Monitoring the Fluid levels is one of the essential maintenance tasks that need to be performed every now and then. This due diligence, which is an integral part of preventive maintenance, ensures the car’s optimal performance, health, and longevity. The good news is that checking car fluids is one of the simplest tasks you can do, and yet, it goes a long way in making your vehicle work like a charm.

Liquid lunch

There are no excuses, really. Keeping a close eye on fluids requires you to just occasionally lift the hood. It all comes down to knowing where to look and what to look for. And it really makes a difference too.

You have to pay special attention to car parts that are not static, those that rotate and handle the lion’s share of the work. Fluids are paramount because they provide lubrication and mitigate the impact of wear and tear.

Ultimately, this minimizes the chances of a serious mechanical breakdown occurring. Apart from preventing accidents, fluid maintenance also saves thousands of dollars down the road.

So, what does it mean exactly to check the fluids in a regular manner? In general, all fluids should be refilled as often as indicated in the owner’s manual. Using quality Castrol products can help you avoid nasty surprises.  

Engine oil

Engine oil is perhaps the most important fluid in your car. It lubricates the moving parts of the Engine and does not allow them to grind against each other, thus protecting the metal surfaces from damage. Refilling the oil regularly also decreases friction and heating. What is more, Engine Oil thwarts clogging that transpires due to the accumulation of fuel by-products.

Those who neglect the engine oil replenishing eventually face the prospect of their engine ceasing. As a rule of thumb, it needs changing every six months or 3,000 miles.

Transmission fluid

Furthermore, transmission fluid, as the name suggests, facilitates the transmission. Similarly to engine oil, it lubricates as well as cools down the transmission parts of the car, does away with contaminants, and prevents overheating. When the levels are optimal, drivers can shift gears nice and easy and steer clear of the danger zone.

The frequency of fluid change varies depending on your vehicle, while the type of fluid is determined by the form of transmission (automatic or manual). Usually, it is replenished every 50,000 – 100,000 miles.

Brake fluid

From the safety standpoint, brake fluid is the crucial piece of the mechanical puzzle. It is actually a hydraulic variant of fluid that withstands high pressures and temperatures. Basically, it resists compression that would turn it into gaseous form and keeps corrosion of parts at bay. So, when you put the pedal to the metal, the brake fluid transfers the force to the rotor, effectively halting the vehicle.

Forsaking this maintenance duty reduces the pressure applied to the rotor and impedes the car’s braking capability. It goes without saying that this puts you at perilous risk during driving. So, change it every two years.

Coolant fluid

There are some other fluids drivers have to take notice of, such as the coolant fluid. Also known as anti-freeze, it is found in the car radiator and it dissipates the heat away from your engine. Furthermore, it inhibits rust accumulation and keeps the water pump functioning properly. During winter, the coolant fluid also prevents the water from freezing.

In case you fail to refill the coolant, your engine will start to heat, and your car will eventually come to a stop. So, do it every two or three years.

Power steering fluid

Finally, we have another type of hydraulic product, the power steering fluid. Of course, it is responsible for smooth steering of the vehicle. Whenever the wheel is turned, the pressurized fluid steps in and allows you to have an easier time steering.

So, not refilling this fluid regularly means surrendering the possibility of power-steering and jeopardizing your own safety. This fluid is replaced somewhere between 50,000 miles and never.

Be advised.

All systems go

Like it or not, cars demand a ton of maintenance in order to work as advertised. Thus, give your vehicle what it wants and needs and it will be loyal to you for years and miles to come. You can take notes and set calendar reminders to stay on schedule.

Make an effort to tap into effortless, worry-free and safe driving. At the same time, keep your repair costs down by executing prevention, which is, hands down, the best kind of medicine there is.

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