--- title: Fluid Check description: Sometimes avoiding a breakdown just requires a bit of preventative maintenance. Keep your driving, ahem, fluid, by focusing on a few liquid checks. image: https://blog.forevercar.com/hubfs/Blog%20Photos/Fluid%20Check3.jpg --- - [FAQs](https://support.forevercar.com/benefits?partner=forevercar&partner_type=forevercar#faq-anchor) - [Claims Process](https://support.forevercar.com/repair-events?partner=forevercar&partner_type=forevercar) - [Get Back on the Road](https://support.forevercar.com/repair-events?partner=forevercar&partner_type=forevercar#protectionator-anchor) - [Login](https://portal.forevercar.com?partner=forevercar&partner_type=forevercar) - Welcome to Peace of Mind. - [Home](http://portal.forevercar.com?partner=forevercar&partner_type=forevercar) - [Repair Events](https://support.forevercar.com/repair-events?partner=forevercar&partner_type=forevercar) - [Contact Us](https://support.forevercar.com/contact-us?partner=forevercar&partner_type=forevercar) - [FAQs](https://support.forevercar.com/faqs?partner=forevercar&partner_type=forevercar) - [Login](https://portal.forevercar.com?partner=forevercar&partner_type=forevercar) ![blog-hero copy.jpg](https://blog.forevercar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-hero%20copy.jpg?width=1800&name=blog-hero%20copy.jpg "blog-hero copy.jpg") # Welcome to ForeverCARE. ## A weekly blog from ForeverCar about worrying less and experiencing more. ## [Fluid Check](https://blog.forevercar.com/fluid-check) Feb 22, 2017 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Fluid Check4.jpg](https://blog.forevercar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Photos/Fluid%20Check4.jpg?width=1200&name=Fluid%20Check4.jpg "Fluid Check4.jpg") Sometimes avoiding a breakdown just requires a bit of preventative maintenance. Keep your driving, ahem, fluid, by focusing on a few liquid checks. **Engine oil **Make sure your car is parked on level ground and the engine is cold, so you don’t get a false reading. Locate the dipstick, pull it out, wipe it off, then reinsert and pull it out to check levels. If it’s low, gradually fill with the right type of oil and recheck, so you don’t overfill. **Brake fluid **There should be a clear reservoir marked, um, “brake fluid.”  Jostle your car to see the fluid move in the reservoir, and it should be above the minimum line. Note: brake fluid shouldn’t decrease over time. If it does, it could mean there are brake line problems or a leak. **Coolant **Make sure the car is cool, so you don’t risk getting sprayed with hot liquid under pressure when you remove the cap to the coolant reservoir. Check levels to determine if you’re in a good zone between “min” and “max.” Also, don’t substitute water for antifreeze. And, by all means, follow directions: some coolants require a 50/50 mix of antifreeze to water and some are used full strength. **Washer fluid **Keep washer fluid topped off—also, consider there are different types. Some are rated for extreme weather, and show temperature performance on the bottle, while others provide a protective coating, so rain or sleet beads off. **Transmission fluid **Do this when the car is running and fully warmed up. Some cars require the transmission to be in neutral instead of park, so check your car manual before checking fluids. This also has a dipstick like the oil reservoir, so pull it out, wipe it down, then reinsert it and remove it to check appropriate levels. The fluid itself should be reddish in color; if it’s dark, take your car in and have the fluid replaced.  Want to ensure you’re focused on the things that really matter? Check out vehicle service plans offered by ForeverCar. There are options and prices for every need and budget, so you don’t have to worry about a potential vehicle breakdown. [![Get started](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2592532/e5c41028-d972-4bb3-8e18-62fb2bf75f24.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2592532/e5c41028-d972-4bb3-8e18-62fb2bf75f24) Topics: [Tips and Tricks](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/tips-and-tricks) [Life Hacks](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/life-hacks) [DIY](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/diy) [Emergencies](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/emergencies) [Automobile Info](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/automobile-info) [Repairs](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/repairs) [Vehicle Protection Plans](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-protection-plans) Previous Post [![previous blog post](https://blog.forevercar.com/hubfs/Blog%20Photos/What%E2%80%99s%20in%20Your%20Emergency%20Kit3.jpg) ](https://blog.forevercar.com/whats-in-your-emergency-kit) [What’s in Your Emergency Kit?](https://blog.forevercar.com/whats-in-your-emergency-kit) Next Post [![next blog post](https://blog.forevercar.com/hubfs/Blog%20Photos/Map%20it3.jpg) ](https://blog.forevercar.com/map-it) [Map It!](https://blog.forevercar.com/map-it) ### Subscribe to Email Updates - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [Innovation (28)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/innovation) - [Vehicle Protection (28)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-protection) - [Vehicle Service Plans (28)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-service-plans) - [Tips and Tricks (27)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/tips-and-tricks) - [Vehicle Service Protection (27)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-service-protection) - [Peace of Mind (23)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/peace-of-mind) - [Breakdown (22)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/breakdown) - [Manufacturer's Warranty (21)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/manufacturers-warranty) - [Repair Insurance (21)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/repair-insurance) - [Vehicle Maintenance (21)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-maintenance) - [Extended Warranty (19)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/extended-warranty) - [User Experience (19)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/user-experience) - [Protect Yourself (18)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/protect-yourself) - [Protection (18)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/protection) - [Auto Repairs (15)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-repairs) - [Automobile Info (15)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/automobile-info) - [Life Hacks (13)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/life-hacks) - [Repairs (13)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/repairs) - [claims (12)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/claims) - [customer service (12)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/customer-service) - [DIY (11)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/diy) - [Emergencies (11)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/emergencies) - [Extended Auto Warranty (11)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/extended-auto-warranty) - [protectionator (11)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/protectionator) - [Simplicity (9)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/simplicity) - [Insurance (8)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/insurance) - [Investment Protection (8)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/investment-protection) - [Tips (8)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/tips) - [Vehicle Protection