Girl

[Guest]

I am a girl and need to know how to maintain my car myself. Checking levels etc.

Does it matter which oil I use? I know as long as I buy the correct type with regards to whether it is a petrol or diesel engine but some tips would be good!

[Lisa-L]

European cars have fluid filling points marked in yellow under the bonnet (hood to our american cousins) just make sure you put the screen wash and the oil in the correct places.

[KiltyCol]

The manufacturer's manual gives all the details for the various engines available in a particular model of car. You can always ask the manufacturer (see their web site) if you can download a manual, if you don't have one. Happy motoring.

[franfran]

The manufacturer's manual gives all the details for the various engines available in a particular model of car. You can always ask the manufacturer (see their web site) if you can download a manual, if you don't have one. Happy motoring.

Also if you don't have a manual, check your local library. Unless you have a pretty unusual car, they'll probably have a copy of the manual on their shelves.

[fiona_babe]

Out of interest why does that fact your a girl make any difference?

The red dip stick shows how much oil you have. There will be two markers on it and your oil level should be inbetween.

Cars use different oils with different thickness grades and some car prefer sythetic oil. check your manual.

Also make sure you car has the correct level of coolant but don't check that when the engine is hot.

[franfran]

Out of interest why does that fact your a girl make any difference?

Yes I know, I was thinking the same thing - that was a rather curious (and perhaps self-deprecating) way to start the thread, but it's surprising how many people of both sexes don't expect girls to know anything about cars, and seem surprised when they encounter one who does.....

The red dip stick shows how much oil you have. There will be two markers on it and your oil level should be inbetween.

They're not always red though - I'm pretty sure that the one on my car is yellow, but I'm not going outside to check - it's 8.30pm. cold and raining.......

[fiona_babe]

Out of interest why does that fact your a girl make any difference?

Yes I know, I was thinking the same thing - that was a rather curious (and perhaps self-deprecating) way to start the thread, but it's surprising how many people of both sexes don't expect girls to know anything about cars, and seem surprised when they encounter one who does.....

The red dip stick shows how much oil you have. There will be two markers on it and your oil level should be inbetween.

They're not always red though - I'm pretty sure that the one on my car is yellow, but I'm not going outside to check - it's 8.30pm. cold and raining.......

I agree. I'm a 22yro attractive girl so if course people assume I can't know anything about cars..... bollocks girls can learn how a car works the same as men. I'm perfectly happing wriggling around on the floor in my overalls covered in grease thank you very much.

Every car i've had the dipsticks been red. Yellow is logical too.