22 November 2022
 Categories: , Blog

Like other pieces of machinery, your car requires regular servicing to keep running safely, reliably and efficiently. One of the best ways to keep the vehicle functioning well is to check and add or change your automotive fluids in a timely fashion.

Here are some essential car fluids to check regularly.

Engine oil

Your engine produces the power necessary to keep your car moving on the road. If it fails, the vehicle will break down.

Since the engine consists of several moving parts that rub against each other as the vehicle runs, it must be adequately lubricated. Engine oil is the essential working fluid that serves this function. 

Engine oil checks help determine if you have sufficient oil flowing through your engine. If the oil level falls below the "low" markings, the engine might need a refill. If the oil is dirty, it might be time for an oil change.

Replenishing and replacing your engine oil in good time helps prevent the increased internal friction that causes overheating, ensuring the vehicle runs within the normal operating temperature range. It also helps keep the engine clean and healthy, prolonging its lifespan.

Transmission fluid

Your transmission is the vehicle component that converts engine power into the rotational force that makes your wheels turn, allowing you to go wherever you want to go.

Like the engine, it relies on fluid for proper lubrication and operation. When your auto transmission fluid leaks or becomes dirty, it loses its lubricating and cooling abilities, resulting in an overheated transmission. 

Transmission overheating can lead to costly vehicle damage if not addressed on time. Checking and changing your vehicle's transmission fluid as required helps to maximise the performance and lifespan of your car.

Brake fluid

Your brakes are a crucial part of your car's safety system. Without them, you'd have no way of slowing down or stopping your car while driving.

Since the brakes in your car are hydraulically operated, you need to check your brake fluid regularly. Low brake fluid causes your brakes to stop working effectively and this can compromise your safety and that of your passengers and other road users.

Your car isn't designed to run out of brake fluid, so low brake fluid is almost always a sign of leaks in your braking system.

Engine coolant

Your engine produces a lot of heat when it runs. As a result, it has a dedicated cooling system to cool it down and keep it operating within the acceptable temperature range.

Engine coolant is an integral part of your engine's cooling system. It is the mixture of water and chemicals (called antifreeze) found in your car's radiator. Checking your engine coolant level and topping it up when necessary is essential to prevent car overheating and avoid costly vehicle repairs.

A low engine coolant level often indicates the presence of leaks within your radiator and other engine's cooling system parts. These leaks must be detected and fixed before adding more coolant.

The primary reason for car servicing is to check the condition of your vehicle to perform maintenance and repairs necessary to keep the vehicle in good working condition. Visit an auto shop that offers car servicing to get started.