Do you follow a regular vehicle fluid maintenance schedule? If not, now might be a good time to put together a plan. Your vehicle’s systems and engine components are supported by important fluids, such as motor oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. Without these vital fluids, your vehicle systems will become significantly damaged and/or fail. In this month’s blog post, we review each of these critical vehicle fluids and the suggested timeframes for replacement.
Oil
The engine fluid that most drivers are familiar with is the motor oil. Your hard-working engine requires motor oil for many reasons – temperature control, lubrication, and cleaning. Because the engine is subjected to temperature extremes and constant friction, motor oil efficacy diminishes over time. Oil picks up dirt and grime or may leak from various parts of the engine. Oil levels should be checked every two to three months. If you are doing a lot of driving, you may want to check the level every month.
There are a variety of oils that drivers can use in their vehicles – from conventional oil to synthetic, to synthetic blends. The timeframes for replacement really depend on the oil type, amount of driving, and the general condition of your vehicle. The suggested timeframe for conventional oil is usually between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. Synthetics have a much longer lifespan and may not need replacement even up to 12,000 miles.
Power Steering Fluid
Without power steering fluid, turning the steering wheel would be a very difficult task. Steering fluid provides the hydraulic power for the steering to work without much effort from the driver. Power steering fluid is usually overlooked, until a problem presents itself with the vehicle steering. When the fluid is low or aged, it will affect the performance of your steering. You may find it difficult to make turns, or there will be unusual sounds from the steering pump. There are varying suggested replacement timeframes for steering fluid and so you should consult with your vehicle owner’s manual. Your vehicle manufacturer should provide the proper timeframes based upon your vehicle specifications.
Transmission Fluid
Whether you drive a manual or automatic transmission, both types use a fluid for lubrication and temperature control. Your transmission fluid does not require frequent changing; however, it can be subjected to leaks in the system. Many drivers who experience transmission challenges, may consider a leak as the root cause. There are some transmissions in today’s vehicles that are completely sealed, and there’s no need to replace the fluid. But most transmissions will eventually need a fluid change and the timeframe is typically every 50,000 – 75,000 miles driven.
Coolant
Coolant is the fluid that circulates from your vehicle’s radiator, through the engine. The radiator functions to cool the fluid, then re-circulate it to cool the components of the engine. If you are low on coolant, your vehicle can quickly overheat. It is very important to maintain your coolant, as an overheating engine can cause damage or even cracking to your radiator. Check coolant levels every few months and replenish any lost fluids. If you must replenish the fluids consistently, there may be a leak somewhere. You should have a coolant flush performed every 20,000 miles or two years, to replace the old coolant with clean fluid.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid plays an important role in helping your braking system function. The fluid creates hydraulic pressure that is applied to the braking components to stop the vehicle. Sometimes, leaks may develop in the brake lines and that will impact your safety. You may notice a soft pedal, or slower braking ability that could be tied to brake fluid. Brake fluid should be replaced every 20,000 miles. It’s a good idea to check the levels every six months to a year.
Keeping track of your vehicle’s fluids is critical to extending the health and safety of your vehicle. Develop a plan that includes periodic checks of vehicle fluid levels, inspection of the fluid, and scheduled replacements. If you would like to establish a maintenance plan, contact the service professionals at Car Kings to schedule an appointment and inspection.