Getting Familiar With Your Car’s Various Fluids

In addition to all the rubber, metal, and plastic that make up your car, your vehicle also relies on a number of fluids to operate safely and efficiently. These fluids serve a number of different functions to improve overall vehicle operation and extend the life of different automotive components. Here’s a look at five essential automotive fluids that should be checked and replenished as a part of your automotive maintenance regimen.

Engine Oil

Automotive-grade engine oil is essential to keeping friction throughout your engine and vehicle to a bare minimum. Lower friction means less wear and tear on your engine and other automotive parts, which leads to lower automotive maintenance costs, greater efficiency, and longer vehicle life.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is a lubricant that helps the components of your transmission move freely and easily. Clean transmission fluid helps to encourage smooth shifting and can promote greater fuel efficiency through lower RPMs. Typically, transmission fluid should be replaced every thirty to sixty thousand miles.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is a specialized hydraulic fluid that efficiently transfers energy from your feet to your braking system, then to your wheels. Replacing brake fluid will help to shorten stopping distances and improve brake responsiveness, which means greater overall performance and safety.

Power Steering Fluid

Do you ever wonder why your giant SUV is so easy to drive? The answer is that your vehicle uses another hydraulic fluid to make it easier to steer. When power steering gets dirty or leaks, you’ll find that your wheel feels heavier and more difficult to maneuver.

Coolant

Finally, your vehicle’s engine uses a combination of automotive coolant and water to help keep your engine from overheating. This mixture should be as close to 50/50 as possible to ensure that it doesn’t freeze or boil when exposed to extreme temperatures.

For expert automotive repair in Silver Spring, contact Murray’s Auto Clinics at 301-585-7557. We specialize in all types of auto and brake repair services, including emissions service, tune-ups, diagnostics, and fluid replenishment.