Precious Automotive Fluids, and how to check them

[ElliotFriend]

If I'm replacing the brake pads, should I make sure that the brake fluid is up to the max full line?

[EricTheCarGuy]

@ElliotFriend I don't recommend forcing the fluid back into the master cylinder when replacing pads, see the Disc Brake replacement videos that I've done for details on that. Once you've replaced the pads however it's a good idea to top off the fluid.

[hom2fu]

can you post a video about replacing head gasket?

[EricTheCarGuy]

@hom2fu The videos I post are based on what comes into the shop at the moment so to fill a request like that I need one to come in and the time to shoot it. I do however hope to do a video on that at some point however on different types of engines as well.

[inzMBL]

PANTERA :)

[aaaaariiiiielllll]

my toyota doesnt have a dipstick for the transmission oil, how can i check it?

[EricTheCarGuy]

@aaaaariiiiielllll Check the service manual for your particular vehicle as there may be a plug on the side of the transmission that needs to be removed in order to inspect the level, the service manual should have that info.

[hom2fu]

@aaaaariiiiielllll my stupid Mercedes 01 ml320 dont have it too. you can create one or buy one on ebay.

[guitargod66]

if it reads 2 or 3 millimeters above max full is that anything to worry about?

[EricTheCarGuy]

@guitargod66 Not really no.

[guitargod66]

@EricTheCarGuy ok thank you. awesome helpful videos!!!

[littleelvisofMA]

I really like your videos. Your 100% accurate and correct with your information, your fun to watch and I find it entertaining. I'm 15 and Im going to school for automotive, and I've learned a lot so far, and watching your videos only helps my knowledge grow. Thank you for the videos.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@littleelvisofMA Your most welcome but take my info with a grain of salt as no one knows everything and in this business there are 100 different ways of doing the same thing. The more work you do however the more knowledge you will gain. I wish you the best of luck and thanks for the comment.

[nunesanisio]

hey eric like did like the video .but i think is good idea you make one video that show how to check transmition oil on car that dont have the deepstich to check . because i have a chev malibu classic 2004 . the beging i dont know how to check untill i search on internet and discover that has to be check underneat of the car and running engine . so im sorry for my words because my english isn;t very good .thank you for the help i get from your video

[EricTheCarGuy]

@nunesanisio Thats a separate video all in itself, it would make for a good video though, perhaps the next time I get one in I'll make a video of that.

[wpaskar]

Just started watching your show a few days go and already must've seen half of them! Addictive.

Just wanted to clarify for your viewers about adding just water to their coolant in emergencies. If you must, fine. But please DISTILLED water if possible. Especially in warm places where people think they can get away without glycol...corrosion of rads and coolers is not fun. Used to work for a thermal product division of a large auto supplier...lots of returned parts corroded with city water

[EricTheCarGuy]

@wpaskar I really appreciate your comment and your input, thank you!

[scar122000]

I totaly understand and thanks

[EricTheCarGuy]

@scar122000 It's probably better to contact me via email, just click the 'contact' link at the bottom of any of my pages on my website. I'm removing your comment though as you don't want to put your cell # on a public forum like this, hope you understand as I'm trying to look out for you.

[JTheGuitarPlayer]

I don't want to be a picky asshole, but when I sat the cooling systems lecture in class last month, we learned that for every 1PSI, you get a 3.33 Degree increase in boiling temp. You should show how to check belts too.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@JTheGuitarPlayer I hadn't heard that but it wouldn't be the first time you get conflicting information in the automotive world. Checking the belts would be another video but thanks for the suggestion and for your comment.

[Thegarmendia]

That intro made me thirsty...Heading off to the kitchen to grab me some ICE COLD WATER!

[EricTheCarGuy]

@Thegarmendia Yes, you must stay hydrated at all costs.

[mrafkram]

Hey Eric, i have a question about the radiator cap. How much coolant should be there? like should it be filled to the top or no?

[EricTheCarGuy]

@mrafkram Yes, fill it to the top.

