What's Under My Car Hood?

Have you ever needed to get under the hood of your car and been completely confused as to what you were looking at? It's important to know the individual details that make up your car engine so you can correctly explain to one of our Lake of the Ozarks car mechanics where the sound or smoke was coming from. We know that there is a lot happening under the hood of your car, so here at Bledsoe's we aim to make it easier on you!

Here are a few of the key things you'll want to be able to recognize and point out under your hood so that you and your car can work together in harmony. Of course, if you don't know what something is, we always recommend coming into our shop and letting one of our experts take a look at it.

What's Under My Hood?

1. Engine

This is what runs your car, literally. Most of the time it's the largest thing under the hood, and everything revolves around it. Your engine is full of spark plugs, valves, rods and moving pieces. There's a camshaft, timing chain or belt, pistons and connecting rods. All of these pieces need to be cared for appropriately, but this is something you should leave up to the car experts at the Lake of the Ozarks.

2. Radiator

This is a large piece that is found at the front of your car right behind the grill. It has a large fan and is used to cool the engine. There is often a small hose that is attached to a plastic overflow container, you can refer to number three to locate this particular piece.

3. Engine Coolant 

This is where you coolant fluid goes. Though we do recommend that you refer to your owners manual, or your Lake of the Ozarks car mechanic before putting anything in here. When your car overheats, one cause can be because you are out of coolant, and you have to put a special mixture of fluids into this reservoir.

4. Battery

The plastic box with two knobs on top is your battery. Generally, one knob is black and one is red, and this shows you which cable goes on which knob when you have to jump your car, or someone else's. It's important to always use caution when working with your battery because it can cause sparks.

5. Wiper Fluid Reservoir

Do NOT confuse this with your radiator coolant container! Your windshield wiper fluid reservoir should have a logo on it that looks like your wiper blades. If you run out of wiper fluid, you can replace this yourself, but we recommend referring to your owner's manual. You can also ask us to take care of topping it off when you come in for your next oil change at the Lake of the Ozarks!

6. Oil Dipstick

This is not the same type of "dipstick" as the idiot at work...but this is in fact, where you check to see if your oil is low. Before you start your car and heat it up, pull out the dipstick and wipe it off with a clean rag, put the stick back in the pipe, and pull it back out again. You can now look at the film of oil on the end of the stick and if it's between the full and low lines, you should be good to go! Place the dipstick back in the pipe and be on your merry way.

The Best Car Maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks

Use this guide to help you know what and where things are under the hood of your car! Always remember that every car is different, though, and before messing with anything under your hood, you should ALWAYS refer to your owner's manual, or better yet, bring it into Bledsoe's! We have over fifty years of experience when it comes to maintaining your vehicle, and we want nothing more than to keep it on the road for years to come. If you notice weird sounds, smells or smoke coming from underneath your hood, give us a call and we can fix it!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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