Your car requires critical fluids to keep it running efficiently for longer. Keeping these filled is part of regular auto maintenance, and every owner should know what to look for. Below is a brief guide to the top five for your vehicle and how to check their levels.

A List of Your Vehicle’s Vital Fluids                   

1. Oil

Engine oil tops the list of vital fluids that should be part of your regular auto maintenance. Oil lubricates engine components and curbs wear and tear from too much friction. If oil is low or there is a leak, you may be faced with costly engine repair. Auto repair specialists advise having your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to keep gunk and debris from building up. Check your oil by looking at the dipstick in the engine bay after the car has cooled. Take it out, wipe it, insert it back in, and then remove it once more to read the level indicators on the stick.

2. Coolant

Coolant, or antifreeze, helps balance vehicle temperature and prevents overheating. A well-kept vehicle will need coolant flushes every 50,000 miles or so, with levels easily checked by looking in the coolant tank or by opening the radiator cap. If you see a brightly colored puddle under your car or you smell a sweet odor, you may have a leak. Coolant is toxic, and a call for auto services is necessary.

3. Brake Fluid

Functioning brakes are necessary for safety, and brake fluid is a key component for ensuring the connection between the pedal and the brakes is accurately lubricated. Without it, brakes may not engage as quickly as you need them to. Pop the hood and check the indicators at the back of the engine area to ensure levels are at maximum. If your brake fluid is dirty or cloudy, it’s time for service.

4. Transmission Fluid

Usually modern transmissions do not need consistent auto maintenance to replace fluid, but if there is an issue or the fluid is bad, they will. You will know there is a problem if your car feels rough as you drive or makes strange sounds.  While some cars have a dipstick similar to the engine oil that you can check, others can only be assessed by a mechanic. If you are able to see it, dirty, grimy transmission fluid means trouble.

5. Wiper Fluid

Where the above fluids are tied to your vehicle’s function, wiper fluid is for your safety. Not having enough windshield wiper fluid interferes with your line of sight as you drive, which is detrimental to you and other drivers. Refilling the reservoir is one of the easiest auto maintenance tasks—it only requires purchasing new fluid and pouring it into the reservoir.

Since 1986, P & T Automotive Repair has been High Point, NC’s choice in auto maintenance. This auto repair shop offers their clients comprehensive services on everything from brakes to engines on both domestic and foreign vehicles. For an appointment with a technician, call (336) 869-8051 or stop by their website for a full list of car services.