[aodhanof90]

@EricTheCarGuy Hey Eric I want to say thanks for all the great videos you've got up, they've helped me out a lot with my car. :-) I also have a ? after watching this video... I have a 94 Civic EX w-Auto trans. I know you said to use only Honda trans oil, but my local dealer in AK said it just needed to be the same type- I was going to use AMS trans oil which says it works in Honda is that ok?

[EricTheCarGuy]

@aodhanof90 Personally I NEVER use anything but Honda fluid in an Honda transmission as I've often repaired transmission problems just by changing the fluid with Honda fluid. That is my observation but I can't speak for everyone and I do my best to respect the opinions of others.

[aodhanof90]

@EricTheCarGuy ok thanks Eric, I'm sure you've got more experience with them so I'll stick with the Honda trans fluid. do you mind if I ask what kind of oil you use in your engines? (just curious) I've always used Mobil 1 high mileage 5W-30 but was going to give the AMS oil a try since it's locally produced (I now live in N-E Minnesota)

[EricTheCarGuy]

@aodhanof90 If I'm honest I use the cheapest oil I can find in the correct grade in my cars. Now if it's something special like an engine I built or something like that then I would use a better grade of oil but my philosophy is to run cheep oil and change it regularly and up to this point it hasn't been a problem.

[urbex2007]

04:55 - coolant does NOT evaporate from a sealed system, if it does then there is a leak or faulty cap on the expansion tank! Coolant contains rust inhibitors and chemicals that cause a colour change if contact is made by oil or exhaust gas. You seem to suggest that ATF and engine oil changes when in contact with moving parts, this is not correct, the composition doesn't change. 7:30 , not correct, the engine doesn't eat dipsticks! You have a long way to go learning about engines on cars!

.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@urbex2007 Perhaps you are correct in the sense that "coolant" does not evaporate but H2O does and a portion of the coolant is H20, in my experience evaporation happens most in the overflow which is not pressurized. Oil and ATF both break down over time due to the conditions under which they are exposed. I did not say that the engine ate dip sticks but rather if you tried to check the transmission fluid on a Honda with the engine running it could very well "eat the dipstick". Have a great day.

[Bobman84]

@urbex2007

Can we see some of your videos? Oils and coolants break down and you get sludge.

[fliphighup]

what about the transmission fluid on manual shift vehicles with the fill and drain plugs on them. Since the my vehicle you can't check with a dip stick you have to remove the fill plug and check to see the the fluid is on the bottom of the lip of the hole if i am wrong please let me know thanks

also awesome website man keep it up

[EricTheCarGuy]

@fliphighup I hope to cover that in a future video but it does vary by manufacturer as well as the type of fluid used.

[aodhanof90]

@fliphighup my understanding is the gear oil for the manual trans should be filled to the to the fill plug when when changed... so it would be cold, I'd think if you let it sit overnight and pull the fill plug there should be oil if it's full- if you can't tell carefully slide a clean screwdriver in and see if it gets wet. can anyone confirm this?

[jsnyara]

almost puked when you showed us underneath the hood of that car :P

[EricTheCarGuy]

@jsnyara Hope your feeling better now.

[southernpride903]

my 98 tahoe shifts hard from 1st to 2nd when i drive long distance and up to temp but i stop turn the car off for a sec, start back up and it doesnt shift hard, what u think?

[EricTheCarGuy]

@southernpride903 The first thing I would check for is transmission codes, that transmission is shifted electronically so there may be some kind of electrical problem if the problem is inconsistent as you describe.

[TheNiggerBalls]

I'm honestly surprised that this guy's videos don't have more views, he actually goes in depth and tells me everything I need to know to not only accomplish something related to my car, but to feel comfortable while doing it.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@TheNiggerBalls I think I might just make a second comment of the day with this one, thanks.

[rico313z]

Whats Going On Erick Love All your Useful Videos,Quick Question I Recently Changed My Oil I Have a "96 Chevy Lumina 3.1"after i changed it it seemed to be reading low? i checked for leaks,drain plug and filter and didn't see anything it immediately read kinda low after i poured the new oil in and checked it i added another qt to be sure it wasn't low i check it the day after and it was fine at proper level via dip stick some times i check it its low, if i reinsert the dipstick recheck its fine.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@rico313z What you describe is normal really, what happened was the the oil filter you put in didn't have any oil in it, when you started the engine it filled the oil filter and displaced that oil from the pan, when you topped it off you accounted for the missing oil. An astute viewer pointed out that I should have put a small amount of oil in the filter before installation, this is a good idea and you might want to try it next time you do an oil change.

