If you pop the bonnet of your car you will be presented by a nest of engine components. Many of us don’t have the faintest idea what a number of them do. But no matter how little you know about cars, there are a few key things that live under the bonnet that you should become familiar with.
This means, for example, that if a warning light flashes up on your dash, you know what you need to do. And, even if a warning light isn’t on, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on these important components and make sure they’re taken care of.
1. Engine oil
Engine oil keeps all the moving parts in your engine going smoothly and extends the life of the engine. The oil reduces friction between the moving parts, which prevents erosion, makes sure the engine doesn’t overheat, and helps keep the engine clean by washing away debris.
Checking the oil level is quite straight forward. Under the hood, you’ll find a dipstick that shows you the level of oil left in the tank. You might need to check your vehicle handbook to locate it.
Simply remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a paper towel, then put it back in before removing it once more and seeing how far up the stick the oil comes. The stick will be marked with lower and upper levels, so it’s easy to see if you need a top-up, or if you can continue driving safely.
It is also important to make sure you’re using the right oil. If you’re unsure, check your car’s manual or ask your mechanic.
2. Coolant
Coolant is another important fluid for your car. Also known as antifreeze, its main role is to prevent your radiator from freezing in cold temperatures and overheating when it’s hot.
To find it, look for a clear plastic bottle towards the front of the engine bay. It will have marks on the outside so it’s easy to see how much liquid is left.
3. Brake fluid
Modern brakes work on a hydraulic system, which needs special liquid to work. When you press the brake it’s the fluid that puts pressure on the pads, which helps your car stop. So, if there’s no fluid, there’s no pressure.
You’ll find the reservoir for brake fluid towards the back of the engine bay. It will usually be marked, so it’s easy enough to locate and check the levels. Simply unscrew the cap to top it up with brake fluid.
4. Transmission fluid
Transmission fluid is what keeps your car’s gearbox operating smoothly and every car needs it to run well. However, you won’t be able to check the transmission fluid level in every car.
You’ll usually find a dipstick In older cars, similar to the engine oil dipstick, that lets you check your car’s transmission fluid levels. However, modern cars don’t have this so, if you can’t find yours, don’t worry. Refer to your car’s manual, which will tell you if you have a closed transmission fluid system, or if it’s something you’ll need to keep an eye on using the transmission fluid dipstick.
5. Windscreen washing liquid
While the other four liquids are required to keep your car in good mechanical running order, windscreen washer liquid is more of a safety consideration. Without it, keeping your windscreen clean and your line of vision clear becomes more difficult, which makes driving more dangerous.
This reservoir will be clear and have a bright lid – often with a spraying water image on the top. You can top this up with plain water, but you may like to use windscreen washing liquid as it’s much more effective at washing away the grime.
Knowing these basics of what’s under your bonnet can help you take care of your car better. And, even if you don’t top up your own engine oil or brake fluid, knowing that they’re running low and that you should get them topped up can help prevent future car troubles. So, if you haven’t yet, pop the hood on your car and have a look at what’s hiding underneath!