How to Check Your Car's Fluids (Oil, Coolant, Brake, Washer)

Before any long drive — whether it’s a weekend trip to Fujairah or just a hot summer commute — it’s worth spending ten minutes checking your car’s fluids. Knowing how to check car fluids properly can catch a small problem before it strands you on the road. Here’s a straightforward walkthrough of the five that matter most.

1. Engine oil

Park on level ground, let the engine sit for a few minutes, then pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the level again. Oil should sit between the MIN and MAX marks and look smooth and amber-to-brown. Gritty, dark, or milky oil is worth flagging even if the level is fine.

2. Coolant

Check the coolant reservoir — the semi-transparent tank near the radiator, marked with MIN/MAX lines. Only ever check this when the engine is cool; opening a hot radiator or reservoir can cause a dangerous steam and coolant spray. The coolant should be a clear, bright colour (pink, green, or blue depending on the type) — cloudy or rusty-looking coolant should be inspected.

3. Brake fluid

Locate the brake fluid reservoir, usually near the back of the engine bay on the driver’s side, and check the level against its MIN/MAX markings without opening the cap unless necessary. The fluid should look clear to light amber. Dark, murky brake fluid has usually absorbed moisture and lost effectiveness — this affects braking performance and should be addressed, not just topped up.

4. Power steering fluid

Not every car has a separate reservoir — many modern cars use electric power steering with no fluid at all. If yours has one, it’s typically a small tank with MIN/MAX markings near the front of the engine bay. Check the level is within range and the fluid isn’t discoloured or foamy.

5. Windscreen washer fluid

The simplest check of the five. Just confirm the reservoir — the one with the windscreen icon on the cap — isn’t empty. In Sharjah’s dusty conditions, you’ll go through washer fluid faster than you’d expect, and running dry right when you need to clear the windscreen is a genuinely dangerous moment.

Why this five-minute habit matters here

UAE heat is harder on fluids across the board — coolant and oil break down faster, and rubber seals age quicker, increasing the chance of small leaks developing unnoticed. A quick monthly check, and always before a longer drive, means you catch a low level or discoloured fluid while it’s still a simple top-up rather than a breakdown on the highway.

If any of your fluids look off, or you’re not confident doing the check yourself, we’re happy to help. Message us on WhatsApp and drop by in Muwaileh, Sharjah — we’ll run a full fluid check on any make or model, with honest advice on what genuinely needs attention and what can wait.