The 6 Most Important Fluids to Check This Spring
April 29, 2021
Springtime is the best time to conduct some much-needed cleaning and maintenance around your house and in your car! If the beautiful weather beckons you for a ride, make sure your vehicle is in the best shape before heading out.
One simple thing you can do to keep your car functioning properly and safely is to check your vehicle’s fluids on a regular basis. Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle, providing proper lubrication, temperature control, and more. Take it from our team of experts here at Rob’s Automotive, based in Bristol, PA, as to what fluids are important to check for in your car this spring season. Then, schedule a professional service with one of our skilled mechanics at your earliest convenience!
The Essential Fluids
It’s natural to want only the best care and maintenance for your car — after all, as your primary mode of transportation, you rely on it heavily and cannot afford to have it breakdown or start malfunctioning. With that in mind, take care to inspect these essential fluids on a regular basis:
- Engine oil
- Transmission fluid
- Steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Coolant/antifreeze
- Windshield wiper fluid
Keep It Running: Engine and Transmission
In order to ensure your car is ideal for driving, your engine and transmission must remain properly lubricated and retain an optimal temperature. These systems have a lot of moving parts and without the proper lubrication, said parts would create friction and overheat. Maintaining an adequate supply of engine oil and transmission fluid is imperative to your vehicle’s health.
Transmission fluid transmits power from the engine to the transmission, allowing you to smoothly shift gears and drive while not harming the integrity of the transmission itself. Similarly, engine oil acts as a lubricant to a handful of moving parts within your vehicle, preventing wear and tear that can lead to serious damage.
Your engine and transmission are, essentially, the heart of your vehicle and, thus, need to be maintained properly. Be sure to schedule regular transmission fluid and oil changes!
Keep It Safe: Steering and Brakes
Likewise, you should always have steady control over your vehicle’s steering and accessibility to the brakes for safety. What you may not know, however, is that without power steering fluid and brake fluid, this isn’t possible.
Power steering fluid and brake fluid are both fundamental to the hydraulic system. Their primary function is to transfer power from the steering wheel and brake to their respective internal mechanisms. These fluids also protect moving parts from wearing down or becoming brittle. Without them, you would not be able to safely control your vehicle’s movement and speed.
Keep It Comfortable: Windshields and Temperature Control
In the warmer months ahead, your car should be a cool oasis. One of the most important fluids for your vehicle’s temperature regulation year-round is coolant. This is responsible for ensuring your engine doesn’t overheat, especially when it’s already hot outside.
Spring weather also brings pollen and other airborne debris that can dirty your windshield. What better way to clean it than with some washer fluid? Windshield wiper fluid may not seem as crucial as other fluids, but it can have a big impact on your visibility.
How Do I Check Car Fluids?
As you perform a little DIY car maintenance this spring, don’t forget to check your car’s fluid levels to make sure everything is running smoothly. Let’s review where you could generally find these six essential fluids: transmission fluid, engine oil, steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
How Often Should I Check?
In order to maintain safe levels, you should check car fluids on a regular basis — we recommend once a month or whenever you get your oil changed. Should you find anything concerning and want to enlist the help of a skilled technician, always know that you can turn to Rob’s Auto Center.
Trusted Automotive Repair Services
Given that we are ASE Certified and an AAA Approved Auto Repair Center, you can count on our team to carefully and skillfully address any issues with your vehicle around Bristol, PA. Rob’s Auto is proud to have earned certifications from over 14 major manufacturers, so your car is always in good hands. Besides your typical maintenance services, we offer towing services as well as car and truck repair services, to name a few. Contact us today to learn more!