As much as your vehicle is a mesh of electrical and mechanical wizardry, it can’t perform the way it does without a little lubrication to ensure friction is kept at bay. To that end, when it comes to maintaining your vehicle, there are some very specific fluids you should be concerned about—knowing when it check them, when to refill them and when to have them replaced. Take a look at five of these all-important fluids and what you need to know about them:
- Engine oil: It goes without saying that engine oil is the most important fluid you put in your vehicle (aside from gas!) and making sure that it’s changed regularly goes a long way in ensuring that you’re able to avoid premature engine repair in Conway, AR. The short of it is, engine oil helps to lubricate all of the moving parts in your engine and prevents friction from interrupting the engine’s operation. As for when you should have it changed, expect anywhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles, depending on the type of lubricant your vehicle uses and the overall viscosity of the oil itself.
- Transmission fluid: People hear the word transmission and they automatically assume that it’s something bad pertaining to auto repair in Conway, AR, however that’s not always the case—especially when you keep up on your transmission fluid. This red-amber colored fluid is going to be what keeps your transmission gears from gumming up after miles of wear and tear. Replacing it depends heavily on your vehicle’s transmission type, but expect to have your mechanic recommend it between 50,000 and 100,000 miles of driving.
- Coolant: Have you ever seen someone on the side of the road, hood propped open with steam billowing out? This is likely a person who skimped on their coolant refills and as a result, their radiator wasn’t able to keep their vehicle at an optimal temperature. Coolant is easy enough to be replaced and can be purchased at just about any hardware or auto store. Generally, you should be good for two or three years in between coolant refills.
- Brake fluid: If your brakes are feeling a bit clunky when you step on the pedal or you’re noticing that there seems to be a loss in pressure in your brake lines, it could be a result of low brake fluid. Because this system of your vehicle is a closed one, brake fluid is your first line of defense against premature breakdowns and failures. Expect to replace your brake fluid every two years or so, however your mechanic will likely always check it when you roll on in for routine maintenance.
- Power steering fluid: Ever wonder how you can crank a two ton vehicle around a corner with little to no effort at all? Thank your power steering system—or, more importantly, thank the power steering fluid that’s keeping that system functioning smoothly. Thankfully, you’ll rarely ever need to replace power steering fluid, but your mechanic will check it and top it off when you come in for routine service.