Searching for how to check car fluids is one of the most practical things a vehicle owner can do — and for Genesis owners near Schererville, Merrillville, Crown Point, and Valparaiso, it’s a skill that helps you catch small issues before they become expensive ones. Genesis vehicles are precision-engineered luxury automobiles, and their fluid systems reflect that. In this guide, the service team at Genesis of Schererville walks you through checking and understanding every critical fluid in your Genesis G70, G80, G90, GV70, GV80, or GV90 — including what to look for, what’s normal, and when to bring your vehicle in before a scheduled appointment.

Engine Oil: The Most Critical Fluid Check

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your Genesis’s powertrain. Genesis models — including the turbocharged engines in the G70, GV70, and GV80 — use full synthetic oil formulated to perform in high-output, precision-tolerance engines. Checking oil level is simple and takes about 2 minutes:

Most Genesis models are designed for full synthetic oil on a 7,500-mile interval, though the Genesis Oil Life Monitoring System will alert you based on actual driving conditions. Never wait beyond the system’s notification to change oil.

Coolant (Engine Coolant / Antifreeze)

Engine coolant regulates operating temperature and prevents freezing in Northwest Indiana winters and overheating in summer. Your Genesis uses a pink or blue-green long-life coolant specified by Genesis — never mix coolant types or use generic green antifreeze in a Genesis. To check the coolant level:

• Locate the translucent coolant reservoir (not the radiator cap directly) — the reservoir has MIN and MAX markings visible without removing anything
• Check the level when the engine is cold — checking hot coolant is dangerous. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
• Level should be between MIN and MAX. If low, add Genesis-approved coolant or a 50/50 premix of the correct type — do not add water alone
• If the coolant level consistently drops over multiple checks, there may be a slow leak — bring your vehicle to Genesis of Schererville for a cooling system pressure test

Coolant flush interval for most Genesis models is every 60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere over time. As moisture content increases, the fluid’s boiling point decreases, which can lead to brake fade under hard braking. Genesis recommends inspecting brake fluid condition annually and replacing it when moisture content exceeds the threshold (our service team tests this directly). To check the brake fluid reservoir:

• The brake fluid reservoir is located near the firewall on the driver’s side — it’s a small translucent plastic reservoir with a black cap
• Check the level visually through the reservoir wall — it should be between MIN and MAX
• Brake fluid is normally clear to light yellow. Dark brown fluid is heavily degraded and should be replaced
• Do not open the reservoir cap unless adding fluid — moisture contamination happens quickly
• If the level is consistently low (not just slightly below MAX), the brake pads may be worn and pressing the pistons outward — have brakes inspected immediately

Transmission Fluid

Most current Genesis models use an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) or a traditional 8-speed automatic. These transmissions use sealed fluid that Genesis considers a lifetime fill under normal conditions — however, “lifetime” in this context means the life of the fluid under normal usage, and many Genesis technicians recommend inspection at 60,000–90,000-mile intervals, especially for performance models or vehicles used in hilly terrain. The transmission fluid reservoir is not user-accessible on most Genesis models — it requires factory diagnostic tools and lift access to inspect. Bring your Genesis to Genesis of Schererville’s service center for any transmission fluid concerns rather than attempting to check or add fluid yourself.

Power Steering Fluid

Most current Genesis models use Electric Power Steering (EPS), which is electronically controlled and requires no hydraulic fluid — there is no power steering fluid reservoir in these vehicles. If you’re driving an older Genesis model with traditional hydraulic power steering, the reservoir is located on the passenger side near the front of the engine and has MAX/MIN cold and hot markings. Check it with the engine off. If you’re unsure which system your Genesis has, your owner’s manual will specify — or call Genesis of Schererville’s service team and we’ll confirm.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Windshield washer fluid is the one fluid you can confidently add yourself without any technical concern. The washer fluid reservoir is typically located near the front of the engine compartment and has a windshield icon on the cap. Use a quality washer fluid rated for freeze protection appropriate to NWI winters — minimum -25°F rating is recommended. Do not use water alone; in sub-freezing temperatures it will freeze in the lines and reservoir. Do not use engine coolant as a substitute — it will damage your vehicle’s paint and rubber seals.

Electrified Genesis Models: Different Fluid Needs

The Genesis lineup now includes electrified variants — the GV70 Electrified, GV80 Coupe Electrified, and the full EV GV60 and Electrified G80. Fluid service for these vehicles differs in important ways:

Electrified Genesis models have a separate thermal management coolant loop for the battery and electric drive system. This fluid is distinct from engine coolant and requires its own inspection and eventual replacement. Genesis of Schererville’s technicians are factory-trained on all electrified Genesis platforms.

When to Come In — Warning Signs That Need Professional Service

While checking fluids yourself is valuable, some conditions require professional diagnosis immediately:

• Milky, frothy, or white engine oil — possible head gasket failure or coolant intrusion; do not drive the vehicle
• Significant oil level drop between changes — burning oil or an external leak; needs diagnosis
• Coolant consistently disappearing — internal or external leak; cooling system pressure test needed
• Any brake fluid warning light — bring in immediately; this can indicate a brake system leak
• Transmission fluid that smells burnt — needs immediate inspection; burnt fluid accelerates transmission wear
• Any dashboard warning light — amber or red warning lights signal an issue that needs factory diagnostic tools to properly identify

Frequently Asked Questions