Just about every driver understands the importance of changing motor oil on a regular basis in accordance with the guidelines in their owner’s manual. However, because other truck fluids don’t need to be changed as often as oil, checking them regularly may slip off your to-do list. This can be dangerous, as they can still have a significant impact on the performance of your truck. The following fluids should be a priority for truck maintenance.

Top 3 Truck Fluids to Check Regularly

1. Coolant

Coolant is vital for maintaining engine temperature and preventing the spread of rust within the engine’s cooling system. Insufficient coolant will cause your engine to overheat, potentially causing irreparable damage. Refer to your truck’s manual for how often it needs to be changed, and between changes, make sure top-offs are the correct ratio of water and coolant, not just one or the other, to keep the ratio in your truck correct.

2. Transmission Fluid

Similar to motor oil, transmission fluid lubricates and cleans the moving parts of its system. Like oil, it will need changed occasionally based on heavy use and your vehicle owner guide’s recommendations, though much less often. However, a leak or contamination of the fluid can cause trouble accelerating or shifting gears. In these situations, a fluid flush will likely be needed to restore normal performance.

3. Brake Fluid

If your truck doesn’t have air brakes, brake fluid is an important part of maintaining your truck’s ability to operate safely. As part of this hydraulic system, brake fluid provides much-needed protection to the calipers, any anti-lock brake control valves, and other system components. Replacing the fluid regularly should prevent most performance problems, though the appearance of a brake dashboard warning light or unusual issues during braking warrant an immediate inspection by a mechanic.

By checking motor oil and other truck fluids regularly, you can keep your vehicle operating in top condition — and Power & Transmission will help with any replacement fluids you might need. Serving the Fairbanks, AK, area since 1972, their team provides a wide variety of high-quality parts, accessories, and services to keep your truck running smoothly. To learn more about their offerings, visit them online or call (907) 456-2230.