Map every fluid before you authorize a package

Fluids

Check and top off coolant the safe way

Coolant keeps the engine from cooking and from freezing. The reservoir has a cold fill line. Opening a hot radiator cap is how people get scalded. Color is not a spec — the chemistry on the jug is.

Fluids

Drain-and-fill vs a transmission flush

A change dumps what gravity will give you. A flush exchanges nearly all of it through the cooler lines. On a healthy, regularly serviced trans, a flush can be fine. On a neglected, burnt, or mystery-history box, a flush can be the job that makes it slip. This video is the sentence you need before you initial that line.

Fluids

Change the engine oil and filter

Oil is the engine’s blood. You drain the old, swap the filter, and pour in the viscosity printed on the cap — not whatever is on sale. A driveway oil change is the first real job most owners should learn.

Fluids

Flush and bleed brake fluid

Brake fluid absorbs water. After a few years it boils easier and rusts the expensive parts inside. A flush pushes new DOT 3 or DOT 4 through each corner until the old brown fluid is gone. This is not the same as topping off a low reservoir — low fluid often means worn pads.