The Different Types of Fluids Used in Cars
The Different Types of Fluids Used in Cars
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One essential part of maintaining your vehicle is checking essential car fluids. What are the six critical car fluids, and how do you check them? Learn how to check crucial fluids in your car here, including brake fluid and windshield wiper fluid.
As a car operates, it creates heat. To deal with all the heat, the engine relies on a few essential fluids to lubricate moving parts and keep cool. Here’s a breakdown of seven of those fluids:
1. Engine Oil:
Engine oil is one of the most critical substances in your car’s engine. Unless you drive an electric car, engine oil lubricates moving parts and keeps engine temperatures within a normal range. As a general rule, we recommend checking the oil at least once a month, or more frequently if your car burns or leaks oil and changing the oil every 5,000-7,000 miles.
2. Coolant:
As the name indicates, the coolant regulates engine temperature. By absorbing heat and dissipating it through the radiator, coolant prevents excessive heat buildup and keeps the engine safe.
When to check it: Coolant has a longer lifespan than engine oil and should be changed every 30,000 miles.
3. Brake Fluid:
Brake fluid transmits your foot’s force on the brake pedal down to the braking system to stop your car. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air and becomes less effective.
When to check it: Brake fluid should be changed at least once every two years and should be checked every 5,000-7,000 miles.
4. Transmission Fluid:
Transmission fluid lubricates and cools the moving components in your car’s gear system. It also functions as a hydraulic fluid, allowing the transmission computer to operate individual mechanical parts.
When to check it: The transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles on a manual transmission and every 60,000 to 100,000 miles on an automatic transmission.
5. Differential Fluid:
On four- and rear-wheel drive vehicles, the differential fluid provides cooling and lubrication to the bearings and gears within the differential.
When to check it: Inspect the fluid during each oil change. Change it every 30,000 to 60,000 m
6. Power Steering Fluid:
Power steering fluid makes it easy to manipulate the steering column, creating that easy turn we all love in our cars.
When to check it: Check and change the power steering fluid about every two years or 75,000-100,000 miles.
7. Windshield Wiper Fluid:
Unlike the other fluids on this list, windshield wiper fluid doesn’t serve an essential purpose in your car’s engine or mechanical parts.
When to check it: Fill it with each oil change and carry a spare jug with you to refill on the go.
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