the summer, but needs to be replaced with a freeze resistant fluid in the winter.

Your vital fluids need to be checked and filled if necessary each time you change your oil. It is a good idea to visually look at the reservoirs each time you look  under the hood.

All of the fluids in your car are described in the owner’s manual. Specific types of fluid may be required for your vehicle. Items displayed in this article are provided as illustrations only.

We always seem to return to the first commandment; Refer to your owner’s manual.

Become familiar with each of the fluids, their location in the engine compartment of your car and check them at regular intervals.  If you notice that you are adding a specific fluid more often than you would expect, look for leaks in the lines or at the points of connection.  Remember, each fluid has a specific purpose, and cannot be substituted with a different fluid.

There are three additional fluids which are used in your automobile.
Engine Oil – Refer to the 2^nd Commandment in this series.
Automatic Transmission Fluid – Refer to the 1^st Commandment your Owner’s
Manual.  The addition of ATF to your vehicles transmission is usually an indication of a leak somewhere from the transmission.  It is suggested that because of the critical nature of type of fluid used, and possibility of a leak existing that whenever the dip stick on the automatic transmission indicates that fluid is needed, that such fluid should be added by an automotive care professional. This can save you much anxiety and give you the comfort of knowing that it has been serviced with correct fluid.

Hydraulic assisted clutch slave cylinder fluid.  Many cars, particularly those manufactured outside of the United States will have a. hydraulic assisted clutch. If you have such in your care, you will find a small reservoir located on the firewall of the engine compartment (do not confuse this with the brake fluid reservoir) this is much smaller than the brake fluid reservoir and has a much smaller cylinder upon which it sits. It usually has a rubber snap on cap which provides access to the reservoir.
The fluid level is usually read by viewing the fluid level and indicators on the reservoir.
The good news is that the same fluid you use for the brakes can be used in this slave cylinder reservoir.