[rico313z]

@EricTheCarGuy Thanks Alot! That Really Helped.

[mrrrxxxxx]

Loved the intro, gold!

[mrrrxxxxx]

Loved the into, gold!

[founditnow54]

Hi Eric, I know you're not a transmission specialist but...my car is a 96 grand am with the 4t60e with about 102,000 miles on it, and when cold when i put it in reverse, and only reverse, there is sort of a low rumbling noise - no grinding or slipping or any other problems - its shifting fine now. I was wondering if I should be concerned or not.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@founditnow54 It might have a low, reverse band going out, or perhaps a servo that is leaking. See if it makes the same noise when you put the car in first (if you have that on the selector). If it does then you have narrowed the problem. It has been a while since I've torn one of those apart so I don't know of any "pattern failures" off the top of my head. Let me know what you find.

[founditnow54]

@EricTheCarGuy OK it only makes that noise in reverse when totally cold. It doesnt do anything in first, and as soon as the temp gets past 100 degrees or so, the noise will stop. I checked my fluid level and it is fine, but the fluid's really dark. Im just hoping it doesnt take a shit on me.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@founditnow54 When you are trying it in first are you putting the shifter in "1" or are you just leaving it in drive?  Anytime you have fluid that looks contaminated and a car has a noise or shift problem it should be addressed, if not, it could fail but it sounds like you might just loose reverse, but that's kinda important I think.

[founditnow54]

@EricTheCarGuy Yes I am putting the shifter in "1," and it only makes the noise in reverse when cold, no other noises or problems. By "addressed" what do u mean? Do you think I should have the fluid and filter changed? I do not want to go to a transmission shop and have them tell me i need an overhaul. Ive heard that sometimes changing the fluid can exacerbate the problem. Oh, ONLY losing reverse, yeah that's fine lol that's just jim dandy.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@founditnow54 You are correct about changing the fluid and filter, this may cause an already ailing transmission to fail. As for what I meant by "addressed", I believe the problem will not get better on it's own but deteriorate until the component that is making the noise finally fails. It is very hard to predict if and when something like that will fail.

[founditnow54]

@EricTheCarGuy @founditnow54 yeah theres no such thing as a quick fix in the transmission world. I'll see what transpires, but thanks for all of your help!!

[founditnow54]

@EricTheCarGuy Ok Something else has just started to occur. When im at a moderate speed (45-60mph), the transmission is in overdrive, and I begin going up a hill, I give it more gas to maintain the speed and the car will buck almost like the engine is missing. I have just recently tuned up the engine. Do you think it is the engine or something in the tranny? The rpms dont fluctuate much (not like a tranny slipping) and its fine as soon as it shifts into a higher gear.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@founditnow54 Sounds like the torque converter clutch is starting to act up, it could be electrical or it could be mechanical but It might be time to look into a good transmission shop or start shopping for a used one if it's starting to exhibit more than one symptom.

[founditnow54]

@EricTheCarGuy Ok. I changed the spark plug wires, and it went away. Thanks for all of your advice and help!

[EricTheCarGuy]

@founditnow54 Glad I could help, thanks for the update.

[KenBobBad]

Some other fluids I think should be noted, transfer case fluid, differentials, clutch fluid which may be combined with the brake fluid. And how to check manual trans fluid.

Great vids Eric!

[EricTheCarGuy]

Excellent suggestions, I hope to cover them in future videos.

[rohy]

@EricTheCarGuy yeah, manual transmition fluid level check would be really great, I had some oil leaks and I am not sure if it was motor oil or transmition oil :) thanks in advance (I am still pretty scared that I use transmition with not enough oil in it ... that would be bad)

[EricTheCarGuy]

@rohy That would be bad. Just to give you the info since I don't know when I will post the video, look for a plug on the outside of the transmission about half way up the trans, remove it, and see if oil comes out. If oil does come out it usually means you are at the proper level. Manual transmissions usually don't have dip sticks, most are just filled at a given point until the fluid runs out.

