To keep your car running efficiently and well-maintained, it’s necessary to carry out regular inspections and opt for periodic servicing. Maintenance at proper intervals is key to avoiding expensive repairs in the future and retain its condition. Regularly changing the fluids of your car will strengthen its engine, keep it alive, and extend your vehicle’s life.
Here are five (05) indispensable fluids to keep your car running in good shape.
1. Engine Oil
Oil is the basic need for an engine to run. Mechanical parts cause energy loss through combustion, and friction raises the temperature of the engine. Motor oil or Engine oil is an essential fluid of a car that reduces the friction of the moving parts while protecting them from being damaged from the heat produced constantly. Also, over time dust residue builds up inside the engine. Thus, the cleaning property of oil will keep the engine openings from clogging up. When fuel burns, it produces corrosive acids which can damage parts of the engine. Modern engine oils may slow down the corrosion but nonetheless, engine oils must be changed regularly.
However, it’s necessary to choose an oil best suited to your city’s climate condition and vehicle for it to create the maximum effect.
2. Coolant
Coolant prevents your car from overheating and damaging otherwise by absorbing the heat and expelling it through the exhaust. It also retains the oil from turning into solid or gas, and protects the metals and non-metallic isomers like rubber or plastics inside the engine and cooling system. A coolant is also cold resistant to protect your car during winter and extreme temperatures.
Your car will heat up and fail to tolerate the temperature without a coolant, as half of the energy generated by your car changes into heat. Just like an engine oil, it’s important to pick the best grade of coolant for your vehicle. Hence, make sure your car’s coolant tank is filled timely with the right coolant.
3. Power Steering Fluid
To steer your car efficiently, keep your power steering fluid at its optimum level. The steering fluid provides power to the system for effortless steering. It’s basically a hydraulic link between the steering wheel and the front wheels that decreases the amount of effort required to steer. Apart from that, it ascertains to grease the steering system. So whenever your car feels difficult to steer and handle, know that it’s time to refill.
The key to optimal steering performance is to change your fluid every three (03) years or 30,000 miles. However, there’s no need for you to be concerned about the steering fluid if you have an electric steering system.
4. Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that will make sure your car halts instantly when you push the pedal. Since liquids are incompressible, the brake fluid converts your pushing force into pressure, amplifying the braking force. This plays an essential role in running the mechanism of the brake system smoothly.
The brake fluid guarantees the proper functioning of the brake system; therefore, it is necessary to replace it periodically. Also, the brake fluid degrades overtime by absorbing moisture from the air.
Brake fluid comes in several varieties, so pick the one that suits your car the best. It is generally recommended to changing the brake fluid every two (02) years. It is also preferred to select the very brake fluid recommended in an owner’s manual or perhaps the one an auto-technician suggests.
5. Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid guards your transmission system in every possible way. It lubricates mechanical parts, maintains fluid pressure, cools down the components of the system, and prevents rusting. To have an efficient and quality transmission, it’s essential to change it on a routine.
Most vehicles with a manual transmission require a professional for transmission fluid’s refilling as it’s very dangerous to do on one’s own and comes highly recommended otherwise. That is why they are generally factory-filled. Again, a filling with the fluid mentioned in the owner’s manual for best performance and prolonged vehicle life is strongly recommended. Transmission fluid must be replaced after every 30,000 or 60,000 miles depending on the vehicle.
So, for a prolonged vehicle life and to retain its optimal performance, make sure to refill or replace these fundamental fluids of the car and conduct a thorough inspection to avoid future failures.
