Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Keeping your car’s fluids topped up is an important job. But it’s easy to forget. Your car uses six different fluids to run efficiently. Without them, your car won’t run effectively, and in some cases, low fluids can cause dangerous accidents.

Checking your fluid levels also tells you about their levels and condition. Both are essential for preventing costly repairs and issues in the future. However, don't spend hours Googling “How to check clutch fluid or brake fluid levels.” Use our guide to get the lowdown in seconds.

Scroll down to find out what each fluid does and how to check it. Time to give your car some TLC. Let’s go. 

Don’t rush into checking your fluid levels. Make sure your car is parked on a hard, level surface. Turn the engine off and allow it to cool before starting. 

You should also consult your owner’s manual for specific illustrations and instructions for your car. The manual usually includes:

Our guide applies to most vehicles. But it’s always good to double-check your car guidelines.

When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the piston in the master cylinder causes the fluid to move through the pipes and act upon the cylinders in the brake callipers or drums, pushing the brake pads onto the discs and slowing the car. 

The system is sealed to use the incompressible property of brake fluid. Braking power reduces if any air gets into the lines. This can happen when the brake fluid runs low in the reservoir. 

Other causes of brake failure include old and degraded fluid and contamination, so it’s essential to check the level and 

Locate the brake fluid reservoir. It's usually indicated by a yellow circle or octagon and will have 'Brakes' on the cap.

The fluid should be light brown and not overly dark or light. There should be no contaminants in the reservoir, such as leaves or dirt.

Wipe the cap clean before opening it to ensure nothing falls in.

Check the level on the side of the bottle, and fill it with the appropriate fluid to the line specified in the manual. 

Only use the recommended fluid type as stated in your owner's manual. 

 is operated by a cable. Check your owner’s manual to see if this is the case with yours. If so, you do not need to check your clutch fluid level. 

If your clutch is hydraulically operated, your car will either have a dedicated clutch fluid reservoir, or it may share this with the brake fluid reservoir.

Look for a similar symbol to the brake reservoir, a circle within an octagon. The cap will say clutch or something similar. 

The level and colour considerations are the same as the brake fluid. It should be a golden colour without blemishes or dark spots. 

Look at the clutch fluid level. If closer to the "Minimum" line, it's time to refill.

Another vital fluid to the engine's operation, the coolant travels through the engine and radiator, removing heat. Without adequate coolant flow, the 

Depending on the age of your car, the coolant can be in varying colours. With many different brands using differing colours, it's best to check the owner's manual to see 

The coolant should be a fairly bright colour. It needs to be refreshed if it’s brown or clear.

 Never open the coolant reservoir when the engine is hot. The sudden release of pressure can cause severe burns. 

An engine needs adequate lubrication to run, as oil coats all the surfaces in the engine and drastically reduces friction and thus reduces heat. If the engine oil is allowed to run out, terminal engine damage will occur.

Read more about when to change your engine oil in 

Unlike the other fluids, the engine oil is not stored in a reservoir at the top of the engine bay. After the oil has cycled through the engine, providing lubrication, it drains back into the sump.

Engine oil should be checked regularly and inspected for colour and smell. Excessively dark oil can be a 

. The oil should not smell of fuel in any way. This smell can indicate worn piston rings.

The engine must be off for at least 20 minutes before any checks. Ensure the car is on a level surface.

 Don't overfill the engine oil, as it may cause the excess to be forced out when the engine is running. 

Power steering is a luxury taken for granted in modern cars. If your car develops an issue with the PAS (power-assisted steering) system, you'll know about it!

The power steering will either be hydraulic or electrically operated. Check the recommended fluids section of your manual to work out which one your car is.

If hydraulic, the PAS uses a high-pressure pump and a hydraulic motor to actuate the 

 This makes the steering much easier for the driver.

Locate the bottle. Often they say “Hydraulic Fluid”, “Power Steering”, or similar.

Remove the cap, being careful not to allow debris to fall in, and check the colour is bright and not darkening. There are two different types of power steering fluid, usually dependent on vehicle age. Your manual will advise which one to use.

