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Car 101: five important bits under your car's bonnet

Tuesday, 4 September 2018

If something's a bright colour under the bonnet it's probably asking for your attention.

It's true that most modern cars don't allow you to do a whole lot of tinkering. Pop the bonnet these days and all you're likely to find is a whole lot of plastic carefully positioned to (a) look cool and (b) discourage you from touching too much in the engine bay.

However, the basics still apply to under-bonnet care: if you drive an ICE (that's Internal Combustion Engine) car rather than an EV, there are fluids to check.

Here are five you should look at regularly. When it comes to topping up and you're not sure about brands or types of fluid, check your vehicle's technical specifications (in the handbook) or ask a mechanic. These are all just things to check in between services - it's okay to ask for help if something needs attention.

ENGINE OIL

An oil check really is a car-care fundamental - as important as checking your tyre pressures. Run your car when it's low on oil and you are risking serious damage. As they get older or high in mileage, many cars develop an appetite for lubricant.

**READ MORE:

* ABS is 40 years old. Do you know what it is?

* What all those letters and numbers on tyres mean

* Dash symbols you might not have seen before**

Check in your handbook whether the carmaker stipulates you check it cold or with the car warm.

The so-called 'dipstick' (that's a car part, not you) usually has a brightly coloured handle and will be attached to the engine.

You simply pull it out, give it a quick wipe with a paper towel and dip it again to check the level.

The stick is clearly marked with upper and lower levels, so you can see very quickly whether you're in a slippery-safe zone.

Hey, dipstick: this is what you check your engine-oil level with.
Hey, dipstick: this is what you check your engine-oil level with.

It's also a good chance to check the condition of the oil. It be up to level but very dirty, in which case it might be time for a change.

COOLANT

Only check coolant level when the car is cold. Otherwise... what this says.
Only check coolant level when the car is cold. Otherwise... what this says.

The visible part of the coolant reservoir will be away from the heat of the engine, often towards the front of the bay. It's easy to spot because there will often be a clear plastic bottle with the coolant level clearly marked so you can assess it from the outside.

Very important: only unscrew the coolant lid when the car is cold, otherwise you risk a spray of high-pressure, boiling hot fluid erupting towards you. Even when the car is slightly warm, you'll still detect a subtle 'hiss' as the pressure releases when you unscrew the lid.

BRAKE FLUID

Brake fluid is often neglected, but it
Brake fluid is often neglected, but it's easy to check. This cap has info about the type you can use... or consult the handbook.

Brake fluid is something lots of people don't bother to check, but it's nice to know your car is properly equipped to stop when you need it.

And it's really quite visible and simple to check.

How it used to be, when you could tinker. And cars had transmission dipsticks.
How it used to be, when you could tinker. And cars had transmission dipsticks.
Symbol says it all, right? Washer reservoir will usually have a bright cap atop translucent container.
Symbol says it all, right? Washer reservoir will usually have a bright cap atop translucent container.

The brake fluid reservoir is usually at the back of the engine bay and will be clearly marked. Like the coolant, the top of the reservoir will often be translucent with a clearly marked level.

TRANSMISSION FLUID

The transmission technologies they are a changin', which means that many modern cars don't have a transmission fluid dipstick. But it'll be something checked by a technician at service time, which is a reminder that everything we're talking about here is just basic checking. It's always important to have your car regularly serviced by an expert.

If your car does have a transmission dipstick, it'll usually be at the front of the engine on a front-drive car or at the back on a rear-drive car. You check in the same way you do with engine oil.

WINDSCREEN WASHER

The one we're probably most familiar with. This is another where there will generally be a translucent window atop the reservoir so you can see how your levels are looking.

This is the place where you put water to make sure your windscreen wiper jets can clean your screen. And also your windscreen-washer solution of choice (Bars Bugs for example), because it really does help clean grime off the glass and it smells really nice.