Everyone knows that most cars need gasoline to run, but that’s not the only fluid that’s crucial to an automobile’s function. Your car is a complex piece of machinery, and it has numerous fluids that are integral to several of its functions.
Knowing the basics of car fluid maintenance and understanding the fluids in your car in Madison, TN can help you keep your vehicle on the road and working properly for a long time. Here are some tips and information on maintaining your car’s fluids.
Oil
Your car’s oil is critical to the function of the engine, and you should check it regularly. To check the oil, take your car out for a short spin, then park it and wait five minutes, allowing it to cool down.
Next, pop the hood and take out the dipstick, wipe it down with a paper towel and insert it to check the oil level. If it’s between the two lines denoting that there’s enough oil, then it’s fine, but if it’s below that you will need to add more or have it checked by a mechanic.
Radiator fluid
This fluid prevents your car from overheating, but be sure to never check it when the car is running or still hot from being driven, as the pressurized fluid can shoot out and cause painful burns.
This fluid is best checked when your vehicle is not cold, but warm. Using a rag, locate the radiator fluid tank in the front middle of your engine and gently remove the radiator cap. If you can’t see any radiator fluid when you look into the engine, you’ll need to add more.
Power steering fluid
The power steering in your car likely requires pressurized fluid to function. You can check it in a similar way that you checked your oil, by consulting the owner’s manual and using the dipstick provided to check the levels.
If it’s low, you can top it off, but be sure to check your owner’s manual for the correct type of fluid, as using the wrong variety can damage your power steering. If you repeatedly need to add more power steering fluid, you may have a leak and should take your car in to a professional.
Transmission fluid
Your vehicle can’t run without a working transmission, and transmission fluid serves as the lubricant allowing all the moving parts inside to function. Many vehicles are designed so that you’ll never have to replace or replenish your transmission fluid, but knowing how to check it is still helpful.
Some cars have a dipstick system like the oil and power steering fluid mentioned above, and you should have your car turned on and in park to get a conclusive reading. The fluid should be red or amber in color and have a smooth feel, and not be cloudy, gritty or dark. Once you’ve filled the transmission fluid, while using the brake, move the gearshift through all the different gears to get the fluid working and moving throughout the transmission.
Call for a fluid check today
In addition to the above-mentioned fluids, there’s brake fluid and windshield washer fluid that also need to be maintained and checked. While understanding your car’s fluids can help, let the experts in car fluid maintenance in Madison, TN have a look at your car. At Madison Muffler & Auto Repair, we’ve seen it all when it comes to vehicle maintenance, and we have the expertise and experience to fix any car trouble you may be experiencing.