5 Essential Fluids Every Car Owner Must Check

Regular cleaning and periodic tune-ups to keep their vehicle in good condition are not all that every car owner needs. Critical mechanical parts of the vehicle need to be regularly checked for fluids required to operate properly. Let’s know about those five essential fluids that every car owner should check regularly.

Engine Oil: The Lifeline of Your Car’s Engine

Engine oil works to keep the car’s engine parts smooth. This helps to keep engine parts cool and prevent rusting. Regular checking of engine oil keeps the engine working well for a long time. It is very important to use the right type of engine oil to run the car’s engine without any problem.

How to Check and Manage It:

• Frequency of Checks:  It is very important to check the engine oil every time you refuel your car. Any kind of problem is detected quickly with regular check-ups. This can avoid major problems.
• How to Check: Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth and insert it again. This method is considered the best for accurate information on engine oil levels. This way you can find out the right amount of engine oil.
• What to Look For: If the engine oil appears milky or foamy, it could be a sign of a serious problem. In this situation, one should contact the mechanic immediately as it could be a sign of coolant leakage.

Pro Tips:

For better performance of the car, use the grade of oil recommended by the company. Costly repairs can be avoided by regular engine oil checks. Changing the oil at the scheduled time makes the engine work well for a long time.

Coolant: Keeping Your Engine Cool

Coolant or antifreeze works to control the temperature of the engine. This helps in maintaining the engine at the right temperature during summer and winter seasons. Regular checking of coolant can prevent damage to the engine.

How to Check and Manage It:

• Frequency of Checks:  It is very important to check the coolant before the summer and winter season starts. Regular checking of coolant can prevent damage to the engine.
• How to Check: Check the level of coolant in the overflow tank located near the radiator when the engine is cold. The level of coolant should always be in the prescribed range.
• What to Look For: Leaks can occur in the cooling system when the coolant level is low. This problem should be fixed immediately as it may cause the engine to overheat.

Pro Tips:

It is very important to flush the cooling system at regular intervals and change the coolant. Using the wrong type of coolant can damage the engine. Traces of oil or other waste in the coolant can be a sign of head gasket failure.

Transmission Fluid: Ensuring Smooth Gear Shifts

The transmission fluid wears down over time. This keeps the parts of the transmission smooth during gear shifting. Regular checking of transmission fluid makes the transmission of the vehicle last longer.

How to Check and Manage It:

• Frequency of Checks: If there is any change in the performance of the transmission, then the transmission fluid should be checked immediately. With regular checks, the transmission of the vehicle works properly for a long time.
• How to Check: In most vehicles, it is necessary to have the engine started for accurate checking of transmission fluid. This shows the level of fluid accurately.
• What to Look For: Changes in the color and texture of the fluid indicate the need to replace it. It is more important than level checking.

Brake Fluid: Your Safety Net

It is very important to have the brake fluid in the right level and position. This helps your vehicle’s braking system work properly.

How to Check and Manage It:

• Frequency of Checks:  It is important to check the brake fluid at least once a year. Get checked immediately if brake performance decreases.
• How to Check: Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Some trains have transparent reservoirs that can be checked without opening.
• What to Look For: If the fluid level is frequently low then it can be a sign of leaks in the brake system. In this case, contact the mechanic immediately.

Pro Tips:

The brake fluid should be clear or light yellow, dark color is a sign of contamination. It is necessary to use the type of brake fluid prescribed by the company for safety. There may be air in the hydraulic line when the brake pedal feels spongy.

Power Steering Fluid: Effortless Steering

Power steering fluid helps to rotate the steering easily. When driving at low speeds, less force has to be applied to the steering.

How to Check and Manage It:

• Frequency of Checks:  It is a good habit to check the power steering fluid every month. Steering problems can be avoided with regular checks.
• How to Check:  In most vehicles, the reservoir of power steering fluid is clearly visible. The level can be checked without opening the cap.
• What to Look For: Whistling sound from the steering or steering tightening can be a sign of low fluid. These symptoms should be noticed immediately.

Regular checking and maintenance of these five vital fluids of the car is very important. Each fluid has its own specific function. With regular checks, the car runs without any hassle for a long time.

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