5 Vehicle Fluids You Need To Check
Whether you're gearing up to travel cross-country or just across town, there are a few things you need to check to make sure your car will get you to your destination. Performing a simple under the hood check can keep your car running smoothly and reliably. Here are 5 fluids in your vehicle you should check regularly.
Engine Oil
Checking the engine oil is something you should regularly. It's best to check it every time you gas up to understand how your car uses oil. To check your engine oil, remove the dipstick and wipe clean, then insert it for a clean read. The dipstick should have a normal range indicated. If it's low, add more following recommendations in your owner's manual and be careful not to over-fill. It's also important to change your oil as per the schedule in your owner's manual.
Coolant
Coolant keeps your car's engine from overheating in the summer and freezing up in the winter. It's important to note, do not check the coolant while the engine is still hot, as it's under pressure and could explode and spew hot fluid. To check the coolant, look for the clear overflow plastic container near the radiator. If the liquid is below the minimum line, fill with a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.
Power Steering
Power steering fluid helps your vehicle turn easier. While power steering doesn't require a lot of attention, and may not be on your regular service check, it's still very important to keep an eye on every now and then. To check, make sure the power steering fluid is between the minimum and maximum levels. The reservoir is located near the windshield base.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is an important part of your car's braking system. It transfers the force created when a driver presses the brake pedal directly onto the wheel hub. The brake fluid is usually in a clear reservoir marked with a minimum and maximum fill line. Fill if it's low, but have the brake system checked, as there could be a leak or the brake pad may be wearing.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is a lubricant for all moving parts inside the transmission. For automatic vehicles, it also acts as a coolant and a viscous fluid that transmits power from the engine to the transmission. It's best to check the fluid levels and change this as often as you would engine oil. If you don't change the transmission fluid on schedule, you'll be lubrication your transmission with metal shavings and other contaminants, which could shorten the transmission's life. Check the automatic transmission fluid while the engine is warmed up and running.
Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC wants to make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever comes its way. From road trips to taking you to work, we want to make sure your vehicle can make it to your destination. If you need help servicing your vehicle, our Lake of the Ozarks auto body shop can help. At Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC, we can get your vehicle serviced and back on the road quickly.
513 N. Business Route 5
Sales: 573.317.4191
Engine OilChecking the engine oil is something you should regularly. It's best to check it every time you gas up to understand how your car uses oil. To check your engine oil, remove the dipstick and wipe clean, then insert it for a clean read. The dipstick should have a normal range indicated. If it's low, add more following recommendations in your owner's manual and be careful not to over-fill. It's also important to change your oil as per the schedule in your owner's manual.
Coolant
Coolant keeps your car's engine from overheating in the summer and freezing up in the winter. It's important to note, do not check the coolant while the engine is still hot, as it's under pressure and could explode and spew hot fluid. To check the coolant, look for the clear overflow plastic container near the radiator. If the liquid is below the minimum line, fill with a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.
Power Steering
Power steering fluid helps your vehicle turn easier. While power steering doesn't require a lot of attention, and may not be on your regular service check, it's still very important to keep an eye on every now and then. To check, make sure the power steering fluid is between the minimum and maximum levels. The reservoir is located near the windshield base.
Brake fluid is an important part of your car's braking system. It transfers the force created when a driver presses the brake pedal directly onto the wheel hub. The brake fluid is usually in a clear reservoir marked with a minimum and maximum fill line. Fill if it's low, but have the brake system checked, as there could be a leak or the brake pad may be wearing.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is a lubricant for all moving parts inside the transmission. For automatic vehicles, it also acts as a coolant and a viscous fluid that transmits power from the engine to the transmission. It's best to check the fluid levels and change this as often as you would engine oil. If you don't change the transmission fluid on schedule, you'll be lubrication your transmission with metal shavings and other contaminants, which could shorten the transmission's life. Check the automatic transmission fluid while the engine is warmed up and running.
Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC wants to make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever comes its way. From road trips to taking you to work, we want to make sure your vehicle can make it to your destination. If you need help servicing your vehicle, our Lake of the Ozarks auto body shop can help. At Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC, we can get your vehicle serviced and back on the road quickly.
That's The Way We Do It At Hulett!
513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
Sales: 573.317.4191
Service: 573.317.4195
Comments
Post a Comment