One of the easiest and most important parts of car maintenance is regularly checking and topping up fluids. All of the fluids are needed to make sure that the car works efficiently and regular checks will ultimately save you a lot of time and money.
Here at Bodymek, we cover all the important fluids and what you need to know about them:
Motor oil
The key role of motor oil is lubrication. The car engine consists of moving parts that come into contact with each other and motor oil acts to reduce the effect of friction and lower the rate of wear and tear. However, the oil will pick up dirt over time and needs regular replacement. It is also a good idea to change your oil filter at the same time.
Brake fluid
This fluid is what keeps the hydraulic brakes working well. As the car is driven moisture can accumulate in the fluid which makes it less effective. It also reduces naturally over time so you will need to have it changed regularly and once a year is the usual recommendation. Levels can be checked in the same way as the engine oil as brake fluid also has a dipstick and reservoir for this purpose.
Power steering fluid
Another part of the hydraulic system is the power steering fluid which helps you turn the car smoothly and easily. The fluid can reduce naturally over time, more so if there is a leak in the system. There is a dipstick for this fluid under the bonnet so you can check and top up as needed.
Transmission fluid
Transmission fluid is essential to provide lubrication to the gears and valves. It doesn’t often need to be changed but can become dirty and less effective over a long period of time. If you find that there is screeching, that gear changes are rough or that the car surges, these are all signs that you need to take a look at the transmission fluid. To change the fluid the car should be placed in a neutral gear and a reading taken using the dipstick. Fluid should normally be amber or red; darker coloured or cloudy fluid means it is time to have it changed.
Screen-wash
While it won’t damage your car to run it without windscreen wash, running out of screen-wash when you need it is a pain. Most modern cars have a screen wash warning when the fluid is running low. Open the screen wash cap and add proper screen wash which you can buy pre-mixed or concentrated. If concentrated, follow the instructions to dilute to the correct mix and fill the screen wash tank right up to a few inches from the brim.
Coolant
Some cars require specific engine coolant but a word of caution, antifreeze is poisonous and can also damage your paintwork so handle this with care. The coolant reservoir normally looks like a fairly transparent plastic ball with orange or purple coolant in it. If the coolant level is below the mark on the reservoir, simply open the coolant reservoir and fill carefully to the point the fluid is between the two marks.
Which fluid do I need?
You should receive a handbook with your car which shows the appropriate fluids, levels and checking schedule. If you can’t find that, we are always on hand to answer your questions and will also run any checks and carry out maintenance, resolving any fluid-related problems.
Regular maintenance helps maintain the fuel efficiency of your car besides ensuring good performance and safety. If you require advice if further information about fluids for your car, please contact our friendly team on 01604 589179 8am-6pm 6 days a week.
