6 Essential Car Fluids and How to Check Them

We recommend checking essential car fluids at least once a month for best results in Albany, Tifton, and elsewhere. If you notice the performance of your car changing or if the windshield wiper fluid isn’t coming out as it should, it might be time to check a few things under the hood in your garage in Cordele or Valdosta. Our guide to checking the six essential car fluids will cover these items:

1. Engine oil
2. Brake fluid
3. Engine coolant
4. Transmission fluid
5. Power steering fluid
6. Windshield wiper fluid

Keep reading to learn more from Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. Simply checking these essential car fluids can save you major repairs later on!
 

How to Check Essential Fluids in Your Car

Knowing how to check essential fluids in your car can make it easier when it’s time. Consider checking them every time you fill up the gas tank during an ordinary week. That way, you keep this type of car maintenance task at the forefront of your mind when filling up on gas. 

There is one caveat. When understanding how to check essential fluids in your car, wait until the vehicle has cooled for at least 30 minutes before opening the hood. You don’t want to get scalded or burned! See more details about these essential car fluids:

Motor Oil

• Purpose of motor oil: Prevents friction between engine parts and regulates engine temperature.
• When to change motor oil: Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six months, depending on your make and model.
• How to check motor oil: Find the dipstick underneath the hood. Insert it into the oil reservoir and check the level and consistency of the oil. Some models have automatic oil change monitors based on your driving speed and conditions.

Brake Fluid

• Purpose of brake fluid: Transfers movement and force from the brake pedal to the braking system.
• How often to replace brake fluid: Every 30,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. 
• How to check brake fluid: The fluid level should reach the marking on the side of the clear brake fluid reservoir underneath your car’s hood. Check your owner’s manual for the location of the brake fluid reservoir.

Engine Coolant

• Purpose of engine coolant: Optimizes temperature in your vehicle’s cooling system and engine.
• When to replace engine coolant: Every 50,000 miles.  
• How to check engine coolant: The fluid level should reach the marking on the side of the engine coolant reservoir underneath your car’s hood. Never unscrew the cap of the reservoir when the motor is hot.

Transmission Fluid

• Purpose of transmission fluid: Ensures fast and smooth gear shifts while preventing the gears from warping due to high heat.
• How often to replace transmission fluid (for cars with automatic transmission): Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or more, depending on your vehicle.
• How to check transmission fluid (for cars with automatic transmission): Remove and re-insert the transmission fluid dipstick into the reservoir. Pull it out and observe the level of fluid. Check that the color of the fluid is a translucent dark red color. If you have a sealed transmission, you’ll need a factory-trained service technician to look at it.

Power Steering Fluid

• Purpose of power steering fluid: Ensures proper function of the power steering hydraulic system, which multiplies the force you exert on your steering wheel.
• When to replace power steering fluid: As needed, when your vehicle is difficult to steer or the power steering system needs frequent service.
• How to check power steering fluid: Find the reservoir under your car’s hood marked with a steering wheel symbol or the words ‘power steering fluid’ on it. Make sure the fluid reaches the marked level.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

• Purpose of windshield wiper fluid: Helps keep the windshield clean if it accumulates dirt and grime.
• When to replace windshield wiper fluid: As needed, when no fluid comes out of the sprayers on your windshield.
• How to check windshield wiper fluid: Open the hood and find the reservoir with a windshield washer symbol on the cap. Wiper fluid is often blue or pink. Consider winter fluid to help keep your windshield free of ice.

Learn More About Essential Car Fluids With Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

Do you have questions about car service? Is it time for your vehicle’s next regular maintenance? Contact us, call (229) 800-1112, or schedule service with our team. Read more service tips from Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM if you want more information.