One of the most important aspects of maintaining your car is making sure you’re keeping up with fluid checks. Periodic fluid checks are essential for ensuring that your vehicle runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
Here’s why it’s important to have your fluids checked regularly and what you need to know about each one.
Coolant/Antifreeze
Coolant/antifreeze helps keep your engine from overheating by regulating its temperature with a combination of water and glycol-based liquids. Over time, however, coolant/antifreeze can break down due to heat in the engine or from mixing with other chemicals in the radiator system.
You should have your coolant/antifreeze checked at least once per year or whenever you notice any problems with performance. It should also be flushed out completely every two years to avoid buildup.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating all the moving parts in a transmission system while also providing cooling properties when necessary. If left unchecked, old transmission fluid can cause slippage or other serious issues that could lead to costly repairs down the road.
Check this fluid level approximately every 15k-30k miles (or as specified in your car owner’s manual) as part of regular maintenance and be sure to replace it every 60k-100k miles (or as specified in your car owner’s manual).
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is essential for helping slow down or stop your vehicle when you press on the brake pedal. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air which can lead to corrosion within brake lines or other parts of the system if not replaced regularly enough.
It’s recommended that you replace this fluid at least every two years – even more if you live in an area with high humidity levels – so make sure to check it periodically throughout its lifespan depending on how often you drive your vehicle.
Properly maintained fluids are crucial for ensuring that your vehicle runs smoothly and safely over time. Make sure to check each type of fluid regularly and replace them when necessary according to manufacturer guidelines – doing so will help extend the life of your vehicle while avoiding expensive repairs down the road!
Car owners should stay informed about their vehicles’ vital fluids so they can maintain their cars’ health and longevity over time.