How often should I check my car's fluid levels?

Check engine oil, coolant and brake fluid about once a month and before long journeys. Top up screenwash every few weeks.

Should I check oil with the engine hot or cold?

Check it on level ground with the engine off and cool, so the oil has drained back and the reading is accurate.

What does low brake fluid mean?

It usually means worn brake pads or a leak. Have a garage check the brakes rather than only topping up.

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How to Check Your Car’s Fluid Levels

A quick look under the bonnet once a month, and before any long journey, can prevent most breakdowns. For a WAV, which often carries extra weight and does lots of short trips, it’s well worth the five minutes.

Each reservoir cap is marked with a symbol, but layouts differ between makes. Your handbook shows exactly where each one is on your model.

Before you start

Park on level ground so the readings are accurate.
Check with the engine off and cool. Coolant in particular can scald.
If lifting the bonnet or reaching the reservoirs is difficult, ask a friend or any garage. Most will check levels for free or a small charge.

The five fluids to check

Fluid	How to check	How often	If it’s low
Engine oil	Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, push it back in fully, pull out again. The level should sit between the min and max marks	Monthly	Top up with the grade in your handbook, a little at a time. Don’t overfill
Coolant	Look at the level against the marks on the expansion tank. Only when the engine is cold	Monthly	Top up with the correct coolant mix. Losing it regularly means a leak: get it checked
Brake fluid	Look at the level on the side of the reservoir. Don’t open it	Monthly	Low brake fluid usually means worn pads or a leak. Take it to a garage rather than just topping up
Screenwash	Look in the reservoir, or just top up when the washers run dry	Every few weeks	Top up with screenwash, not plain water. Use a winter mix from autumn to stop it freezing
AdBlue (most diesels from about 2015)	The dashboard tells you when it’s low	When warned	Top up from a pump or a bottle. If it runs out, the engine may not restart

Warning lights that point to a fluid

Red oil can: low oil pressure. Stop the engine straight away.
Red thermometer: overheating. Stop and let it cool.
Red brake symbol: possibly low brake fluid. Don’t keep driving.
Washer symbol: screenwash is low. Top up when convenient.

More in our guide to dashboard warning lights.

Don’t forget your service

A service replaces the oil and checks every fluid properly. Brake fluid also needs replacing every couple of years, as it absorbs water over time. Keep to the service schedule in your handbook. If you bought your WAV from us and have a question, call 0333 200 8593.