Proper Vehicle Fluids

Maintaining your vehicle is important because it ensures that it will run smooth and last longer. Maintenance involves more than oil changes and detailing it. Your vehicle needs proper fluids to operate safely and last longer. Having low fluid levels can cause premature break downs or even accidents. These are the fluids you should check in your vehicle on a regular time schedule.

First and very important is brake fluid. The level should always be full at the most to two thirds full at the least. This fluid system is a closed one, so if you find that the fluid runs low a lot there could be a leak and should be fixed immediately. If you are unsure of how or where to check the brake fluid, refer to the owner’s manual for your vehicle. Usually the compartment to check is near the engine, and will be labeled brake fluid reservoir.

Perhaps the most important fluid in your car or truck is the oil. You should change the oil yourself or get an oil change every three months or three thousand miles, whichever comes first. Just like the blood in our bodies, the oil is the bloodline in our cars. It should be clean and properly filled. When changing the oil and replacing the oil filter, be sure that you or your mechanic are using the proper oil for your vehicle. There are different grades and qualities, so check the owner’s manual to find which one you need.

Transmission fluid can be a little more risky to check because it has to be done while your vehicle is running. You check the levels of fluid here like you do the oil. There is a dipstick with a leveler on it that is located next to the oil dipstick. Because the car is running while you do this, unlike the oil, don’t wear loose clothing or low hanging jewelry. Usually you won’t need to fill the fluid because it will hardly ever be low. It’s good to check though because a low reading could mean there’s a leak.

Another really important fluid that should be checked weekly is coolant or antifreeze. It prevents the engine from overheating or freezing up in cold weather. This is really easy to check and refill when it gets low. Pay attention to the type of coolant you purchase because some need to be mixed with water. The fluid is a bright green color and is easy to check because there is a reservoir right near the front of the hood next to the radiator. If the levels are low a lot you run the risk of overheating and ruining the vehicle’s engine.

If the power steering starts to make noises when you turn your car, you probably are low of power steering fluid. The reservoir for the power steering is usually always next to the belts under the hood. In cars, it’s usually on the passenger side. If the fluid level is low you will have a hard time steering which will make for unsafe driving conditions. Normally, the reservoir is clear so you can see if you need to refill the power steering, but if it isn’t just unscrew the cap and look in the reservoir.

Another liquid that should be filled for safety reasons but won’t harm your vehicle if the level is low is windshield wiper fluid. In the event of dirt or bugs getting on your windshield while driving, you need to keep your view clear when you drive by cleaning the windshield.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.