How often should you check your car’s fluids?

Check washer fluid, engine oil and coolant monthly on level ground with the engine completely cold. Follow the vehicle manual when topping up; never open the coolant cap when the engine is warm.

Too little washer fluid limits your view through a dirty windscreen, and low oil or coolant levels can damage your engine. The ANWB recommends checking oil and coolant every month; do the washer fluid at the same time. Check again before a long drive and use washer fluid with antifreeze in winter.

1. Park on level ground and wait until the engine is completely cold. Never open the coolant cap when the engine is warm.
2. Open the bonnet and find the windscreen washer reservoir
3. Top up to the maximum level
4. Check oil and coolant as described in the vehicle manual. Top up only with the specified fluid and do not exceed the maximum mark.
5. Close the bonnet properly

5 to 10 minutes, once the engine is completely cold.

• windscreen washer fluid
• the engine oil/coolant specified in the vehicle manual, if needed

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This is a general guideline. Always follow the manual of your appliance or product too.

Source

• ANWB — De vloeistoffen van je auto controleren
• ANWB — Steps and product instructions

Checked on: 2026-09-24

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