Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

While most motorists today prefer automatic vehicles, some remain committed to manual transmission cars and trucks. Vehicles with a manual transmission use one of two types of clutch: cable-operated clutch or hydraulically operated with a fluid reservoir. If your vehicle has a hydraulic clutch, check the fluid level in the drive system as follows.

Steps

1. 1 Open the hood of the car. This is best done when the vehicle is on a level surface with a cold engine.
2. 2 Locate the clutch fluid reservoir. On most vehicles with a hydraulic clutch, this reservoir is located near the brake master cylinder in the rear of the engine compartment and is smaller than the brake fluid reservoir. When in doubt where to look, check your vehicle manual.
3. 3 Check the fluid level in the reservoir. Depending on the make of the vehicle, the reservoir must be filled to the top or to a level between the minimum and maximum lines indicated on the reservoir. Most newer vehicles have a translucent plastic reservoir, while older vehicles may have metal reservoirs where you need to remove the reservoir cap to see the fluid level.
4. 4 Add fluid to the reservoir. Carefully add fluid to the reservoir and wipe off any drips.
   • The hydraulic clutch actuators use the same type of fluid as the hydraulic braking systems. Use a fluid of the same specification as indicated in your vehicle manual.
5. 5 Screw on the reservoir cap and close the hood. Make sure the gasket on the cover is seated correctly.

Tips

• The frequency of checking the clutch fluid reservoir depends on the vehicle. Some vehicles require a monthly check of the fluid level, while others require such a check only once a year.

Warnings

• If it becomes necessary to add fluid every time you check, there is probably a leak. Most clutch fluid reservoirs are so small that even a small leak can empty them completely.Leakage can occur in the area of ​​the clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder or behind the clutch pedal. If you find a leak, immediately find out the cause, as a lack of fluid will make it impossible to change gears and control the car.

What do you need

• Brake fluid bottle
• Funnel (optional)
• Rag or paper towel