6 Essential Car Fluids and How to Check Them
Knowing how to check the essential fluids in your car is critical to your vehicle’s long-term health. Each fulfills a vital role, from regulating engine temperature to keeping your windshield streak-free. When working on your Indianapolis ride, we recommend keeping an eye on the following:
- Engine oil
- Brake fluid
- Engine coolant
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield wiper fluid
If you want to know more about your essential car fluids, the Ford of Lafayette service team has you covered. Learn how to keep your vehicle running well around Frankfort and you can always call (765) 257-2896 with any questions!
How to Check Essential Fluids in Your Car
Each of these six essential vehicle fluids should be regularly checked and replaced as needed
or at intervals recommended by your manufacturer. Let’s explore how and when to check car fluids like windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, motor oil, and engine coolant.
Note: Before checking the level of an essential car fluid, except transmission fluid, wait until the engine has had time to cool for at least 30 minutes before opening the hood!
Motor Oil
- Purpose of motor oil: Prevents friction between engine parts 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: Find the dipstick underneath the hood. Insert it into the oil reservoir and check the level and consistency of the oil.
Brake Fluid
- Purpose of brake fluid: Transfers movement and force from the brake pedal to the braking system.
- How often to replace brake fluid: Every 30,000 miles or two years.
- How to check brake fluid: The fluid level should reach the marking on the side of the clear brake fluid reservoir underneath your car’s hood.
Engine Coolant
- Purpose of engine coolant: Optimizes temperature in your vehicle’s cooling system and engine.
- When to replace engine coolant: Every 50,000 miles.
- How to check engine coolant: The fluid level should reach the marking on the side of the engine coolant reservoir underneath your car’s hood.
Transmission Fluid
- Purpose of transmission fluid: Ensures fast and smooth 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): Remove and re-insert the transmission fluid dipstick into the reservoir. Pull it out and observe the level of fluid. Check that the color of the fluid is a translucent dark red color. If your car has a sealed transmission, bring it to our Delphi-area service center.
Power Steering Fluid
- Purpose of power steering fluid: Ensures proper function of the power steering hydraulic system, which multiplies the force you exert on your steering wheel.
- When to replace power steering fluid: As needed, when your vehicle is difficult to steer or the power steering system needs frequent service.
- How to check power steering fluid: Find the reservoir under your car’s hood marked with a steering wheel or the words ‘power steering fluid’ or it might be a steering wheel symbol. Make sure the fluid reaches the marked level.
Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Purpose of windshield wiper fluid: Increases efficacy of your windshield wipers for clearer glass.
- When to replace windshield wiper fluid:Refill when no fluid comes out of the sprayers on your windshield.
- How to check windshield wiper fluid: Open the hood and find the reservoir with a windshield washer symbol on the cap.
Learn More About Essential Car Fluids With Ford of Lafayette!
Now that you know how to check the essential fluids in your car, you can always turn to our service team near Indianapolis. At Ford of Lafayette, we want your vehicle to run well for years. In addition to our experienced service team, you can order replacement parts for your model. Whether it’s essential fluids or tires, we’re dedicated to keeping you on the road and out of the repair shop. Schedule service near Frankfort at Ford of Lafayette!
