“Comprehensive look at your Car’s Fluids part 1”
Vehicles are very complex pieces of machinery made of metals and plastics. Many of the complex systems of our cars need mechanics to properly and safely locate and repair issues. However, there is one sector of our vehicle that as everyday drivers we are expected to maintain and look out for. That sector is fluids. In first of two blogs, we will look at the majority of the fluids in a normal vehicle.
Engine coolant: the first fluid we will cover is engine coolant. This is a fluid that goes into an engine's internal cooling system. This fluid is often brightly colored and promotes better heat transfer than water alone, and it prevents the cooling system from corroding and from freezing, i.e. the common name, antifreeze. Engine coolant has a min-max fill line for when the engine is hot or cold, so when refilling your engine coolant be sure to fill to the correct line.
Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is a fluid that assists with the braking of your car so it is an important fluid. Your brakes work off of Pascal's principle to allow you to deliver equal pressure to all of your brakes with minimal effort from your foot. Your car’s brake fluid resides in a reservoir underneath the hood. Usually, it’s marked by a black lid with a circular image. Checking this fluid is easy. Locate the reservoir open the lid and see if the fluid is up to the fill line. Brake fluid should be translucent with a slight golden hint.
Power Steering Fluid: This fluid assists with the ease of turning your vehicle. Some newer cars have electrical power steering and do not have this fluid. This reservoir is located under your hood and should be filled up to the fill line. Experts recommend getting new power steering fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Engine Oil: Engine oil is one of the most important fluids for your car. Oil lubricates the moving parts in a car engine’s crankcase, preventing the high heat and friction that result during engine operation from destroying the pistons, valves, and other components. Without oil, the engine of a vehicle will seize up in a short time, making the engine unusable. Your engine oil should be easy to locate. To inspect this fluid level, one will need to use a dipstick that is located in the reservoir. It is simple to use but might take longer to check than your windshield washer fluid. The oil should be a lighter golden color. If it is dark or black it is time for an oil change. It is also recommended to change your oil before 6 months or after 3,000 miles, but with new technology, it is best to follow packaging.
Transmission Fluid: This fluid is similar to your engine oil as it lubricates your transmission. This helps the gears of your car to work properly. This fluid is also checked using a dipstick and should be a reddish/ pinkish color. The fluid lever should be measured when the car is warmed up, with this it is often recommended only to do if necessary and you know what you are doing to prevent burns or other injuries. Vehicles can go up 100,000 miles before needing a transmission fluid change.
The fluids in your car serve an important function in the functioning of your vehicle. Be on the lookout for leaks of these fluids below your car. Catching leaks early is a crucial part of keeping your vehicle safe and in operation. Check back in next week for some more fluids that are in your car.
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