Your vehicle’s fluids are the lifeblood of its operation. From keeping the engine running smoothly to ensuring that the transmission shifts properly and the brakes work effectively, the right fluids in the right amounts are crucial for optimal performance. Regularly checking and maintaining your car’s fluids can prevent costly repairs, extend the life of your vehicle, and keep you safe on the road. Here’s how to check and maintain your car’s fluids to ensure your vehicle is running at its best.
1. Engine Oil
Engine oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, reducing friction and preventing overheating. Over time, engine oil breaks down and can become contaminated, which can lead to poor engine performance and even severe damage.
How to check: To check your engine oil, park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, then pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and dip it back in fully. Remove it again to check the oil level. If it’s below the “Full” mark, top it off with the recommended type of oil.
How to maintain: Change your engine oil and filter as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, typically every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, depending on the oil type and your driving habits. Regular oil changes ensure the engine runs smoothly and prevent excessive wear.
2. Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid keeps the transmission running smoothly by providing lubrication to its moving parts. It also helps in cooling the transmission and ensuring the proper shifting of gears. Low or dirty transmission fluid can cause rough shifting and lead to costly transmission repairs.
How to check: Most vehicles have a dipstick to check the transmission fluid. With the engine running and in park or neutral, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and dip it back in. Remove it again and check the fluid level. If it’s low, add fluid, but make sure to use the right type for your car.
How to maintain: If you notice the fluid is dirty or smells burnt, it’s time for a fluid change. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended interval, which is usually every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Changing the transmission fluid at the recommended interval helps prolong the life of the transmission.
3. Brake Fluid
Brake fluid ensures the brake system’s efficiency by transmitting force from the brake pedal to the brake pads. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture, which can reduce braking performance and cause corrosion in the brake system.
How to check: To check the brake fluid level, locate the brake fluid reservoir, usually near the back of the engine bay, on the driver’s side. Check the fluid level through the reservoir’s markings. If the fluid is low, top it off with the recommended brake fluid.
How to maintain: If your brake fluid looks dark or murky, or if the brake pedal feels spongy, it’s time to replace the fluid. Generally, brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years or 24,000 miles. Regularly maintaining brake fluid ensures safe stopping power and prevents corrosion in the braking system.
4. Coolant/Antifreeze
Coolant, or antifreeze, prevents your engine from overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. It helps to regulate the engine temperature and keeps the cooling system working properly.
How to check: With the engine cool, locate the coolant reservoir and check the level. The reservoir should have a “Full” and “Low” mark, so make sure the level is between these two marks. If the coolant is low, top it off with the correct coolant type for your vehicle.
How to maintain: Coolant should be replaced every 2 to 3 years, depending on the type used. If you notice any leaks or the engine is running hotter than usual, have the cooling system checked. Regular coolant maintenance helps prevent overheating and keeps the engine at the correct operating temperature.
5. Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid allows the steering system to function smoothly by lubricating the steering components. Low or dirty power steering fluid can cause the steering to become stiff and difficult to control, leading to potential steering system failure.
How to check: Power steering fluid is usually checked through a dipstick or a reservoir with a marked fluid level. Make sure the engine is off before checking the fluid. If the level is low, add the recommended type of fluid.
How to maintain: If your power steering fluid is low, top it off with the proper fluid. If you notice whining sounds, difficulty steering, or erratic steering behavior, you may have a leak or need to replace the fluid. Flush the power steering fluid according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
6. Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield washer fluid keeps your windshield clean and free of debris, bugs, and dirt that could obstruct your view while driving. While not as critical as engine fluids, running out of windshield washer fluid can be frustrating, especially in inclement weather.
How to check: Simply check the windshield washer fluid reservoir, which is often located near the front of the engine bay. If the fluid is low, refill it with the appropriate washer fluid.
How to maintain: Keep the windshield washer fluid topped off, especially during the winter months when you might need it more often. Make sure you use the correct fluid for the season (e.g., de-icing fluid for winter).
7. Differential Fluid
Differential fluid lubricates the differential, which helps transfer power from the engine to the wheels, especially when turning. Proper maintenance of the differential is important to avoid expensive repairs.
How to check: Differential fluid is not as commonly checked by car owners as other fluids, as it usually requires a mechanic to inspect the differential housing. If the fluid is low, a mechanic may need to drain and replace the fluid.
How to maintain: Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation, differential fluid should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, particularly in vehicles that tow or are used for heavy-duty driving.
8. Maintaining Fluid Levels and Cleanliness
To ensure your vehicle’s fluids are at the right levels and in good condition, always use the recommended fluids for your make and model. Avoid mixing different types of fluids, as they could cause issues with your car’s performance. Keeping a close eye on fluid levels and maintaining clean, high-quality fluids will help your car perform better, reduce wear, and prevent expensive repairs.
How it helps: Maintaining the proper fluid levels and cleanliness in all systems of your vehicle is essential for smooth operation. Fluids act as lubricants, coolants, and protectors for the engine, transmission, and braking systems. Keeping them topped off and clean extends the life of your car’s components and ensures your vehicle runs smoothly.
Fluid Maintenance for Maximum Vehicle Performance
Regularly checking and maintaining your vehicle’s fluids is essential for ensuring your car performs at its best and avoids costly repairs. By staying on top of fluid levels and replacements for the engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and more, you’ll extend the life of your car and keep it running efficiently throughout the year. If you’re unsure about how to check or maintain your car’s fluids, don’t hesitate to have a professional mechanic take care of it during routine maintenance visits. Keeping your fluids clean and at the right levels is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain maximum performance and safety for your vehicle.