Do you know that your motor vehicle needs a lot more than fuel to save you from unexpected breakdowns, dangerous mishaps, and “why is my engine making noise” moments? Just like every human demands nutrients and water to stay healthy, automotives also require an array of fluids to perform at their peak. From coolant and engine oil to transmission fluids, your car needs cocktails that keep itself running efficiently and safely on the road.
Imagine driving with your family to the mountains, and suddenly, your engine throws a tantrum and gets extremely hot. Terrible right? This is what happens when you ignore these essential fluids. Therefore, keeping them in check can extend the lifespan of your car while enhancing fuel efficiency. Now, understanding these fluids is no rocket science. This blog spills the oil on must-know fluids to help you give your car the love it deserves. So, stay tuned and take control of your vehicle’s health.
The Fluid Formula: Essential Liquids for the Best Performance
Just like we need proper hydration to stay active, and similarly, your car should not skip its essential fluids! Here are a few fluids that your car needs to run at its peak performance:
1. The Engine Oil
Commonly known as the lifeblood of any vehicle, engine oil ensures proper lubrication and smooth performance. It lubricates all the moving components of the engine to reduce friction and prevent excessive heat. What happens if your engine is not lubricated? Unexpected breakdowns, dangerous accidents, and costly repairs. Check the user manual before selecting the oil to make sure you are giving your engine the suitable fluid to it. After all, a little attention today can make a big difference tomorrow.
How to Check: This is an incredibly important task that every vehicle owner should be in the habit of doing. Firstly, keep your car at ground level with a cool engine. Take a dipstick and soak it in the oil. If the colour of the oil is amber, it highlights that it is fresh. The dark colour means it is time for change.
2. Transmission Fluid
Playing a vital role in making the car shift gears smoothly, transmission fluid is all about maintaining a balance between the wheels and engine of the vehicle. Whether you drive a manual car or an automatic one, this fluid will ensure optimum performance and longevity. Beyond a mere lubricant, it carries the heat away from the engine component to keep the temperature in control. The good part? It acts as a hydraulic fluid in automatic transmission for a seamless shift and a lubricator in manual transmission for smooth operation.
How to Check: This is a fairly simple step for all automatic car owners. All you need is a dipstick. Dip the stick in the automatic transmission fluid and notice the colour – if it is clear, then you are good, and if it is dark, then you need to change. On the other hand, for manual transmissions, opt for a professional inspection.
3. Coolant
Have you heard automotive enthusiasts say that any vehicle runs best when it operates at an adequate temperature? Yes, it is true! Meet coolant, it circulates inside the engine, absorbs the heat, and prevents overheating and freezing to save your day. Wondering what will happen if you skip it? Your engine’s health can be in trouble, leading to overheating, corrosion, or even a complete breakdown. That’s why coolant is an essential part of your vehicle’s care routine, no matter the season.
How to Check: Doing this is quite simple but it demands a little patience. First things first, never check the coolant when the engine is hot. Now, open the bonnet and check the levels of the coolant reservoir. If it is between the minimum and maximum levels, you are all set. And if it’s below the minimum level? Change it immediately.
4. Brake Fluid
When it comes to driving, there is no component more valuable than brakes. But behind those efficient and reliable brakes is brake fluid. Known as a hydraulic fluid, it easily transfers the force you put on the brake pedal to the brakes itself. The result? The vehicle instantly stops when you want it to. What more? Choosing the right brake oil is highly necessary as the wrong one can compromise the performance, and we all know the importance of safety on the road.
How to Check: Every car owner wants to prevent accidents and breakdowns. To get started, find the brake fluid reservoir; it is often near the bay of the engine on the driver’s side. Take a dipstick and soak in the oil to check the colour. Light amber or golden colour? No change is required. Dark or murky? It needs a change.
5. Power Steering Fluid
Ever wondered what keeps your car’s steering wheel smooth and efficient, even after making quick turns? Yes, it is power steering fluid! It ensures that your steering wheel instantly responds to your touch, making driving easy and safe. Therefore, like all other fluids, power steering fluid also needs to be checked at optimal intervals for smooth operation of the vehicles. After all, no one wants stiff, unresponsive steering, wear and tear of engine components, and expensive garage bills.
How to Check: Most cars have a power steering fluid reservoir under the bonnet, allowing an easy analysis. Make sure the level of the fluid is between minimum and maximum. Also, check the colour of the fluid with a dipstick – amber means clean and dark means time to change.
Summing Up
Giving a regular check on the engine oil and other fluids of your vehicles is more like a standard health check-up – smooth performance, longevity, and safety. Why? Because a little maintenance goes a long way in preventing costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. So, stay proactive, treat your car well, and it will reward you with a flawless ride for miles to come. Happy Driving!