[valleystylez]

Eric, i have a quick question for you. I live in southern California and the weather could sometimes get kind of hot. What coolant is the best to use for that type of weather?

Thanks.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Believe it or not water is the best coolant, the drawback is that it doesn't have the same lubricating qualities, they call it anti-freeze because it is just that, something that prevents freezing. I can't say I'm partial to one brand or another but stick with the color that's in the car, mixing anti-freeze types is not a good thing.

[asdfjellybean]

is it ok to mix the coolant with water though??

[EricTheCarGuy]

Absolutely, in fact you need to run a 50/50 mix in most cars.

[founditnow54]

Nice video! Question for you Eric.....My Grand Am has about 98,000 miles on it. i have maintained it very well as long as I have owned it (checking/changing fluids, servicing brakes, filter changes, etc)....but I have never touched the tranny fluid. It is light grey in color and is still semitransparent and feels very slick. I dont think its ever been changed....now, I have heard that if it is this color and has never been changed, that it would be best to leave it alone? thanks a lot man!!

[EricTheCarGuy]

I would get the fluid and the filter changed. Thing to watch out for with a trans that hasn't had regular service is that it is possible to cause a shift problem by changing the fluid at this point, proceed with caution.

[founditnow54]

I think Ill leave well enough alone, unless its starts giving me problems. Now (knock on wood) its working beautifully. Wouldnt want to cause failure very early by changing out the old fluid.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Thanks for your comment.

[IIGrayfoxII]

i top my brake fuild each 2 months the master cylinder leaks a bit, the mechanic said it is OK

[EricTheCarGuy]

Perhaps it's time for a new master cylinder?

[IIGrayfoxII]

that will be costly, a new master cylinder would be more than the on road costs

the car cost me AUD$3000 2.5 years ago

that is the least of the issues for my 22 year old honda, the engine leaks as well & may die soon though as have been getting low oil pressure warning for about 1 year

the car has 278,000km(173,000mi) on the clock

[EricTheCarGuy]

Sounds reasonable, that Honda may last longer than you think, I can help.

[asdfjellybean]

I'm doing the exactly the same thing... is this bad? I can gurantee that it is my MC leaking though, not based on an assumption

[EricTheCarGuy]

I may post a master cylinder replacement next week, stay tuned.

[nobleheight]

Why do some cars have stupid plastic or metal shields to obstruct your way when changing oil? Example: Nissan Pathfinder, Chevy Trailblazer, and Chrylser 300.

My opinion is that the manufacturer wants to cover up any possible future oil leaks when selling used cars.

I have the same question about plastic covers above the engine. Why?

[bigblockmustang]

Nice work.. Cool ya spelled out the different Rad Fluids.. 5 stars buddy!

Les

[amywamie]

I love this Eric, great start to the vid. I think its great thsat you make these vids, I am going to ahve a proper look around your channel now :) I DONT WANT TO BE A GIANT LOBSTER

[EricTheCarGuy]

Smother yourself with lemons and butter and keep watching.

Thanks for the comment.

[cland45]

Eric the Car Guy rocks! I watched the entire video and as always, good job bro! You might want to turn the audio volume down on your very last audio clip though. The one that says "Have Fun". It is alot louder than the rest. Peace!

[EricTheCarGuy]

Thanks for the comment and the input. Now you have to watch the next vid to make sure I fixed it.

[bowlingballout]

I need to add coolant. Both my cars have over 100K miles. I probably need to stay on top of things like that.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Treat them well and they should take care of you. I'm happy to be that little man on your shoulder reminding you to take care of our fine metal friends. :D

[cputb1]

Good info and nicely produced.

[EricTheCarGuy]

I try to improve on every video. Thanks for the comment.

[GenericGene]

***** My friend - Gene

[EricTheCarGuy]

Thanks for watching Gene!

[crispsYA]

important precisions, have to buy a car. . .

[EricTheCarGuy]

You could always borrow one. :)

[fbfiveohv3]

you have helped treat my car better! again! thanks!

[leezaal]

cool vid, thanks for answering my questions back along.