Either use the level on the side of the bottle as before or check using the built-in dipstick, depending on the car. Refill until it’s in between min and max. 

The screenwash is a special detergent solution that keeps your car windows clean. The bottle will be inside the car’s bumper or front bodywork.

There will likely be a filler cap somewhere around the outsides of the engine compartment, with a long translucent tube disappearing into the car's structure.

Because the level is usually below this filler tube, the easiest way to check the level is to top it up. Use a high-quality screen wash, as cheaper ones can cause streaks and not properly clean the screen.

No, you can’t use water in place of screenwash. Screenwash (AKA window washer fluid) is a special fluid designed to remove grime and debris from your windshield. Water alone doesn’t remove oil or grease and may leave you with dirty windows.

Now you’ve got the lowdown on how to check your car’s fluid levels, it’s time to get started!

if you are unsure of any reservoir locations or fluid types required, consult your manual or a qualified person. 

Only attempt to fill the brake fluid if you are competent. Incorrect fluid usage could cause an accident or serious injury. 

It is critical to note a drastic reduction in brake fluid levels should not be ignored and could indicate a leaking pipe or component. If this is the case, inspect the car immediately to 

Be ready for any scenario. Here’s a quick checklist of equipment you’ll need:

How to check the fluid levels in your car: The takeaway

All of these fluids are vital and should be both refilled and replaced regularly. Often forget to top up? Take note of your last fluid check to help yourself in the future. Or bookmark this blog so you don’t lose the content. 

Keep your car running smoothly with interest-free monthly payments on servicing and repairs with Bumper. 

Apply online before your booking and choose from 1000s of garages and dealerships across the country.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

How to check the fluid levels in your car

Owning and running a car is expensive, with lease payments, insurance, 

and more it seems the costs are never ending. Costly servicing may seem a step too far, but in this article, we’ll explain why it doesn’t make sense to skip servicing intervals. 

We’ve listed and explained 5 reasons to maintain regular servicing, at least to your vehicle manufacturer's specification: 

Skipping servicing is a false economy, the parts replaced at services are either parts that are consumed over time or parts that reduce wear to your engine/vehicle. 

An example of the first case is brake pads, ignoring the obvious safety concerns, when these wear away the metal part of the pad will start to contact the disc. This almost always results in needing new discs, as well as pads. 

In some cases where the metal-on-metal contact has caused severe 

, the caliper may well be damaged also. It just makes sense to replace the cheapest part (the pads) as soon as it’s required, or preferably before. 

Oil changes are one of the most commonly missed out service items, because 99% of the time, the engine will show no signs of ill effects for thousands of miles. However, the engine oil does deteriorate and considering it's the oil’s job to prevent undue wear on the major engine components, it pays to replace it often. 

Failed main bearings due to poor oil, or blocked oil pumps due to contaminants in the oil will both result in complete failure of the engine. Only a full rebuild or new engine will fix these issues, at a cost of at least £3,000 on most vehicles. 

The previous example is a perfect one again, which shows how important service items are. Worn brake pads don’t stop the car as effectively as newer ones, when the pads wear down to the metal, the braking force will be less than half what it should be. 

What’s more, if you’re involved in an accident with parts of your car in this condition, there will be serious consequences, including penalty points and 

 the mechanic will look over all the major components, as well as take it for a test drive. Any faults that are starting to develop but have either not yet become apparent from the driver's seat, or to an untrained eye, will be detected. 

Repairing faults before they cause the car to be unusable affords cost savings in both arrangements for alternative transport, and the outright cost of fixing the car. With the ability to shop around for better prices on parts and labour allowing further cost savings. 

Most cars are a depreciating asset, that is their value decreases with time. There’s really no way to avoid this, short of only driving classic or special vehicles that become desirable by collectors. 

There are a few ways to reduce the impact of depreciation, these all boil down to increasing or maintaining the desirability of the car. Things such as keeping the mileage low, and not damaging the paintwork are often difficult to guarantee. 