Plans (8)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-protection-plans) - [Car Care (7)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/car-care) - [InsureTech (6)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/insuretech) - [Trends (5)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/trends) - [Auto Insurance (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-insurance) - [Awards (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/awards) - [Car Dealership (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/car-dealership) - [Customer Experience (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/customer-experience) - [Fuel Economy (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/fuel-economy) - [New Products (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/new-products) - [Stevie Awards (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/stevie-awards) - [Technology Platform, (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/technology-platform) - [Adventure (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/adventure) - [Auto Maintenance (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-maintenance) - [B2B Channel Partners (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/b2b-channel-partners) - [Car Tips (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/car-tips) - [Cold Weather (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/cold-weather) - [Fun Facts (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/fun-facts) - [Mobile App (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/mobile-app) - [Partnership (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/partnership) - [Road Trips (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/road-trips) - [Summer (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/summer) - [Top5 (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/top5) - [Vehicle Service Contracts (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-service-contracts) - [All Season Tires (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/all-season-tires) - [Auto Repair (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-repair) - [Buyer's Guide (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/buyers-guide) - [Customer Satisfaction (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/customer-satisfaction) - [Education (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/education) - [Insurance partners (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/insurance-partners) - [Lemon Law (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/lemon-law) - [Lemons (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/lemons) - [Service Plan (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/service-plan) - [Tires (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/tires) - [vehichle protection plans (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehichle-protection-plans) - [Accessories (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/accessories) - [Ancillaries (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/ancillaries) - [Auto Dealer (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-dealer) - [Auto Financing (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-financing) - [Car Maintenance (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/car-maintenance) - [Credit Union (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/credit-union) - [Dash Cam (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/dash-cam) - [Dealer Partner (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/dealer-partner) - [Dealer Services (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/dealer-services) - [Drivers (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/drivers) - [Driving Habits (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/driving-habits) - [Flat Rate Guide (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/flat-rate-guide) - [Halloween (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/halloween) - [Holiday Gift Giving (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/holiday-gift-giving) - [Holidays (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/holidays) - [Labor Rates (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/labor-rates) - [National Relaxation Day (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/national-relaxation-day) - [Online Shopping (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/online-shopping) - [P&C Carriers (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/pc-carriers) - [Relaxation (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/relaxation) - [Repair Center (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/repair-center) - [Service Bay (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/service-bay) - [Sipe Density (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/sipe-density) - [Spring Cleaning (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/spring-cleaning) - [Startup (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/startup) - [Test Drive (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/test-drive) - [Treadwear (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/treadwear) - [UX (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/ux) - [Winter Tires (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/winter-tires) - [auto mechanic (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-mechanic) - [car buying (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/car-buying) - [fuel efficiency (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/fuel-efficiency) - [gas mileage (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/gas-mileage) - [go green (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/go-green) - [hot weather (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/hot-weather) - [inspection (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/inspection) - [insurance claims (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/insurance-claims) - [sun (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/sun) - [used cars (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/used-cars) - [warranty claims (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/warranty-claims) [see all](https://blog.forevercar.com/fluid-check#) ### Posts by Topic - [Innovation (28)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/innovation) - [Vehicle Protection (28)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-protection) - [Vehicle Service Plans (28)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-service-plans) - [Tips and Tricks (27)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/tips-and-tricks) - [Vehicle Service Protection (27)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-service-protection) - [Peace of Mind (23)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/peace-of-mind) - [Breakdown (22)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/breakdown) - [Manufacturer's Warranty (21)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/manufacturers-warranty) - [Repair Insurance (21)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/repair-insurance) - [Vehicle Maintenance (21)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-maintenance) - [Extended Warranty (19)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/extended-warranty) - [User Experience (19)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/user-experience) - [Protect Yourself (18)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/protect-yourself) - [Protection (18)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/protection) - [Auto