In order to operate properly, a vehicle requires a variety of essential liquids. Thus, an important part of car maintenance is checking, refilling, and changing these fluids as needed. Failing to accomplish this essential aspect of vehicle maintenance could have serious safety implications and greatly shorten your vehicle’s life span. To learn about some of the most important fluids that your car needs to run smoothly and tobe able to maintain your vehicle accordingly, continue reading.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid serves numerous important purposes in a vehicle. In addition to lubricating the many moving parts in a vehicle’s transmission, the fluid also facilitates gear shifts and prevents overheating. If the transmission fluid becomes contaminated or levels are too low, potentially dangerous symptoms such as overheating, transmission slipping, and shifting issues will likely occur. As such, it’s important to check your transmission fluid levels periodically and to refill or change the fluid as recommended by your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Brake Fluid
Another important fluid your vehicle requires to operate properly is brake fluid. As its name suggests, brake fluid is necessary for a vehicle to quickly and consistently brake. Because most modern braking systems are hydraulic, they require brake fluid to create the pressure necessary for a car to stop. Due to the clear dangers of unresponsive brakes, it’s crucial to check your brake fluid regularly and to replace it at least every two years.
Engine Oil
Often considered the most important fluid in a vehicle, engine oil is responsible for lubricating and cleaning all the working parts in an internal combustion engine. Because engine oil is one of the most frequently used oils in a vehicle, it needs to be changed more regularly than other oils. If engine oil levels are low for even a short amount of time, significant engine damage can occur. To determine how often you need to change the engine oil in your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual.
Coolant
Coolant is another important fluid your car needs to run smoothly. Coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water that prevents the vehicle’s engine from overheating. It’s stored in the radiator, and you can easily check it by simply removing the radiator cap and seeing if the liquid reaches the designated fill line. If it doesn’t, immediately refill the radiator with coolant to prevent overheating.
