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The modern vehicle is a constantly performing show of metal and fire, and keeping things well lubricated and cool is essential to its peak operation. From oils to coolants, we’re here to cover six of the essential car fluids, what they do, and how often you should be changing them for peak performance under the hood and on the roads of Columbus. Today, we’ll answer questions like “When to check car fluids?” or “How to check essential fluids in your car?”. Need to schedule an appointment? Reach out via our online contact portal and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Aside from the fuel on which it runs, your engine’s second most necessary fluid is undoubtedly the oil that lubricates and cools its internal components. Without engine oil, the mechanical parts that make up the engine would rub against each other without lubrication, causing immediate damage up to and including the seizing of the motor in the middle of a Lincoln road!
Learning how to check essential fluids in your car is important for long-term care. But how do you know when to check car fluids? Generally speaking, an oil change should be performed about twice a year or every 5,000 miles. Some manufacturers of modern vehicles recommend oil changes at a longer interval, to the tune of every 7,500-10,000 miles or so. Check your vehicle’s manual for specifics in regard to your oil change schedule, then reach out to our fully equipped service department for an appointment!
Engine oil does its best to keep your engine cool, including the employment of parts such as an engine oil cooler. But, the fluid that brings home the cool factor under your hood is engine coolant, sometimes also called antifreeze. Coolant/antifreeze serves the purpose of helping to keep your engine away from temperature extremes, helping to keep your engine cool during operation, and keeping it from getting too cold in winter weather.
Do you know when to check car fluids like coolant? It’s recommended that you check your coolant every 50,000 miles or so. However, if you have a leak or other malfunction with your coolant system, this will need to be addressed before then. Remember, never check your vehicle’s coolant while the engine is hot – this can result in injury!
Almost every vehicle manufactured since roughly the late ’80s has a power steering system built-in, which uses what’s known as power steering fluid to operate a mechanically assisted pump that makes steering at low speeds easier, with less physical effort. Without it, steering can be a real pain!
There’s not typically going to be a set timeframe in which to check power steering fluid, but much as the case with coolant, if you find that you’re having to regularly add this fluid, it’s a sign that something about the Power Steering system needs to be repaired!
The importance of your vehicle’s braking system kind of goes without mentioning, and so does the fluid which helps it to operate. Brake fluid is used by your vehicle’s brake system to apply pressure to the brake pads through the brake calipers, helping your vehicle to slow down.
It can be detrimental to have old brake fluid or fluid with air bubbles in it, so making sure to keep on top of replacing or refilling this fluid is very important to the safety of you and your passengers alike.
Your vehicle’s transmission receives power from the engine and transfers it at an applicable ratio to your driveline – which is a heavy task for a heavy-duty piece of machinery! Your vehicle’s transmission needs plenty of cooling and lubrication, and that’s where the ruby red fluid known as transmission fluid comes in.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like delayed shifting or grinding noises coming from the transmission, always check transmission fluid first! Some vehicles will allow you to check from home, while others may require the touch of a professional technician.
Sure, an argument could be made that windshield wiper fluid isn’t necessarily essential to your vehicle’s operation, but in the spirit of safe driving, we think it ought to be! It’s pretty easy to tell when it’s time to refill your wiper fluid, just refill when it runs out! You can pick up washer fluid from our parts department!
Now that you know how to check essential fluids in your car, it’s time to make sure your vehicle is taken care of! Contact our service team at (402) 317-5393 to schedule an appointment with our locally famous service department! Our team of tenured and knowledgeable automotive experts is here for you! Isn’t it about time you made the quick trip from Omaha to see us?