Help Your Car Beat the Heat with Fluid Top-Offs
We all know that the best way to face the heat of summer is to stay hydrated. We keep water bottles close, keep track of our refills, and hope we do enough to combat just how much we’re sweating. But what about our cars? Total Auto Car in Minnesota has this handy list for you on how to make sure your car is also fully ‘hydrated’ and topped off with all the fluids it needs.
What Fluids Does a Car Have?
Every car has at least six fluids that need to be tracked and maintained. If they are depleted or go bad, they will need to be flushed and replaced with more, something Total Auto Care’s expert technicians are happy to help you with.
Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant, also known as Radiator Fluid, is a mix of water and antifreeze that moves through and around the engine to regulate its temperature. It is able to remove excess heat during the summer — compared to antifreeze, which prevents freezing during the winter, protecting the engine from too much cold. While it is recommended that you check in on your engine coolant about twice a year, just to be sure nothing has leaked out or gone bad, in general, coolant should be replaced every 2-3 years or 50,000 miles. In newer cars, that window can extend up to 10 years and 100,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid in your car keeps all parts of the transmission — seals, gears, bearings, etc. — running smoothly. In older model cars, this should be replaced after 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 after that. For newer cars, this can be extended to every 50-100,000 miles.
Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid keeps your steering hydraulics moving smoothly. This is one fluid that will likely never need to be fully flushed, but just topped off to ensure you always have enough.
Windshield Wiper Fluid
Windshield wiper fluid is the liquid that sprays over your windshield when you want to use your wipers to give it a quick clean. While seemingly not a life or death function, that can change if you realize you’re having trouble seeing through a mess on your windshield and have no fluid left to clean with. Check on your fluid level regularly and top off when it starts to get low.
Motor or Engine Oil
Engine parts like timing changes, pistons, and valves are kept lubricated and working properly by engine oil, so it’s very important to ensure you have enough, and that it’s in good condition. If your car uses conventional oil, you’ll want to replace it around every 3,000 miles. Blended synthetic oil should be replaced every 4-5,000 miles, and full synthetic oil needs to be replaced approximately every 5-10,000 miles.
Brake Fluid
A car’s brake fluid is what works the brake’s hydraulic system, and therefore makes the brakes work. Brake fluid should be checked at every oil change, and should be replaced every 2 years.
Ready For Your Top Off?
Whether it’s time for your regular fluid inspections and flushes or you’ve noticed one that needs to be replaced, Total Auto Care in North Branch has everything you need to keep your car topped off and fully “hydrated.”