Keeping up with servicing however is guaranteed to increase the resale value of your car. Particularly if you take the car to a dealer or 

 this will show the new owner you’ve cared for the car, and that it’s less likely to cause them problems, hence increasing the value. 

We’ve already touched on the scenario of having a collision due to worn-out brakes, but legality is much deeper than this. 

Tyres must have over 1.5mm of tread depth to be legal on the road. A full service will check tread depth and give you a report, allowing you to plan when the tyres will need changing, allowing you to avoid getting 3 points and a £2,500 fine, and that’s per tyre! 

Working windscreen wipers and lights are another area that is required by law, and will be picked up on a service. 

Petrol engines need air, fuel and a spark to run, all three systems have serviceable components that directly affect how efficient the combustion is. 

Incoming air is filtered to stop debris from entering the engine, after a certain amount of miles, the filter will become clogged and start to restrict the flow of air, causing poor running and increased consumption. 

Spark plugs provide an ignition source for the air and fuel mixture, but they have internal components that break down with the

 and heat. A strong spark provides better combustion, resulting in less unburnt fuel exiting the exhaust, and less fuel required to produce the same amount of power. 

And finally, the fuel is filtered in the same way the incoming air is, a clogged and dirty fuel filter will introduce contaminants causing poor running. If the filter is left unchanged for too long, the engine will fail to run at all. 

These points all reduce emissions and save fuel and therefore money. 

How regular servicing can help your wallet

Split the cost of servicing and repairs into interest-free monthly payments, 

 to find a car repair finance Bumper partner near you.

Is servicing required? And is it worth paying for? 

Since late 2021, all petrol stations in the UK supply E10 fuel as the standard grade available. This fuel contains 10% ethanol, an increase of 5% from the previous fuel; E5, which is still the standard for premium fuels. 

, a change in the fuel they use, can be very impactful. The primary reason for the switch is the government's aim to reduce carbon emissions, we’ll explain how below. 

E10 and E5 are classed as ‘Biofuels’, as 10% and 5% respectively of the volume is produced from crops. Ethanol is traditionally produced from the fermentation of sugarcane or corn, and has a similar, but not identical, energy content to petrol. 

It is estimated that the switch to E10 will reduce overall emissions equivalent to that of removing 350,000 cars from UK roads, equal to 750,000 tonnes of CO2. 

This is possible in part due to the CO2 absorbing qualities of the plants before harvesting, which offsets the CO2 released when they are burnt. 

, Ethanol has a higher solvent content than petrol, and as modern cars have been designed and manufactured using different materials, they typically fare better. 

One of the areas that E10 can have a negative impact is in your fuel systems’ seals and gaskets. These are often made of rubber on older vehicles, a material than Ethanol will degrade much faster than petrol. 

 for checking if your vehicle is compatible, it uses your car's make to display information from the manufacturer on which cars are safe for use on E10. 

Whilst this tool is handy for most vehicles, it is always best to consult your owner's manual for more information. Almost all motorcycles are incompatible, due to the construction of their 

A very simple rule to follow is if your car is pre 2003, err on the side of caution and read to the bottom of this article where we discuss alternatives. There are however a few car manufacturers that are not compatible even after 2003 so it’s always best to check manually. 

What if I’ve filled up with E10 in an incompatible car? 

It’s easily done, especially with the new fuel only being in use for a short period, the good news is that it’s not terminal. 

It’s best to not leave the E10 sitting in the tank and fuel system for too long though, if you drive the vehicle regularly, top up with E5 fuel at around half a tank, to dilute the E10, and continue as normal. 

If you’re intending to leave the car for a long period, or you do not drive much, it may be safer to drain the tank of E10. In this case it’s best to consult a specialist garage or dealer for advice.

As discussed, E10 fuel can cause issues with seals in older vehicles, but there are downsides to the new mixture, even for modern vehicles. 

Petrol has a higher energy density than ethanol, that means that E10 fuel has a lower energy density than E5. In older cars, this can mean reduced fuel efficiency, as there will be more fuel needed to travel the same distance. 

