How often should you check your vehicle’s fluid levels?

Checking your vehicle’s fluid levels regularly, at least once a month, is essential for maintaining the overall health and performance of your car. This proactive approach helps to ensure that critical fluids, such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid, are at the proper levels. Regular checks can help identify leaks or other issues before they become serious problems, contributing to better fuel efficiency, improved vehicle safety, and reduced repair costs in the long run.

Fluid levels can change due to evaporation, leakage, or consumption during normal operation, so an ongoing monitoring routine is far more beneficial than only checking before long trips or when warning lights indicate a problem. These latter options can lead to situations where a potentially minor issue has escalated into a significant safety concern or a costly repair. Therefore, adopting a habit of monthly checks aligns with best practices for vehicle maintenance and enhances your driving experience.