How Well Do You Know Your Vehicle's Fluids and Belts?

What is the recommended interval for changing engine oil?

What is the purpose of checking the oil level on level ground with the engine off?

What is the proper way to add oil to an engine?

What should be done if the coolant level is low?

How can coolant be tested?

What should be done with antifreeze/coolant after it has been used?

What are the three basic types of hose clamps?

Can synthetic and mineral oil be mixed?

How do oil change monitors function?

What does the Magnuson-Moss Act allow?

How should the automatic transmission fluid level be checked?

How should the power steering fluid level be checked?

Oil level should be checked on level ground with the engine off for several minutes using the dipstick.
Oil should be added through the oil fill opening, not the dipstick hole.
Engine oil should be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every six months.
Coolant level, radiator, and hoses should be checked regularly for leaks and proper functioning.
Coolant can be tested visually, with test strips, or with a refractometer and hydrometer.
Antifreeze/coolant disposal should follow federal, state, and local laws.
Hose clamps come in three basic types: worm drive, banded-type, and wire clamp.
Synthetic and mineral oil can be mixed, but oil change intervals should not exceed the manufacturer's recommendations.
Oil change monitors function based on vehicle mileage, oil life computer program, or oil condition sensor.
The Magnuson-Moss Act allows the use of non-OEM replacement parts without voiding the warranty.

To check automatic transmission fluid level, start engine, move gear selector, remove dipstick, note level, smell and check color of fluid.
Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid and use scan tool if required.
Check power steering fluid level with engine off, add specified fluid if too low, remove excess fluid if too high.
Types of power steering fluid include automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and unique fluid.
Use specified fluid for power steering system and avoid using fluid labeled for all vehicles.
Inspect V-belts and replace all belts every 4-7 years.
Use wear gauge to check serpentine belt for wear.
Check belt tension with gauge, marks on tensioner, torque wrench reading, or deflection.
Replace serpentine belt with more than three cracks in any one rib in a 3-inch span.
Check belt routing diagram for proper routing when replacing accessory drive belt.

Do you know how to properly maintain your vehicle's fluids and belts? Test your knowledge with this quiz and learn important tips for checking oil and coolant levels, changing oil, disposing of antifreeze/coolant, checking automatic transmission fluid, and inspecting V-belts and serpentine belts. Plus, discover key information about hose clamps, power steering fluid, and non-OEM replacement parts. Keep your car running smoothly and safely by mastering these essential maintenance tasks.