CAR FLUIDS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

from keeping the engine in motion and ensuring that your windshield is free of smudges, cars come with a myriad of fluids that keep your vehicle moving. We've compiled the essential automotive fluids you should be aware of, and how they operate to ensure your vehicle runs efficiently.

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Every time you change gears, such as from park to drive the transmission will deliver the appropriate level of torque to your wheel. Since it is a vital component of your car it is essential that your transmission be maintained with the correct transmission fluid. The car fluid offers the following advantages.

Controls the temperature

Smooth gear shifts

The material is durable and protected.

Synthetic vs Traditional

After you've hit the 50k-mile mark, it's the time to replenish the transmission fluid. When you bring your vehicle in the mechanic will ask whether you prefer traditional or synthetic fluid. The main distinction is that synthetic fluid is less likely to breakdown or oxidize at high temperatures. However, the two choices have different prices and both are feasible.

BRAKE FLUID

As the most important security feature in your car brakes utilize hydraulic fluid to convert your force into pressure which stops the vehicle. If the fluid is excessively low, the air balloons get into the brake line and lead to problems with your brakes.

Signs Your Brake Fluid is Low

Problems with brakes

Illuminated brake light on the dashboard

Smell of burning

If you notice the brake fluid level is in over or just above the required threshold there is no need to replenish it. A manual for the owner is the most effective way to determine the recommended timing to fill your particular vehicle.

ENGINE OIL

Motor oil also referred to by the name engine oil is utilized to ensure that the moving parts of your engine operating in optimal condition. The main purposes of engine oil are the removal of contaminants, lubrication as well as temperature control and prevention of corrosion. These elements are essential to keep the engine functioning properly.

Types of Engine Oil

Completely synthetic, with less impurities, the best quality, and price

Semi-synthetic is still of high-quality but less expensive than fully synthetic

High mileage - oil specifically for vehicles with more than 75k miles

Conventional - industry standard, ideal for the majority of automobiles

Depending on the vehicle's model and make It is recommended that you have your oil changed at intervals of 3,000 to 5k miles. The more you travel, the more oil in your car will break down and begin to coagulate. In time, this can block important components and cause damage to the engine overall. The regular change of your oil should be a top priority when it comes to maintenance of your vehicle.

Image of someone getting their car fluids changed.

POWER STEERING FLUID

Each time you turn your steering wheel it uses hydraulic fluid for communication with the system for power steering. This fluid is not just used to assist in turning, but also offers the lubrication needed by all parts of the steering power system.

Signs It's Time For Replacement

Wheel is difficult to steer, and it is resistant to turn

The liquid appears dark or it is odorous. It's burnt.

Debris in the liquid

Typically, cars require the flushing of power steering fluid every 40,000 to 80,000 miles. But, the best time to flush will depend on the model of vehicle.

COOLANT

Although coolant doesn't require regular maintenance like motor oil does, but it serves the same role in your car. Car engines generate an enormous amount of heat, which could be hazardous if they didn't have a means to regulate temperature. Coolant accomplishes this. When it is circulating over the engine it soaks any heat that is not needed, then goes to the radiator, where it cools before it returns it to the engine.

When Should I Refill My Coolant?

On average, cars are suggested to flush their coolant every 30,000 miles or two years, whichever is first.

If the dashboard tells you it is running cold Open your hood and locate the reservoir. It should be transparent with an empty line across the top. If the coolant level is higher than the fill line, you're in good shape.

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

The most unpleasant feeling is to be driving with a dirty, scratchy windshield but there is no fluid to wash it. Luckily windshield wiper fluid can be the most simple to maintain on your own. It can be purchased at auto and grocery stores. Here is a procedure for refilling the windshield's fluid for wipers.

Take off your hood and locate the reservoir of washer fluid. It typically is marked with a windshield/water icon on the cap

Uncap the cap, and then check the level of the fluid.

With a funnel, gently fill the funnel with the new liquid until it gets to the top

GET YOUR CAR FLUIDS CHECKED AT CITY AUTO REPAIR IN GAINESVILLE, FL

It is essential to have your fluid levels checked frequently with regular maintenance. City Auto Repair is a local mechanic who is here to help you not just keep your vehicle in good condition, but also to ensure that it's operating in top form. We're an fully-service automotive repair facility that will take care of all your vehicle's requirements.