When you're in between tune-ups, regularly checking your vehicle's fluids is the best way to keep it running at optimal performance. A vehicle's owner manual recommends where fluid levels should be and at what intervals they should be topped off or changed. When fluid levels are properly filled, you’ll notice an increase in efficiency and an improvement on how the vehicle handles. Staying aware helps prevent significant engine damage. Below is an outline of essential fluids that should be flushed or refilled to improve vehicle efficiency.
Engine Oil
Engine oil acts as a lubricant for the engine's internal components. Clean engine oil reduces friction and prevents corrosion. By reducing the amount of friction, heat is spread evenly throughout the engine. Working hand in hand with the coolant, engine oil keeps the temperature of the engine stabilized. It's important to check the oil because clean oil adequately powers the engine. Dirty oil further picks up dirt, dust, and debris that reduces its effectiveness.
Coolant/Antifreeze
The engine is not only powerful; it's a complex system that produces an immense amount of heat. If not properly maintained, the engine can overheat. Coolant is a sweet-smelling liquid with a mixture of ethylene glycol and distilled water whose primary function is to absorb the engine's extreme heat. Coolant also comes in handy during those chilly winter months by protecting the engine from freezing. Coolant should be replaced every few years, but if you start to notice it's lower than usual, there may be a leak. Regularly check the coolant and top it off only when needed.
Powering Steering Fluid
Powering steering fluid ensures your steering wheel turns with ease. If this fluid becomes low, the steering wheel becomes stiff and hard to turn. The hydraulic fluid transmits power in the power steering system, and keeping it maintained is relatively inexpensive. As your vehicle gets older and picks up more miles, power steering components can wear out, leaving the system to work harder to perform.
Brake Fluid
Another sub-type of hydraulic fluids is the brake fluid. Brake fluid ensures your vehicle is working properly, and without it, your car would not stop when you press on the brake. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air and cause its essential properties to degrade. If you notice problems with your brakes, get it inspected immediately. The brake fluid should be replaced every two years, depending on driving habits.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid plays a vital role in your vehicle. Its primary functions are to lubricate all moving parts inside the automatic transmission, cool the transmission, and move energy from the engine to the wheels. Transmission fluids help all gears shift smoothly. As your vehicle tacks on over 50,000 miles, changing the transmission fluid will become a critical maintenance service to prepare for.
If it's time to top off your vehicle's fluids, look no further than Luke's Auto in Columbus, Ohio. We offer complete bumper to bumper inspections, tune-ups, oil changes, and more. Our technicians have experience in domestic, Asian, and European vehicles.