For most of us, our cars are one of our valuable possessions. Especially when you own a European car, you would want your vehicle to run smoothly for a long time. One of the ways you can prevent issues in your car is by regularly checking the fluids under the hood.
Here are some of the fluids you should regularly check:
Engine Oil
One of the most important fluids in your car is its oil since it functions as the lubricant of the moving parts of your engine. To lessen the daily wear and tear of your engine, it is advisable to have the right amount of oil in your car. Consult the manual to know how to find the oil dipstick. Once you find it, wipe it clean using a paper towel. Reinsert the dipstick into the opening and review the level markings to see if you need more engine oil.
Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid acts as a lubricant whenever you shift gears. Check this while your engine is running. Again, refer to the manual to learn how you can locate the transmission fluid dipstick. Wipe it clean and check if your transmission fluid is within the ideal level. Also, remember to check whether the fluid is red or brown. If you see that it already has a brownish hue, it means the fluid is burnt and you might need to replace it.
Antifreeze
When there’s smoke pouring from inside the hood, your car is overheating and there’s probably something wrong with the water pump, the radiator or the antifreeze fluid. Also referred to as the coolant, the antifreeze has an opening which can be found by the radiator at the front of the car. Remember to let the engine cool down before you remove the cap. You can opt to mix the antifreeze fluid with distilled water yourself. However, it would be easier if you buy a pre-mixed version from an auto shop.
Power Steering Fluid
One of the most noticeable things about classic cars is how it requires heavy steering. It can be quite a challenge to parallel park. These days, most cars are designed with power steering, enabling the driver to manoeuvre easily at any speed. Most power steering systems are hydraulic and they use pressurised fluid which allows drivers to effortlessly turn the wheel. There’s no exact timeframe on when you should replace your power steering fluid, but it is still important to learn how to check it.
Like the other fluids we mentioned in this article, you have to know how to locate the dipstick. Use it to check the markings on the reservoir. If you’re running low on power steering fluid, just add some more until it reaches the ideal level. However, it is important to use the type specifically designed for your car to avoid having issues down the road. If you noticed that you’ve been frequently adding fluid, then there’s probably a leak. If you do not address this issue, steering the wheel will become increasingly difficult.
Brake Fluid
It is important to keep your brakes in good condition to ensure a safe driving experience. Of course, taking care of your brake fluid is part of this. Brakes on modern cars are hydraulic and it is essential for the fluid to be incompressible so that pressure can be transferred from the brake pedals through the callipers. Without proper maintenance, your brake fluid will become compressible, softening your pedal. You’d have to pump or push the pedal further to deliver the right pressure which also prevents you from stopping quickly.
Check the reservoir level and see if you have enough brake fluid to ensure that your brake pads are functioning properly. There shouldn’t be a change in the reservoir level unless there is a leak in the system or there is unusual wear on the brake pads.
When you Should Change Oil
Many car experts have their own opinion on when you should change the oil. However, your best bet is to read the manual. You should treat it as your car operation and maintenance bible. There are also pickups, cars and SUVs that have service reminder monitors that alert the drivers when it’s time to change their oil. If you have such technology, do not delay and bring change your oil when you receive the alert.
Frequency of Changing Oil
Some experts swear by changing your oil every three months or every 3,000 miles. However, some improvements in engines have made that rule obsolete. Car manufacturers have designed engines to have oil-change intervals every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Some car brands require an oil change every twice or once a year.
Bring your Car to a Trusted Mechanic
Keeping your car’s various fluids in good condition can prolong the life of your vehicle. On the other hand, if you’re not sure when you should add or replace the fluids, your best option is to regularly drive your car to a reliable service centre.
Be careful when you choose an auto shop because some offer the so-called ‘oil service’. They would claim that they changed the oil as well as the filter. On the other hand, you will notice that the filter is worn out. This means that no clean oil will go through to lubricate the running parts.
European Prestige Auto Service is known for Honesty, Integrity and Transparency.
When you bring a BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, MINI or other European cars, we ensure that we will provide you with the service you need at reasonable rates. You will get the best value for your money since we don’t cut corners in maintaining the various fluids in your car. Our trained and experienced mechanics will perform a safety check, review all your oil and fluid levels, and most importantly, replace your oil filter.
If you want to get reliable oil and fluid maintenance services, contact European Prestige Auto Service today. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to answer your enquiries.
