One of the most important aspects of car maintenance is to ensure fluids are at the right levels. So what fluids do you need to be aware of for the smooth running of your vehicle?

Here are five, what they do and basic maintenance.

Engine Oil

On older vehicles, checking the oil is a hands-on job, and it’s the first thing most owners learn. Open the hood and find the oil dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it clean, push it back in, then pull it out again — the oil level should sit above the line on the stick. Many newer cars have dropped the dipstick for an electronic oil-level sensor you read from the dashboard; if yours has no dipstick, the owner’s manual explains how the car reports level and condition.

You should check your oil level at least once a month, more often on older cars. Topping up covers a low level — but changing the oil is a separate, scheduled job, done at the manufacturer’s mileage or time interval whether the level is low or not. Oil wears out even when there’s plenty of it on the stick.

Transmission Fluid

The gears of your vehicle are kept healthy with transmission fluid. On older vehicles with a transmission dipstick, you check it much like the engine oil, but with the engine running and warmed up. Many newer cars have sealed transmissions with no dipstick at all; on those the fluid is checked from underneath at a service interval rather than monthly, so it’s one to leave to a shop.

The fluid should be red, if it is brown or smells burnt then you need to replace the fluid at a reputable mechanic’s.

Coolant

This is what keeps your vehicle cool and is vital. If you run out of coolant, your vehicle could overheat. To check this fluid you need to ensure the engine is cool and not running. Then open up the coolant cap and see the level of the fluid against the line. This should be done about every four to six months. If it is low, add some more, ensuring it is the same type that is already in the car.

Brake Fluid

Just like the transmission fluid, this is part of a closed system. Therefore, your car should never actually run low on it. Still, it is an important fluid to regularly check as leaks can occur or can become dirty and less effective.

Check the fluid by looking at the brake fluid reservoir on the driver’s side of your vehicle. The liquid should be a golden color. If it is brown, take it to a mechanic to be replaced.

Power Steering Fluid

When this fluid starts to get low you might hear a creaking, or other weird sounds. The reservoir to check the levels should be under the hood. If it gets low get your vehicle to a mechanic.

If you check these fluids regularly, you should be able to keep your car running smoothly and have cheaper repair costs.