Repairs (15)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-repairs) - [Automobile Info (15)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/automobile-info) - [Life Hacks (13)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/life-hacks) - [Repairs (13)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/repairs) - [claims (12)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/claims) - [customer service (12)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/customer-service) - [DIY (11)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/diy) - [Emergencies (11)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/emergencies) - [Extended Auto Warranty (11)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/extended-auto-warranty) - [protectionator (11)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/protectionator) - [Simplicity (9)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/simplicity) - [Insurance (8)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/insurance) - [Investment Protection (8)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/investment-protection) - [Tips (8)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/tips) - [Vehicle Protection Plans (8)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-protection-plans) - [Car Care (7)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/car-care) - [InsureTech (6)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/insuretech) - [Trends (5)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/trends) - [Auto Insurance (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-insurance) - [Awards (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/awards) - [Car Dealership (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/car-dealership) - [Customer Experience (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/customer-experience) - [Fuel Economy (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/fuel-economy) - [New Products (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/new-products) - [Stevie Awards (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/stevie-awards) - [Technology Platform, (4)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/technology-platform) - [Adventure (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/adventure) - [Auto Maintenance (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-maintenance) - [B2B Channel Partners (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/b2b-channel-partners) - [Car Tips (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/car-tips) - [Cold Weather (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/cold-weather) - [Fun Facts (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/fun-facts) - [Mobile App (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/mobile-app) - [Partnership (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/partnership) - [Road Trips (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/road-trips) - [Summer (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/summer) - [Top5 (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/top5) - [Vehicle Service Contracts (3)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehicle-service-contracts) - [All Season Tires (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/all-season-tires) - [Auto Repair (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-repair) - [Buyer's Guide (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/buyers-guide) - [Customer Satisfaction (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/customer-satisfaction) - [Education (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/education) - [Insurance partners (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/insurance-partners) - [Lemon Law (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/lemon-law) - [Lemons (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/lemons) - [Service Plan (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/service-plan) - [Tires (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/tires) - [vehichle protection plans (2)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/vehichle-protection-plans) - [Accessories (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/accessories) - [Ancillaries (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/ancillaries) - [Auto Dealer (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-dealer) - [Auto Financing (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-financing) - [Car Maintenance (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/car-maintenance) - [Credit Union (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/credit-union) - [Dash Cam (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/dash-cam) - [Dealer Partner (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/dealer-partner) - [Dealer Services (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/dealer-services) - [Drivers (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/drivers) - [Driving Habits (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/driving-habits) - [Flat Rate Guide (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/flat-rate-guide) - [Halloween (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/halloween) - [Holiday Gift Giving (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/holiday-gift-giving) - [Holidays (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/holidays) - [Labor Rates (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/labor-rates) - [National Relaxation Day (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/national-relaxation-day) - [Online Shopping (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/online-shopping) - [P&C Carriers (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/pc-carriers) - [Relaxation (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/relaxation) - [Repair Center (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/repair-center) - [Service Bay (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/service-bay) - [Sipe Density (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/sipe-density) - [Spring Cleaning (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/spring-cleaning) - [Startup (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/startup) - [Test Drive (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/test-drive) - [Treadwear (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/treadwear) - [UX (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/ux) - [Winter Tires (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/winter-tires) - [auto mechanic (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/auto-mechanic) - [car buying (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/car-buying) - [fuel efficiency (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/fuel-efficiency) - [gas mileage (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/gas-mileage) - [go green (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/go-green) - [hot weather (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/hot-weather) - [inspection (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/inspection) - [insurance claims (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/insurance-claims) - [sun (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/sun) - [used cars (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/used-cars) - [warranty claims (1)](https://blog.forevercar.com/topic/warranty-claims) [see all](https://blog.forevercar.com/fluid-check#) ### Recent Posts [[fa icon="chevron-up"]](https://blog.forevercar.com/fluid-check#)