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Mar 22, 2018

A Great Falls, MT service technician pouring fluid into a vehicle | Taylor's Auto MaxHeat and friction from your car’s moving parts require lubrication, and without it, your car just can’t function properly. Most drivers know all about the lifeblood of every automobile’s engine — oil, but what other fluids does your car use? Don’t hit the road without an occasional once-over of your car’s vital fluids. Discover these five fluids you can’t afford to forget in your vehicle and satisfy your car’s thirst with these easy tips.

Transmission Fluid

It’s important to check your car’s transmission fluid regularly to prevent damage to your car’s powertrain. Just like oil lubricates your engine’s pistons, transmission fluid lubricates your car’s gears. It also provides the hydraulic pressure needed to operate your gearbox. Check your fluid monthly and replace it every 50,000 miles or as often as noted in your owner’s manual. Transmission fluid works within a closed system and should never “run out.”  If you notice a depletion in your transmission fluid levels, get your car to the dealer’s service center right away.

Brake Fluid

No one needs to explain the importance of fast braking, therefore checking your brake fluid should be a top priority. Similar to the way your transmission uses hydraulic pressure to shift gears, your brakes use fluid to apply pressure to your brake’s calipers. Also like transmission fluid, brakes operate in a closed system and should never be low on fluid. Check your brake fluid levels every time you check your engine oil, or about once a month, and anytime you notice a change in the way your brake pedal feels.

Radiator Coolant

With the help of your radiator, coolant or antifreeze helps protect your car from overheating, either by engine heat or high ambient temperatures. Coolant also acts as an “antifreeze” to prevent your engine block from freezing during the winter. Check your coolant levels every six months, in the spring and fall before significant seasonal temperature changes. Flush your radiator and completely replace coolant every two years, or as directed by your service technician.

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid was a phenomenal invention in 1951 that revolutionized the automotive industry. On today’s modern vehicle, without power steering fluid, it would be nearly impossible to control your car. Don’t risk a collision; check your car’s power steering fluid once a month or more often if you hear squeaking noises or the steering wheel is difficult to move when you make a turn.

Windshield Washer Fluid

While windshield washer fluid might seem trivial compared to obvious essentials like brake fluid, it’s a crucial part of your car’s safety components. Rain and even mist can attract dirt which sticks to your glass and limits visibility. Without washer fluid to clear away the grime, you could be in a situation where you’re driving blind.

This handy fluid checklist will make sure you’re keeping up with your car’s maintenance needs, and if any of these essential systems were to dry-up, repair costs could get pretty high. When in doubt, visit your dealership’s service center and schedule an appointment to have all your fluids checked. You’ll be glad you did.

 

“step 5” by Robert Couse-Baker, licensed via CC BY 2.0