Your vehicle relies on more fluids than you probably realize. Here's what they're doing behind the scenes.
Your vehicle relies on more than just the engine oil to run smoothly. While engine oil may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your vehicle’s fluids, there’s a lot of other fluids quietly doing their job each time you drive.
And we mean A LOT of fluid. And no, we aren’t talking about the leftover spilled coffee in your cupholder from last week.
Each fluid has a unique job, so knowing the difference between them and having them routinely checked and replaced when needed will help ensure your vehicle keeps running its best.
Engine Coolant: Too Hot to Handle
Many of us know coolant helps protect your vehicle's engine from overheating. But it's not just a magical cure for hot temperatures, it's part of a circulating system that helps regulate engine temperature.
Coolant also contains additives that protect the cooling system from corrosion and deposits. Over time, those additives break down, allowing the coolant to become more acidic and potentially damage internal components.
Since coolant doesn't last forever, following your vehicle's recommended coolant service interval can help keep your cooling system healthy.
Transmission Fluid: Smooth Moves
Much like coolant, transmission fluid helps manage heat, but in the transmission system. It also provides lubrication to prevent metal-on-metal contact and, in many automatic transmissions, provides the hydraulic pressure needed for proper operation.
Over time, transmission fluid can become contaminated with debris or lose its effectiveness. Depending on the vehicle, a transmission service may involve draining and replacing the fluid, replacing a filter, or following a specific fluid exchange procedure recommended by the manufacturer.
Brake Fluid: Pressure Makes Perfect
Brake fluid seems like it would be in the same realm as blinker fluid. However, we promise this one is real.
Brake fluid actually plays a critical role in helping your vehicle stop. Your braking system uses hydraulic pressure to transfer force from the brake pedal through the brake lines to the calipers and wheel cylinders, which then apply the brake pads or shoes.
Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture and become contaminated, which can affect the performance of your braking system. Changes in the way your brake pedal feels can be a sign that your brake fluid needs attention, so it's worth having the system inspected.
Power Steering Fluid: Making Turns Easier
While most modern vehicles use electric power steering (EPS), many older vehicles still rely on hydraulic power steering. This type of steering system uses power steering fluid to help make turning the wheel easier. Much like brake fluid, it uses hydraulic pressure to transfer force through the steering system. Without it, turning the wheel would be a lot more difficult.
Like many of the other fluids in your vehicle, power steering fluid can become contaminated or break down over time. Leaks can also cause the fluid level to drop. When something isn't right, you may notice stiffer steering, whining or groaning noises when turning the wheel, or visible fluid leaks.
Differential & Transfer Case Fluid: Power to the Wheels
Not all vehicles need differential or transfer case fluid. However, if you drive an AWD or 4WD vehicle, this one is for you.
Differential and transfer case fluids help lubricate the gears and internal components that transfer power from the transmission to the wheels. These components experience significant friction and heat as they distribute power, so proper lubrication helps prevent excessive wear, reduce operating temperatures, and protect against corrosion.
Over time, the fluid can break down or become contaminated, which is why following your vehicle's recommended service interval can help keep these hardworking components protected. Depending on the vehicle, service may involve a fluid exchange or replacement rather than a traditional “flush.”
How Precision Tire and Auto Center can Help
A fluid service doesn't automatically mean someone hooks up a machine and flushes everything out. Depending on the vehicle and the system being serviced, the appropriate procedure might involve draining and refilling the fluid, replacing a filter, performing a fluid exchange, or flushing the system.
During each service, our team of ASE-certified technicians will check your fluid levels and condition to help ensure your vehicle's fluids are doing their jobs properly. We value transparency, so we'll let you know what your vehicle actually needs, whether that's a fluid replacement, exchange, or a full flush.
If you think it may be time for a fluid service, give us a call and schedule your appointment today!
