Check for reddish oil puddles under the car as they could mean a leak from either the automatic transmission or power steering system. The automatic fluid level should not drop below the minimum mark. It should also be clear without any metal filings or black flakes and no burning smell.
Auto transmission fluid should be changed on schedule, otherwise you will be lubricating your transmission with contaminants. Transmission fluid doesn't burn up, so if you find the level dropping, it is quite certain there is a leak somewhere.
To check the level of engine oil, park your car on level ground and wait for at least five minutes after switching off the car engine. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, then replace it and pull it out again. The oil level should be between the maximum and minimum mark. If the oil is very black, a complete change may be needed.
Brake fluid should be replaced at intervals, using the formula recommended by the manufacturer. The fluid must maintain a stable viscosity throughout its operating temperature range. If it is too thick or too thin, braking action is impaired.
Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper
West Coast Plaza
12 years ago
