Types of Fluids That Your Vehicles and Equipment Need to Be Kept Tabs on

When it comes to a long-lasting, optimally-functioning vehicle, a lot of care and maintenance goes into the process. Keeping on top of regular check-ups and using the vehicle as it should be can certainly go a long way to helping extend the lifespan of the vehicle. Whether this type of maintenance and care is done by the owner or a professional mechanic, it is imperative and necessary nonetheless.

Among all the tasks associated with ensuring vehicles run smoothly is checking on all the fluids that are necessary to operate them. In fact, it is fluid level checks that are probably the most important jobs involved in caring and maintaining vehicles. The good news is, such tasks are easy and quick, and can be done by the average person with or without any experience caring for vehicles.

All that is needed is a basic level of understanding about the different fluids that go into keeping vehicles in operation. Doing a little due diligence can help keep repair costs at bay, and can help to extend the life of any type of vehicle.

There are all sorts of vehicles that range in size and type. But one thing they all have in common is the fact that they all depend on high quality fluids in optimal levels. Here are a few fluids that your vehicle needs, and why they are so important to your vehicle.

Engine Oil

Perhaps one of the more popular and obvious types of fluid is engine oil. Even as people first learn how to drive a car, one of the initial things they are taught when it comes to vehicle maintenance is how to check the engine oil under the hood. For the most part, checking the engine oil requires a dipstick to identify the level. If the level of oil is lower than the ‘safe’ level, more needs to be added.

Engine oil is important because it helps to lubricate and reduce any wear or tear as it moves. It also helps to clean the engine, improve sealing, inhibit corrosion, and cool the engine by removing heat that is generated.

Transmission Fluid

This is the fluid that keeps the gears on a vehicle moving smoothly. Transmission fluid can be checked in much the same way that engine fluid is checked, except that the vehicle should ideally be running when it’s being done. This important vehicle fluid should never be too low because it is part of a closed system.

If it does get too low, it needs to be taken to a mechanic. Rather than volume, what’s more important when it comes to transmission is the quality of the fluid. It should never smell burnt, and should be reddish in color. If it’s brown or smells burnt, it needs to be replaced.

Coolant

It is this fluid - as the name suggests - which keeps the vehicle cool while it’s running. If the coolant is running low, the vehicle will likely overheat. This fluid is located inside the radiator and can be easily checked by removing the radiator’s cap and looking inside (it’s important to note that this should only be done when the vehicle is cool and not running). If the coolant level is below the line, it should be topped up. Just make sure to add the same type of coolant that’s currently in the vehicle.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid should never be low as it is part of a closed system, much like the transmission. In addition to checking on its level every so often, it’s also important to check it to make sure it’s clean.

The brakes of the vehicle depend on brake fluid to work properly, so if ever the brakes seem not to be working up to par, it’s worth it to check the brake fluid first. This can be done by checking the reservoir on the driver’s side by looking at the outside of the container. If you notice that the fluid color is brownish, it will need to be replaced.

Power Steering Fluid

The steering of a vehicle is kept operating smoothly thanks largely to the power steering fluid. When this fluid starts getting too low, you may notice odd noises coming from the steering wheel. Should you hear any weird sounds, like creaking, then it’s worth it to have a closer look at the power steering fluid to see if it is indeed running low.

Knowing whether or not it’s too low can easily be done by simply looking at the reservoir that holds the fluid. It’s not very often that power steering fluid runs low too quickly, so if you do notice the levels lower than they should be, it’s possible that there may be a leak in the reservoir. If that’s the case, the vehicle may need to be seen by a professional mechanic to solve the issue.

These fluids are all very important to keeping vehicles of all sorts operating smoothly and safely at all times. Make sure to regularly check on these fluids to see if their levels are up to par. If not, it’s time for a top-up.

About the Author: Janet Sgro runs an industrial plant where a variety of vehicles are used on a daily basis. She often entrusts the experts at Peak C&i for all the fluids her vehicles need at all times, and has always had nothing but the best of experiences. If your vehicle needs top-notch fluids, be sure to visit Peakhd.com today!

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