Your vehicle might seem like a huge amalgamation of metal moving parts, electrical components and just about anything else you can imagine in a machine, but the one essential component that most people forget about in their vehicles is the various fluids. That’s right: where there are moving parts and mechanical components, there are fluids that will help to ease the friction and facilitate operation.
Fluids are an essential part of the vehicular equation for a number of reasons and it stands to reason that if you pay attention to the various fluids that are present in your vehicle, you’ll be better equipped to reduce problems that might arise from improper maintenance. That being said, aside from engine oil, people aren’t too familiar with the exact fluids that are hard at work throughout their vehicle. Here’s a quick list of some of them:
- Transmission fluid is present in your transmission to facilitate the seamless shifting of gears and to prevent grinding that can cause transmission breakdowns or malfunctions. This fluid is red in color and part of a closed system, meaning it should never be “low.” It’s a good idea to check this fluid monthly and consider replacing it every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Coolant is a fluid that many people are familiar with, but one that might not be at the forefront of your mind when it comes to vehicle maintenance. The fact is, you can avoid all sorts of auto repair in Madison, TN by replacing your coolant every two or three years and having a mechanic look at your vehicle if you have coolant issues in between.
- Brake fluid is another essential that needs to be carefully monitored during routine maintenance inspections and services. It’s a good idea to check this every time you have your oil changed, but it’s not likely that you’ll have to replace it any more often than every couple of years.
- Power steering fluid is something many people aren’t even aware of, but it’s certainly something that you’ll need to keep on top of throughout the life of your vehicle. If it gets hard to turn the wheel of your vehicle or you’re noticing sluggishness from the wheel itself, power steering fluid might be the answer!
Again, the most popular fluid in your car is absolutely the engine oil and, like all of the fluids listed above, it needs to be considered as a functional aspect of vehicle maintenance. Oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles are essential to maintaining the functionality of your vehicle for years to come.
Taking the time to consider these highly important fluids will cut down on many of the issues that can arise as the result of not having fluids that are up to par. Whether it’s cooling your engine, minimizing friction or lubricating components, fluids are part of what makes your vehicle function at the high level you expect it to. Don’t discount them the next time you’re plotting out routine maintenance!