Drivers who want to get the most from their vehicles need to stay on top of regular maintenance tasks, but few have the time to take their vehicle into their local Prosper service center every month!

Knowing how to check under the hood on your own can be incredibly helpful. The team at Longo Toyota of Prosper always has your back, so we've put together this helpful guide to help you save time and money.

Opening the Hood

If you've never done it before, opening the hood of your vehicle can be a bit of a tricky process! You'll first need to find the release lever and “pop” the hood. Usually, this lever is located near the driver's seat, below and to the left of the steering wheel. If you can't find it here, check your owner's manual for details. Once the lever has been pulled, you'll need to go around to the front of the car and flip the safety catch to the side. This will allow you to lift up the hood and lock it into place.

Before you check your fluid levels, take a close look at your battery, engine belts, electric wire connections, spark plug wires, and radiator hoses. Look for corrosion, loose pieces, and signs of wear and tear. If something has gone wrong with any of these components, it should be visible right away.

Checking Your Fluid Levels

Once you have your hood open, the most essential checks to perform are those that involve your fluid levels. It's important to perform these checks as often as possible, and most experts recommend that you take a look at least once a month. Here we've laid out the process for checking the most important fluids:

• Checking Your Oil Level: When the engine has had a chance to cool down, retrieve the oil dipstick, wipe it off, and re-insert it into its sheath. Pull it out once more, and check the level. If it falls below the marker on the dipstick or looks especially dirty, it's time to replace or replenish your engine oil.
• Check Your Power Steering Fluid Level: In most vehicles, the reservoir for power steering fluid is transparent, with an easy-to-see “Full” line on top. Most of the time, it's on the driver's side of the vehicle. When your hood is open, you should have no trouble seeing the level.
• Check Your Brake Fluid Level: Remove the cap from the master brake cylinder reservoir, carefully utilizing a screwdriver, if necessary. It should be clearly marked with the words “Brake Fluid,” and it's usually located toward the back of the engine. You should be able to see the fill line clearly from where you're standing. Check your owner's manual to make sure you're using the correct fluid, as using the wrong one could cause serious damage.
• Check Your Transmission Fluid Level: If your vehicle has a transmission fluid dipstick, you should be able to locate it quickly near the engine. The process for checking this fluid is the same as it is with engine oil: Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, re-insert, and then pull it out to read the level. If it smells burnt or is discolored with a brown hue, it's time for a change.
• Check Your Coolant Level: You can check your coolant level when the engine is off, and cool. Like many of the other fluid reservoirs, this one should be transparent, with clearly-marked minimum and maximum fill-lines visible from up top. Some coolants need to be mixed with water before they become active, so be sure to do your research before you add coolant.

Each of these vehicle fluids needs to be changed on occasion, though each will have its own recommended interval. For example, engine oil usually needs to be replaced every 5,000 – 10,000 miles, but transmission fluid can last for up to 60,000 miles. Check your owner's manual or contact the service team at Longo Toyota of Prosper for details.

Get the Service You Need at Longo Toyota of Prosper

Our team of dedicated Toyota experts know exactly what your vehicle needs, and if you want to be sure that you've done everything right, you can schedule a service appointment at Longo Toyota of Prosper. Drivers can also get the fluids they need for their Plano and McKinney drives at our parts department, and it's easy to save when you take advantage of our rotating service specials.