Six Essential Car Fluids and How to Check Them

 

When you have a maintenance appointment in the service department at Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins, one of the first things the certified technicians will do is check your vehicle's essential car fluids. These fluids are a crucial part of keeping your car on the go in Macon and Dublin. You're likely familiar with all of them: 

• Engine oil
• Brake fluid
• Engine coolant
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Windshield wiper fluid

Even with regular maintenance appointments you need to know how to check essential fluids in your car. Find out everything you need to know about how and when to check car fluids. If you're due for some refills, schedule an appointment with Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins.

How to Check Essential Fluids in Your Car

While all six essential car fluids will be checked and refilled as needed during maintenance appointments, you should still know what they are and how to check the essential fluids in your car from home, Do you know when to check car fluids? That depends on the fluid and the part. When you check your essential car fluids you can catch leaks early, before they become a much bigger problem. You can also check the quality of the fluids to ensure they won't damage your car. Here's how to check the essential fluids in your car: 

Note: Before checking the level of any essential car fluids, wait until the engine has had time to cool for at least 30 minutes before opening the hood!

Motor Oil

• Purpose of motor oil: Prevents friction between engine parts and regulates engine temperature.
• When to change motor oil: Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six months is the average, but check your owner's manual for the specifics about your vehicle. 
• How to check motor oil: Find the dipstick underneath the hood. Insert it into the oil reservoir and check the level and consistency of the oil. Rub some of the oil between your thumb and index finger to feel for debris. 

Brake Fluid

• Purpose of brake fluid: Transfers movement and force from the brake pedal to the braking system.
• How often to replace brake fluid: Every 30,000 miles or two years. 
• How to check brake fluid: The fluid level should reach the marking on the side of the clear brake fluid reservoir underneath your car's hood. 

Engine Coolant

• Purpose of engine coolant: Optimizes temperature in your vehicle's cooling system and engine.
• When to replace engine coolant: Every 50,000 miles.
• How to check engine coolant: Make sure the fluid reaches the marking on the side of the engine coolant reservoir underneath your car's hood.

• Warning: Immediately clean any drips or leaks of coolant from the ground. Pets and other animals are drawn to the scent, but coolant is extremely toxic when ingested. 

Transmission Fluid

• Purpose of transmission fluid: Provides fast and smooth gear shifts.
• How often to replace transmission fluid: Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
• How to check transmission fluid: Some cars have a sealed transmission and must be checked by a professional. For an unsealed transmission, remove and re-insert the transmission fluid dipstick into the reservoir. Pull it out and observe the level of fluid. Check that the color of the fluid is a translucent dark red color. 

Power Steering Fluid

• Purpose of power steering fluid: Ensures proper function of the power steering hydraulic system, which multiplies the force you exert on your steering wheel.
• When to replace power steering fluid: As needed, if your vehicle is difficult to steer, or the power steering system needs frequent service.
• How to check power steering fluid: Locate the reservoir under your car's hood marked with a sterling wheel or the words 'power steering fluid.' Make sure the fluid reaches the marked level.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

• Purpose of windshield wiper fluid: Glass cleaner for your windshield
• When to replace windshield wiper fluid: As needed, when no fluid comes out of the sprayers on your windshield.
• How to check windshield wiper fluid: Open the hood and find the reservoir with a windshield washer symbol on the cap.

Save on Essential Car Fluids at Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins

Knowing when to check car fluids will help you prevent small problems from turning into big repairs. If you'd like to keep motor oil, windshield wiper fluid, or coolant on hand for top-offs, check the parts specials at Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins to save money while keeping your vehicle in great shape!