In this training module, we'll review the basic fluids inside your vehicle which will need to be checked on a daily basis.
As part of your pre-trip, it’s important you check all the fluids in your truck to ensure they filled accordingly for the day ahead. If fluids appear to be low, check with a mechanic if on site and they should be able to direct you to where the fluids are located and how much you should add.
If you’re not comfortable, ask for assistance. Most truck fluids can be found in the mechanics bay or truck prep bay, depending on the branch. If you’re unsure of their location, ask your manager and never attempt to add fluids if they’re not labeled properly.
Fluids to Check/Refill
Engine Oil:
Prior to checking your engine oil, you’ll need to make sure you’re parked on level ground and the engine is not running and has been sitting for some time. This will make sure all the oil from inside the engine has dripped back into the engine oil drip pan.
Once confirmed, we’ll open the hood of the truck and locate the engine oil dip stick which is usually located on the driver side of the vehicle. With the engine off, remove the dip stick, wipe it dry, then place back into the receptacle. From there, remove it again and check to make sure the oil levels are within the acceptable levels by reviewing the dip stick.
If the engine oil is below the acceptable levels, we’ll need to add more oil in increments of 2 quarts or less. The oil can be added by removing the oil filler cap on top of the engine and using a funnel to help with the process. As we reach the 2 quarts mark, we’ll need to recheck our dipstick markings to ensure we do NOT overfill it.
If you accidently add too much oil, please notify a member of the fleet services team immediately.
Once filled we’ll need to clean up any oil that may have spilled out and screw the oil cap back on. Next, we’ll start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. After a few minutes, we’ll check the oil level again and add more oil if necessary.
Lastly, it’s important to note on your pre-trip or post-trip that you added this fluid. This allows us to track if that truck is leaking fluid regularly, often pointing to a greater issue which may need to be addressed.
Engine Coolant:
To check the engine coolant levels, we’ll need to make sure you’re parked on level ground and the engine is off and cooled down. Open the hood of the truck and locate the radiator coolant reservoir that’s usually in a plastic bottle located near the top of the radiator. If you see that the fluid is below the fill line on the side of the reservoir, you’ll need to add more by removing the cap and adding coolant to the reservoir until it reaches the full mark.
Once full, resecure the cap, then start the engine. You’ll then want to let it run for a few minutes to see if the levels go down again. You’ll then proceed to check the coolant level again and add more coolant if necessary.
Be sure to not overfill the coolant reservoir as it can cause the coolant to overflow and leak out. Clean up any spills immediately as coolant can be corrosive and cause damage to paint and other surfaces. If all checks out, turn off the engine and close the hood.
Transmission Fluid (Engine must be on, fill from dip stick)*
To check the status of transmission fluid, open the hood of your truck and locate the transmission fluid dip stick, usually located on the passenger side of the engine; however, some new trucks may have it on the driver’s side.
Once we locate the appropriate dipstick, we’ll need to make sure were parked on level ground and the engine is running. After confirming, we’ll remove the dip stick from the side of the transmission.
On the dip stick, you’ll see appropriate levels for when the engine is cold versus when it’s hot. When reading these levels first thing in the morning, you’ll read them based on the cold levels. After the truck has been running all day and you’re completing a post-trip, you’ll need to reference the hot levels. If levels fall outside either of the levels indicated on the stick, you’ll need to add more fluid.
To do this, locate the transmission fluid and a funnel inside the garage (or prep bay) and place the end of the funnel into the dip stick hole. Slowly add a small amount of transmission fluid (no more than 2 quarts), measuring every so often with the dip stick until it reaches a tolerable amount.
If you accidentally overfill, please notify a mechanic immediately before driving. Be sure to clean up any spills immediately. Transmission fluid can be corrosive and can damage paint and other surfaces. Once levels fluids are in an acceptable range, you’ll close the hood.
In finishing, we’ll write on our pre-trip or post-trip that you added this fluid. This allows us to track if that truck is leaking fluid regularly, often pointing to a greater issue which may need to be addressed.
Power Steering Fluid:
As you complete your pre and post trips each day, you’ll notice that your steering mechanism will need to be part of that inspection. This includes checking the levels of your power steering fluid inside the reservoir. This reservoir is typically located on the driver side of the vehicle. To check, you may need to use a flashlight to light up the side of th canister so you can see the fluid levels inside the tank. If levels fall below the fill line, you’ll need to fill accordingly. Please see a mechanic or a supervisor before adding power steering fluid to your truck as different fluid levels are used for different trucks. For example, some trucks use transmission fluid while others require a special power steering fluid blend.
Windshield Washer Fluid (Fill from reservoir)
When looking at the windshield washer fluid reservoir, it’s important to note that sometimes it can be difficult to locate. On some trucks it’s easily located directly under the hood in a translucent reservoir; however, on some trucks It can be located under the passenger seat in the cab of the truck.
To add fluid, simply remove the cap on the reservoir and add washer fluid until it reaches the full mark. Once finished, resecure the cap and tank.
Pump Oil
Although not part of your truck’s engine, it’s important you check the Pump oil reservoir each day prior to leaving the yard. The pump oil reservoir is typically located on the passenger side of your vehicle. Checking this reservoir is easy as it’s often in plain sight. If levels are below the fill line, you’ll need to top it off. Pump oil is often located in the prep bay and/or mechanic’s bay and should be checked daily. Failure to do so could cause the pump to seize up and stop working.
DEF
Def, also known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid, levels should be check each day on all Diesel Vehicles prior to leaving the yard.
To check these levels, you’ll need to reference your truck’s dashboard. If levels are less than half full, you’ll need to top off. Def refill stations should be located inside your branch’s prep or mechanic’s bay and operate like fuel pumps.
Def tanks are typically located on the passenger side of the truck, near the fuel tank. They usually have a blue cover and are clearly marked with the letters DEF.
Once located, you’ll remove the cap from the DEF fluid tank, place the nozzle into the tank and fill to the top. Once filled, we’ll recap the tank and place the nozzle back into its receptacle. When filling the Def tank, be extra careful that you do not add Def to your truck’s fuel tank. This will cause your truck’s engine to seize up, equating to costly repairs.