In modern cars however, the ECU and sensors can detect the changes in fuel properties, and adjust the engine timing and 

 concluded in 2011 that using E10 results in the same miles per gallon as E5. 

Ethanol is also hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water. If left exposed to the outside atmosphere for too long, the fuel will absorb moisture from the air. This can cause serious issues with steel fuel tanks, lines and engine components. 

If your car is incompatible with E10, it’s best not to risk using it. The issue is that there are only two options available: 

Premium fuels such as Shell V-Power still only contain 5% Ethanol, as they are developed to be a higher octane fuel. This means they can be safely used in older or incompatible vehicles without risk of damage. 

The issue comes in that premium fuel is typically 10-20p more per litre to buy. This means a typical tank of 70 litres will cost £10 more than normal fuel. Over a year of 8,000 miles this could cost anywhere from £150 to £250 more in fuel. 

As the main problems with using E10 are the fuel system components, it might be possible to swap these for more modern materials that are compatible. 

There are companies that specialise in this service and charge around £400 to convert fuel lines, filters and gaskets. 

There is however the issue of water retention, many modern cars use plastic fuel tanks that are not susceptible to rust, and are chemically engineered to resist degradation for the solvents in ethanol. 

Unfortunately to replace a petrol tank would cost significantly more than the fuel lines, which would probably not be cost-effective for an older vehicle. 

If E10 isn’t suitable for you, but your vehicle is not worth converting to modern fuel lines and tanks, unfortunately, you will have to use premium fuel. 

Luckily there are ways to reduce the cost of running a car, including servicing and maintenance. Bumper allows you to split the cost of a repair bill into monthly payments, at no extra cost. 

Complete your application and see dependable garages and dealerships in your area by 

entering your registration and postcode on our website.

What is E10 fuel and will it damage my engine? 

Most cars come with air conditioning nowadays, it is an extremely convenient luxury to have, even in the UK! After having A/C, being in a car without it on a hot day can almost seem unbearable. So here’s our guide on how to look after your air con system. 

Air conditioning systems use a refrigerant in a sealed system to remove heat from the air inside the cabin. They do this by strategically compressing and decompressing the fluid in conjunction with heat exchangers inside and outside. 

The fans in the climate control system blow filtered air across the internal heat exchanger, known as the condenser, to pump cold air into the car. A cabin air filter is used to prevent pollen and other contaminants being blown into the vehicle. 

Things to check when using your air conditioning

These are especially important if you have not used the system for a long time: 

Naturally the AC should be blowing cold air when active, this should be around 5 degrees celsius. Both sides of the car should receive the same temperature air, if not this could indicate a fault with the ducting system. 

The inside of the air vents can become the ideal location for mould to grow if not used through the winter months. When using your air conditioning, if any musty or foul smells are present, turn it off and ventilate the car's interior. 

Another cause for unusual odours can be leaking refrigerant, which can be harmful to humans. If you are unsure, many garages can offer A/C checks free of charge, and the systems can be cleaned using a special gas. 

Check the cabin filter has been replaced recently

Most cabin air filters are rated for between 20,000 and 30,000 miles. If you cannot see that this has been replaced in your service history, it is advisable to replace this. 

An old filter may harbour mould or dirt and cause smells or contaminants to the air. It will also restrict the flow of air into the car. The filters are relatively inexpensive and should not take long to fit. 

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are differences. 

Air conditioning is simply the system that cools air within a space, climate control uses a thermostat to monitor the inside of the car. It then uses a combination of heating and cooling to regulate the interior temperature. 

Because there are many different parts and processes involved in your air conditioning system, it may sometimes need minor repairs to keep it running right. 

As mentioned earlier, the system should be a sealed one. There are however a few common failure points that can allow the gas or liquid to escape. 

The most common areas are the condenser, and compressor. The first has very small fins to increase airflow, but these are susceptible to knocks or damage causing a very small leak. 

