Fluid Check

The Importance of Checking Your Fluids

The first and most important step to check your vehicles fluids is to ensure that your car is parked on level ground, turned off, and the engine has cooled.


Indicators Your Vehicle Needs a Fluid Check


Engine Oil

  1. It is important to know that if your engine oil light comes on then you should avoid driving your car.
  2. Ensure that your car has cooled down so that all of the oil in the cylinder heads, return galleys, etc. has drained. This will make sure that you don't get a false reading.
  3. Next locate your car's dipstick if it is equipped with one, and wipe it clean using a rag or paper-towel.
  4. Insert the dipstick back into it's opening and push it in firmly. Pull it back out and determine the oil-level based on the residual oil on that stick (Note: There should be a mark on the stick that will indicate what the normal level is).
  5. Be sure to pay attention to the color of your oil, too. Ideally, your oil should be a yellow-golden color. Dirty engine oil will come out brown and black, and this may be an indication that your car is due for an oil change.

Transmission Fluid

  1. Transmission fluid is generally checked with your engine running and your car warmed up.
  2. Some cars will be equipped with a second dipstick under the hood of your car to check your transmission fluid.
  3. Transmission fluid is usually reddish and does not need to be changed often. If the fluid appears brownish and dirty then this may be an indication that it is time to change your transmission fluid.
  4. If your vehicle is not equipped with a dipstick then this means that your car has a sealed unit and you have synthetic transmission fluid, which is good for 100,000 miles. If you see that there is a problem then you should call and schedule an appointment with a certified Technician.

Brake Fluid

  1. Brake fluid is usually located in a large plastic reservoir under the hood, and is generally easy to locate. If you cannot locate a large plastic container then you may need to consult your manual for the location of your brake fluid.
  2. If your brake fluid container is in a clear plastic container then you should be able to read the level without opening the container.
  3. It?s important to know that your car should not be consuming brake fluid. So if you are low on brake fluid then your car may have a leak in the brake line, and you should consult a technician immediately.
  4. You should not be topping off your break fluid regularly as your car will consume the fluid slowly over a long period of time. So make sure you monitor the level of the fluid.

Power Steering Fluid

  1. Not all vehicles are equipped with power steering fluid, but if your car does use it then the power steering fluid is usually located in a large plastic reservoir labeled 'Power Steering Fluid'. You should be able to read the level of the fluid from the outside of the container.
  2. There may be two sets of lines for hot and cold on the outside of the reservoir to help you judge the amount of fluid.
  3. Like break fluid, your car should not be consuming power steering fluid. So if the level of this fluid is dropping then schedule an appointment with a certified technician as soon as possible.

Coolant

  1. It is crucial to make sure your car has cooled down before checking your coolant level, or you may risk being sprayed with scalding hot water.
  2. The level of your car's coolant will vary depending on how recently your car was running and how warm your engine is. So keep this in mind when checking the levels of this fluid.
  3. The coolant container is usually located towards the front near the radiator.
  4. Cars are designed to use antifreeze as coolant, which has a lower freezing point and a higher boiling point than water.

Windshield Washer Fluid

  1. Your washer fluid will generally be located in a large plastic reservoir under the hood and near the windshield of your car.
  2. You should refill this fluid as needed.

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At Towne Toyota, located at 1499 Route 46 W in Ledgewood, our award-winning Service Center is a point of pride. We're confident in our ability to tackle everything from the most routine fluid checks on Toyota vehicles to more complicated replacements and repairs.

Not only do our factory trained technicians have the confidence to tackle all of your service needs, but we also dare you to compare our prices! Our competitive pricing is often lower than the independent service centers, so you can be sure you're getting great service at a great price on your Toyota vehicle!

When we do our routine fluid checks at Towne Toyota, not only can you expect quality, dependable work, but you can also expect a pleasant and convenient experience. Our morning, evening, and weekend hours are designed to work with your busy schedule. And once you make it in, our shuttle service, indoor valet parking, comfortable waiting area, and free Wi-Fi will make you feel at home. If you're looking for a Toyota Service Center near Budd Lake, Dover, Hackettstown, Randolph, Rockaway, Flanders, Hopatcong, or any surrounding areas, go ahead and schedule service online, call (844)338-9709, or stop by and talk to us in person. We're here for you!

  1. Towne Toyota

    1499 Route 46 W
    Ledgewood, NJ 07852

    • Sales: (973) 584-8100
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Contact

Towne Toyota

1499 Route 46 W
Directions Ledgewood, NJ 07852

  • Sales: (973) 584-8100
  • Service: (973) 584-8100
  • Parts: (973) 584-8100

Hours

  • Monday 9:00 AM - 8:00PM
  • Tuesday 9:00 AM - 8:00PM
  • Wednesday 9:00 AM - 8:00PM
  • Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00PM
  • Friday 9:00 AM - 8:00PM
  • Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00PM
  • Sunday Closed (Shop Online 24/7)