Six Essential Car Fluids and How to Check Them

From windshield wiper fluid to brake fluid, your car contains six essential car fluids that help it run smoothly on the Houston roads. Learning how to check essential fluids in your car is a great way to maintain your vehicle from home, and it can help you prevent a lot of unnecessary problems down the line. So if you want to learn how and when to check car fluids for the best results, keep reading! We’ll tell you how to take care of the following:

• Engine oil
• Brake fluid
• Engine coolant
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Windshield wiper fluid

How to Check Essential Fluids in Your Car

Learning how and when to check essential fluids in your car might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a simple and straightforward process. All you need to know is where to look and what you’re looking for. Just make sure that your car has cooled down before getting started. Here’s a quick rundown of all six essential car fluids and when to check car fluids for better performance:

Motor Oil

• Purpose of motor oil: Reduces friction and regulates engine temperature.
• When to change motor oil: Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six months
• How to check motor oil: Locate the motor oil dipstick. Pull it out of the tube and wipe off excess oil with a rag. Insert it back into the oil reservoir, noting both the oil level and consistency.

Brake Fluid

• Purpose of brake fluid: Transfers the movement from the brake pedal into the braking system.
• How often to replace brake fluid: Every 30,000 miles or two years
• How to check brake fluid: Look for the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the marking on the side.

Engine Coolant

• Purpose of engine coolant: Regulates the temperature in your cooling system and engine.
• When to replace engine coolant: Every 50,000 miles
• How to check engine coolant: Look for the engine coolant reservoir and check the fluid level against the marking on the side.

Transmission Fluid

• Purpose of transmission fluid: Facilitates smooth and quick gear shifts
• How often to replace transmission fluid (for cars with automatic transmission): Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
• How to check transmission fluid (for cars with automatic transmission): Locate the transmission fluid dipstick and pull it out of the reservoir. The fluid should be a translucent dark red color. If your transmission unit is sealed, schedule an appointment instead.

Power Steering Fluid

• Purpose of power steering fluid: Helps the power steering hydraulic system function properly
• When to replace power steering fluid: As needed, when you notice difficulties steering or when advised by a technician
• How to check power steering fluid: Look for the power steering fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the marking on the side.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

• Purpose of windshield wiper fluid: Helps windshield wipers wash away debris for clearer glass and better visibility.
• When to replace windshield wiper fluid: As needed, when windshield sprayers are empty.
• How to check windshield wiper fluid: Look for the windshield wiper fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the marking on the side.

Learn All About Car Care at Texan GMC Buick

Now you know how to check essential fluids in your car and when to check car fluids, but if you run into any issues at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Texan GMC Buick. You can contact us online or just schedule your service appointment at your convenience. We’ll make sure that your car has everything that it needs to thrive on the roads of Porter and New Caney, so get in touch at any time.