A compressor requires many high pressure internal seals to do its job. These can break down over time and allow the refrigerant to pass through. 

To fix this, the leaking component needs to be identified, and replaced. The system will then need re-gassing, find out 

The compressor, like any pump, has seals and rotating components. Over time these can wear and will eventually fail. This can either cause the refrigerant gas to escape, or to simply stop the air conditioning from working properly. 

As discussed, the ducting that directs the air to the vents can be the perfect area for bacteria to grow if the system is not used regularly. If your air vents expel an acrid or foul smell, it could be this that is the problem. 

Many garages offering air-conditioning servicing can run a gas through the system to clean and deodorise. 

This is a common job undertaken by garages, whereby the sealed system is re-pressurised with refrigerant. 

The method through which the old gas can leak has been discussed above, but these issues should be eradicated before regassing. It is a criminal offence to knowingly vent air-con refrigerant into the atmosphere. 

As with system cleaning, most garages can perform a leak test. This is done by pressurising the system with a liquid that glows when exposed to UV light. The aircon is turned on, and any leaks can be identified when inspected with a UV torch. 

How to make the most of your car’s A/C system

When driving on a hot day, the windows may seem like the best way to cool off, but this is actually working against the car's air conditioning system. 

With the windows open, warm air is entering the car, this actually increases the cars internal temperature and starts an endless battle between the A/C system and the outside air. 

The only exception to this is returning to a hot car, because cars have a lot of windows, the interior temperature can increase way beyond outdoor temperatures, especially in summer. 

If the car is swelteringly hot upon starting your journey, open all windows and leave the A/C off for a few minutes. Then switch on the air conditioning and shut the windows, the car will be cool in no time. 

It might sound counter-intuitive, but when your windscreen is foggy on a cold morning, the air conditioning is the best way to clear this. It’s due to the system removing moisture from the air, instead of blowing moist air from inside the cabin, or outside the car. 

So if your car’s air conditioning is not efficient, smells funny or simply doesn't work, use these tips to help bring the temperature down. With Bumper’s zero interest financing, this is made even easier. 

Select from 1000s of approved service centres, and spread out the cost of your repair into monthly instalments with 

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

A guide to air conditioning  

Modern oils are significantly better at lubricating and remaining stable than oils of old. This has been a necessity to cope with the increasing precision and efficiency of modern engines. 

Service intervals, therefore, have increased for most manufacturers. In this article we’ll take a look at when you should be changing your oil and why. 

In all engines, there are many points at which metal parts rub against each other. The most prominent instance of this in a car engine is the piston running up and down inside the cylinder. 

Oils coat the surfaces in a film, which drastically reduces friction. This reduction in friction both reduces wear on the components and also reduces the amount of heat produced. 

High performance engine oils reduce friction even further, prolonging parts and increasing efficiency. The engine oil is pumped around the engine, and flows through various pipes built into the engine block, it helps lubricate every part from the camshafts down to the main bearings. 

Most modern cars require fully synthetic oil, which is ultra-processed and performs much better than semi-synthetic or non-synthetic oils. 

Many manufacturers of modern vehicles advise using fully synthetic oils, this is because the engines have been designed with high tolerances, so to ensure you’re giving your car the best care, use the recommended oil, which is usually specified in the manual. 

What is the benefit of changing my engine oil? 

There are several reasons why changing engine oil is recommended, the foremost being that oil degrades over time. The bonds that chemically create the oils viscosity and lubricating properties are not invulnerable to heat and time. 

An engine could easily be running at operating temperature for 150 hours between oil changes. Any reduction in lubrication and protective properties through the oil is not welcomed, and is easily remedied by changing the oil for fresh. 

The cost of rebuilding an overly worn engine, especially one that has not had proper lubrication, will be far more expensive than changing the oil on the correct schedule. 

Worried about expensive repair costs? With 

 you could benefit from 0% interest car repair financing and pay for car repairs in instalments in easy-to-manage monthly payments.

Oil is therefore a cheap consumable that increases the life of an engine. 

