Before you learn how to check each of the essential fluids that are found in your vehicle, it is important to learn what each of the six vital fluids are.

Engine oil is arguably the most important fluid in your vehicle. Because each car, truck, SUV, van and crossover is made of metal and those metal parts are typically rubbing, spinning and scraping against one another, a great deal of heat and friction is generated.

Engine oil is designed to keep all those vital parts well lubricated. Not only does the right engine oil smooth the way for parts that rub against one another, but it also helps keep the temperature down too.

Checking the engine oil tends to be a pretty straightforward process once you have the right information. Most of today's vehicles have a dipstick. To make things even easier, many car manufacturers have included a helpful visual on top of the dipstick to make it both easier to find and less likely for you to get it confused with another fluid.

For the best results, make sure your vehicle's engine has been turned off for at least 10 minutes before you remove the dipstick from its location. This allows the oil to cool off and settle at the bottom so you get a more accurate reading.

Grasp the dipstick and pull firmly to remove it completely. Then wipe it clean of any oil with a rag or towel. Take the time to inspect the dipstick. You'll notice that is has indicators marked both maximum and minimum oil levels. Ideally, you want your engine oil to be in between those two indicators.

Reinsert it, making sure that it is completely seated, before pulling the dipstick back out once again. Look to be sure that the oil level is between the two indicators. If it's below the minimum level, however, you'll need to add more.

An equally alarming possibility is if the engine oil is above the maximum level. While this doesn't get as much attention as low oil levels, having too much oil in the engine can put undue pressure on its components.

Like many of the other fluids in your vehicle, you check the power steering fluid by looking for a dipstick in the engine bay. In other instances, you might check the level by looking at a reservoir.

Regardless of which method your vehicle's manufacturer chose to use, follow the same procedure with checking the power steering fluid level via the dipstick as noted above. Alternatively, look at the level on the reservoir and be sure that it is within the boundaries of maximum and minimum. Of course, if it's low, you'll need to add more.

While windshield washer fluid doesn't affect the way your engine operates, it can make a huge difference in your ability to see. Look at the reservoir that's typically located to the side or front of your engine. Refill to the maximum level when needed.

Transmission fluid cools and lubricates your transmission -- much the same way oil does for your engine. Some of today's vehicles come with a dipstick that makes checking this fluid fairly straightforward.

In other cases, however, it's necessary to have a professional do it due to the way the transmission is designed. One difference from the other fluids already noted is that your vehicle needs to be on and stopped in order to get a reading that's accurate.

Coolant is often also called antifreeze. It needs to be checked when your engine is completely cool. Not doing so could put you in danger. Because the coolant is pressurized, checking it could cause hot liquid to spray out and burn you.

If your vehicle is equipped with an expansion tank, check that the level of coolant is between the indicators. Otherwise, you'll need to open the radiator cap and check to be sure the coolant level is at the top.

Giant Cadillac is available to help you check your vehicle's fluid levels. Just contact us anytime and we'll get you in to our service department at your convenience.