23 Jun What Are The Top 6 Auto Fluids To Check This Summer?
It’s that time again when many of us are gearing up for our family’s annual summer road trip. We have packed the ice chest, camping gear, and sunscreen. All the essentials are packed and ready to go, but it feels like we are forgetting something… Did you check your vehicle’s auto fluids? Low coolant, engine oil, and brake fluid can halt your trip before you reach your destination. Vehicle safety, efficiency, and performance depend on routine maintenance, so let’s review a few basics.
Can Low Auto Fluids Damage My Car?
According to most auto manufacturers’ guidelines, low fluids can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Monitoring your vehicle’s auto fluids is part of routine maintenance and essential to its continued operation. You won’t get far on your summer road trip with insufficient fluids. You can avoid an overheating engine, brake fade, and a dodgy air conditioner by checking the levels of the following six auto fluids.
1) Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in automotive braking systems. It amplifies brake pedal application into a substantial braking force. This process occurs in a closed, pressurized system; it works because liquids are not appreciably compressible. Most brake fluids used today are one of the following types:
- Glycol-based (DOT3, DOT4, Super DOT4 and DOT5.1)
- Mineral oil-based
- Silicone-based (DOT 5)
How To Check It
Generally speaking, your vehicle does not consume brake fluid under normal operating conditions. A leak in the braking system typically causes a low level of brake fluid. To check your brake fluid, locate the plastic brake master cylinder reservoir, usually near the firewall at the rear of the engine compartment. Most reservoirs are translucent and have indicator lines on the exterior to indicate the fluid level. Schedule a brake inspection if your brake fluid level is low. Worn brake pads lower the brake fluid in the reservoir, so get that fixed before topping off your fluid.
2) Coolant
Antifreeze is a chemical additive that lowers the freezing point and increases the boiling point of a water-based liquid. Its primary function is to absorb heat from internal combustion engines. Corrosion inhibitors and lubricants help protect internal components in electrochemically incompatible metals (aluminum, cast iron, copper, brass, solder, etc.). The radiator circulates coolant through a series of tubes and hoses to lubricate and cool the engine. Inadequate coolant levels can lead to inefficient air conditioning, overheating components, and engine damage.
How To Check It
To check your coolant, park your vehicle on level ground. The engine must be cool to prevent burns from hot coolant.
- Locate the coolant reservoir under the hood. It is usually semi-transparent plastic with fill line indicators on the outside.
- Verify the coolant level is adequate – between the ADD and FULL indicator lines. If the level is low, add more coolant mixture (50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water). Always use the correct coolant for your vehicle and never mix coolant types.
- If the coolant appears foamy, sludgy, milky or contains particulate matter, schedule a service appointment to identify and resolve the issue.
3) Engine Oil
Most engine oils are refined crude oil used for lubricating internal combustion engines. In general, they consist of a base oil with chemical additives to improve performance. All vehicles with internal combustion engines require engine oil to operate. The oil absorbs and transfers the excess heat created during combustion in a continuous process. Its lubrication properties prevent excess wear to moving parts. Chemical detergents in the oil reduce sludge and carbon build-up inside your vehicle’s engine. The oil and additives are ‘consumables,’ since they get used up or wear out over time. For this reason, auto manufacturers suggest periodic oil changes.
How To Check It
To check the engine oil in vehicles with an oil dipstick, follow these steps:
- Park your warmed-up vehicle on flat, level ground.
- Raise the hood and locate the oil dipstick – it’s usually a brightly colored plastic handle with the word ‘oil’ or an oilcan icon on it.
- Remove the dipstick and wipe it off with a clean rag or paper towel.
- Reinsert the dipstick all the way and remove it again to read the oil level.
- The indicator lines say something like ‘Full’ or ‘Safe’ at the upper level and ‘Low’ or ‘Add’ at the lower level.
- If the fluid level shows inadequate oil, add more. Only use the factory-recommended engine oil formula for your vehicle. Read your owner’s manual for guidance.
Note: Some newer model cars feature a self-check option that monitors engine oil levels through the digital instrument cluster. Read your owner’s manual for operational information on this feature. Other car models may send a notice or warning when the engine oil is low or needs to be changed. Self-checking systems typically don’t have a manual method for checking the oil level.
4) Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid is a pressurized hydraulic fluid that assists the driver in moving the steering wheel in a power steering system. It also lubricates the moving parts in the system, ensuring they function correctly. New power steering fluid is mostly clear with a red, pink, or amber tint. Power steering fluid that is opaque brown or black, or appears foamy, is contaminated and requires service.
How To Check It
To check your car’s power steering fluid, follow these simple steps.
- Warm up the engine to a normal operating temperature and park on a level ground.
- Turn the steering wheel to the right until it stops, then turn it to the left until it stops. Repeat this process several times.
- Turn off the engine.
- Open the hood and locate the yellow or white plastic power steering reservoir with a black cap.
- Open the cap and wipe the dipstick clean with a rag.
- Close the cap entirely and reopen it to observe the fluid level on the stick. The power steering fluid is adequate if it falls between the MAX and MIN lines.
- Add more fluid if it is low. Use only the factory-suggested power steering fluid specified in your owner’s manual.
5) Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is a hydraulic, lubricating auto fluids that protect your vehicle’s clutch and gears from excessive wear and overheating. Ongoing insufficient transmission fluid can shorten your transmission’s lifespan and result in expensive repairs.
How To Check It
To check your transmission fluid, locate the transmission dipstick under the hood in the engine compartment. It may be close to the firewall and marked with the transmission symbol. Don’t confuse it with the oil dipstick, which has an oil can symbol.
- Remove the transmission dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
- Reinsert the dipstick all the way and remove it again to see where the fluid level falls on the indicator lines.
- If the level is good, replace the dipstick completely.
- If the level is low, add the correct transmission fluid type to raise the level into the safe zone, and then completely replace the dipstick.
Note: Some newer model cars feature closed transmissions without a dipstick. The onboard computer monitors the fluid level electronically. If you suspect low transmission fluid in a newer model car, schedule a service so your technician can verify that your vehicle has sufficient levels.
6) Windshield Washing Fluid
Windshield washing fluid comes in many pre-mixed and concentrated formulas. They usually include additives to help remove debris, soften the water, and prevent freezing. Typically, windshield washing fluid is colored blue to help differentiate it from other auto fluids.
How To Check It
To check your windshield washing fluid, park your vehicle on level ground. Open your hood and locate the translucent plastic reservoir for washer fluid. It usually has a window icon on the cap. Open the cap and look inside. Some reservoirs have level indicator marks on the outside, while others have them on the inside. If the tank is less than half full, add more washer fluid to the tank. Once you are satisfied with the fluid level, replace the cap and wipe up any spilled washer fluid.
Auto Fluid Service in Jacksonville, FL
JJ’s Auto Care is a family-owned and operated company that has been providing quality automotive repairs in Jacksonville, FL, since 1991. You can count on our experienced technicians to thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s auto fluids and refill the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid with factory-compliant formulas.
Make An Auto Fluid Appointment
Low auto fluids? Call us today at (904) 721-6646 or schedule an appointment online today!