Engine oil also absorbs all the soot from fuel combustion that makes its way into the oil chambers, this is what turns the oil black, along with oxidisation. 

This blackening of the oil is typically reducing the quality also, and as the previous point, will increase wear on your engine. 

Another reason for replacing oil is that when engine parts wear together, microscopic amounts of metal are removed from the components. Many of these particles become trapped in the sump; the oil reservoir at the bottom of the engine. 

Whilst the oil pump has a filter attached to the inlet pipe, to catch larger debris, smaller particles may still make their way through the engine causing significant extra wear. 

What will happen if I don't change my oil? 

Sometimes life gets in the way of car maintenance, but for the sake of future repairs, it’s best to prioritise keeping your car serviced. 

As we’ve discussed, engine oil lubricates and prevents wear to the engine. It also breaks down over time and with the heating and cooling cycles of daily use. 

 after the recommended number of miles, it will wear quicker. 

This will have an even bigger impact if the car is a few years old now, or has done 

significant mileage of over 100,000 miles.

 All the components will have been experiencing wear for many hours and will need to be lubricated properly in order to run smoothly. 

With that being said, don’t use the fact your car is newer to avoid servicing: 

 If your car is missing service stamps, or the services have not been completed at all, you will put off many serious buyers when you come to sell it. 

Many dealerships will also reduce your part-ex value significantly, as patchy service history will affect their resale value also. 

You might be required to by your finance agreement 

If your car is on a lease, HP or PCP finance deal, you may be bound by the terms of the agreement to keep up to date with the required service intervals. 

This is mainly due to the fact that most finance deals other than hire purchase, allow you to return the car at the end of the agreement. 

When your car is serviced, the technician will need to put your car on a lift. In doing this as well as changing the oil filter, they may be able to notice small issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. 

These issues can often turn into unexpected and expensive problems later on, if not dealt with promptly. 

Another way the engine's health can be inspected is through the oil that comes out of it. The condition of the old engine oil can tell a lot about the state of the engine. If the oil is overly dark it could indicate overheating. If it’s very thin or smells of petrol piston rings or other sealing components could have failed and more. If you get to this stage, you might want to take your car to the mechanic.

It's clear then that engine oil is vital, and should not be left to degrade to the point where it no longer functions properly. So what oil change intervals should you be following? 

Whilst modern cars use advanced oils, the tolerance and precision of the engine is such that they often still require just as frequent oil changes. 

Manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, Ford, Hyundai and Nissan all recommend intervals of between 5,000 and 8,000 miles. 

 and Mercedes vehicles often have a slightly longer interval of up to 10,000 miles, known for their 

For the most accurate method of determining when to change your oil, check your owner's manual for specific recommendations for interval and oil type. 

Many cars now also have a service light or system built into the car's onboard infotainment system, which can often determine depending on the driving conditions as well as mileage. 

to apply for interest-free monthly payments for repairs and to see a list of local dependable garages and dealerships signed up to Bumper. 

Once you’ve completed your application, you’ll be given a credit limit of up to £5,000 (depending on which garage you want to go to) and a unique code. 

Contact the garage to get booked in. Let them know you want to pay using Bumper and once the work is completed present them with your unique code. They’ll sort the rest.

How often should I change my oil? 

¿Cada cuánto hay que cambiar el aceite del coche?

Tyres are one of the things we change most frequently on a car. However, selecting the right one is crucial to keep your care safe and avoid paying high costs.

last anywhere between 5,000 and 20,000 miles

. So, getting to know which tyres suit your vehicle ASAP is critical

Today, we'll explain all the markings you'll find on a tyre, what they mean, and which ones you need to look out for. Ready to become an expert? Scroll down to learn more.

Advice

How to check the fluid levels in your car

Is servicing required? And is it worth paying for?

What is E10 fuel and will it damage my engine?

A guide to air conditioning

How often should I change my oil?

Which tyre is right for my car?

What Is A Cam Belt And When Do You Need To Change It?

Safety checks - What to check before driving