A number of your vehicle's key functions rely on various fluids to keep them operating smoothly.
Fluids in your vehicle
- Oil
- Brake Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- Coolant
- Transmission Fluid
Your Oil level should be checked periodically between oil changes to ensure proper levels. Oil levels that get too low can cause severe damage to your engine. The typical interval between oil changes depends on the vehicle manufacturers recommendations as well as the type of oil your using in the vehicle. Usually the oil should be changed every 3,000 miles when using conventional oil, and about 5,000 miles if your using synthetic oil. If you often make short trips or drive in stop and go traffic, idle for extended periods, drive in dusty or dirty air conditions, tow a trailer, or drive in cold weather regions, you should stick to the 3,000 mile schedule because you are considered a severe driver according to vehicle manufacturers.
Any automatic transmission fluid, brake fluids, power steering fluid and axles, should use vehicle-specific fluids that the manufacturer recommends.
Coolant should be changed periodically as specified in the owners manual. Any time you have had to add coolant to your system, if it was not the same type of coolant, you should have a flush and refill done as soon as possible. Some different types of coolant should not be mixed. letting mixed coolant go for only a short amount of time can cause it to gel up which will end up causing blockages throughout your cooling system leading to major repairs being needed.
Some Questions To Ask
- What fluids will you be checking?
- Is the oil you're putting in my vehicle the right type for the way I drive?
- Is an oil filter included in the oil change service?
- When should I get my next oil change?
- How often should my fluid levels be checked?