This is the third installment of our automotive maintenance "How to" series, and again we will be learning about fluids. Performing monthly routine checks on the fluids in your car will save you money, time, and stress when it is time to take your car in for its regular tune-ups. Keeping your vehicle in good condition will also help you avoid situations such as breakdowns and accidents.

Most of the fluids that your car needs to function well, do not get used up, they run continuously through the engine from the reservoir and back again. Therefore, if you do find that any of your fluid levels are significantly low, there is a leak somewhere. Leaks are a hazard to the engine, and to your safety, and should be fixed as soon as possible. If you are unable to find and repair the leak yourself, take the car to a mechanic or technician to be checked before your scheduled tune-up.

Power Steering Fluid Checking the power steering fluid is important because if the level gets too low, damage to all of the steering components could ensue, and repairing the steering system is a costly endeavor. The following steps will teach you easily how to go about the process.

1. In most vehicles today, that are equipped with power steering, the fluid container is usually labeled. If not, then you should look for the power steering pump and belt. On top of the pump, you will find, either a round metal or clear plastic reservoir.2. If your power steering fluid container is metal, then there will be a dipstick attached to the cap. Marked on the dipstick with be two level lines, one for hot and one for cold. You will fill the reservoir to the proper level depending on whether you are checking while the engine is hot, or cold.3. If your reservoir is clear plastic, then you only need to look at it to determine if the fluid level is below the fill line.4. Make sure that you are adding the type of power steering fluid that is recommended for your make and model of vehicle.

If your fluid level was extremely low, and you hear a loud, high-pitched squeal when you turn the steering wheel, you need to check the power steering belt. Damage caused from lack of fluid could have worn out the belt, or caused the belt to slip. If the damage has gone too far, or been left neglected for too long, you may need to have the entire power steering pump replaced. To find out if this indeed the problem that is causing the noise, you should have a qualified and reliable person take a look. Waiting until your tune-up is only going to make the problem worse. It is possible to perform these types of basic repairs on your own, but not a good idea if you are new to the inner workings of your vehicle.