The Importance of Car Fluids
A number of systems in your car depend on special types offluidsto run effectively. To do this, car fluids must be at the right level and in good condition. Consequently, you need to service all these fluids as part of your car or truck routine maintenance tasks. Becoming familiar with their particular checkpoints, purpose and characteristics will let you better service all these fluids to keep your vehicle operating in good condition and maximize its service life.Your vehicle's different fluidsRegardless of the kind of auto or truck you might have, you need to know the various fluids your vehicle uses and their checkpoints. In most cases, your car owner's manual will point you to the engine coolant reservoir, engine and transmission oil dipstick, brake fluid reservoir, windshield washer reservoir, plus steering fluid reservoir. Also, a good source for this information is the service manual for your specific vehicle make and model.Just what is the function of these fluidsEvery fluid your vehicle uses has a particular function. Engine oil, for instance, shields moving parts from friction, accelerated wear and even damage. Without it, the engine would self-destruct in minutes. You can actually say the same about the purpose of your transmission oil.Coolant, on the other hand, helps eliminate unwanted heat from the engine. Without coolant, engine parts would certainly meltdown rather quickly, rendering the engine useless. Thus, every fluid in your vehicle gives some form of protection, helping to increase the service life of that system.Specific types of fluidsThe fluid found in a specific system in your car may vary from the fluid found in the same system of another vehicle. Engine oil, for example, is available in various grades of viscosity-like 10W-30, 15W-40 or 20W-20-and with a unique service rating. This particular rating will be specified using a couple of letters such as SE, SH or even CA, and determines the actual fluid's performance. You car owner's manual will tell you the engine oil's viscosity and service rating suggested for use on your vehicle make and model. Transmission fluid and antifreeze, in addition, come with varying specifications targeted at different vehicle models.Why you must service fluidsJust like any other part or component in your vehicle, fluids wear out eventually. As a result, you have tocheck, add andreplaceevery system's fluid as suggested by your car manufacturer. Chiefly because fluids become contaminated with dirt, acids, and many other foreign particles, losing their chemical structure and protecting qualities.Nevertheless, you won't need special skills or a properly equipped facility to service these fluids. Generally, it is possible to service each fluid at home using a few basic tools. The car owner's manual or the service manual for your specific vehicle will walk you through the proper procedure.A good reference to learn about the various fluids in your vehicle, amount required, type of fluid to use, and service time period, is your car owner's manual. Even so, a vehicle service manual, available on the Internet or through most auto parts stores, will give you a far more complete explanation of every system, including step-by-step procedures to check and change every fluid, as necessary.
