Fluids to Check in Your Car: Brookings Auto Repair

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 Your vehicle is made up of many different fluids that keep it running efficiently. In order to keep your car, truck, or SUV running the way it should, these fluids need to be checked from time to time.

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Understanding which fluids run in your car and what they do can help you identify when something isn’t working properly. An educated customer is a happy customer, so we want to invite you to learn more about servicing this part of your vehicle.

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Take a look below at the seven fluids to regularly monitor and service to keep your vehicle running for a long time.

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7 Fluids to Check

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Oil

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What it does: Perhaps the most recognizable fluid, oil keeps your engine lubricated so that it can run properly. Depending on your vehicle’s age, oil should typically be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles.

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How to check: After driving for about 5-10 minutes, turn off your vehicle and let the engine cool. Locate the oil dipstick and pull it out, then wipe it on a rag. Reinsert the stick and remove it. There is a marking for “safe oil level” and if the oil is below that line, then it’s time to change your oil.

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Transmission Fluid

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What it does: Transmission fluid is similar to oil and keeps your vehicle lubricated and cool. You can go roughly 30,000-60,000 miles on one change of fluid in an automatic vehicle and 15,000-30,000 for a manual.

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How to check: Checking transmission fluid levels is almost the same process as checking your oil with just one additional step. Rub a little dab of the fluid between your fingers so that you can find out if it feels gritty or looks burnt. If it feels grimy or is below the “safe” line on the dipstick, it’s time for a flush.

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Brake Fluid

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What it does: Brake fluid does pretty much what is sounds like: it helps your brakes function properly.

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How to check: The brake fluid box is usually located towards the back, which you can easily see when you open your car’s hood. Open the box and look inside.

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If the fluid is low or is a darker color, it’s time to replace it. And if you ever notice that braking takes more effort while you’re driving, schedule a Brookings auto service right away.

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Radiator Fluid

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What it does: Radiator fluid helps keep your engine from overheating. Although it doesn’t need to be changed often (every five years or 30,000 miles), it is still important to maintain.

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How to check: To check the radiator fluid, take a look right after you’ve turned your car off. The radiator fluid screw cap is located close to the center of the engine, towards the back. Take off the cap and look inside. If the fluid is close to the top, you’re good!

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Power Steering Fluid

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What it does: Power steering fluid keeps your power steering lubricated, making it easier to drive.

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How to check: When you look under the hood, you should see a container marked “steering.” Once you find it, open up the container. If the fluid level looks low, schedule a service appointment!

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Air Conditioning Coolant

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What it does: Don’t wait until spring before checking your A/C coolant. This fluid is important if you want to be cool and comfortable while driving in the hot and humid South Dakota weather.

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How to check: Truth be told, there are a few pieces of equipment that you’ll need to check your air conditioning coolant, so we recommend letting the Einspahr service team take care of it.

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Washer Fluid

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What it does: Everyone loves a clean windshield. In order to keep your driving view crystal clear, make sure the washer fluid is filled!

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How to check: The container that holds the washer fluid has an icon on the cap that looks like a windshield. Take the cap off and look inside. If the container is low, fill it up or schedule a service appointment!

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If you plan to purchase the fluid yourself, beware of some fluids that can freeze in cold temperatures. At your local Brookings car dealership, we make sure to use washer fluid that doesn’t freeze in the frigid South Dakota winter temperatures!

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Ford Car Repair and Auto Service in Brookings at Einspahr

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Regular vehicle maintenance pays off in safety, performance, and vehicle value. No matter your vehicle make or model, our certified technicians give you a luxury service experience.

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In addition to giving your vehicle the Brookings auto repair it needs, you can enjoy a few complimentary additions when you stop in for service including:

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• Shuttle Service

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• Vehicle Pickup/Delivery

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• Service Loaner Vehicles

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• Customer Lounge

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Think your vehicle is due for a checkup? Schedule your Brookings auto service today!

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