6 Essential Car Fluids and How to Check Them

Transmission Fluid Change

What are the essential car fluids that your car needs to function on the road? From windshield wiper fluid to brake fluid, your car is filled with different components that play a huge role in your performance and safety around Lehi. The 6 essential car fluids include:

 

  • Engine oil
  • Brake fluid
  • Engine coolant
  • Transmission fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Windshield wiper fluid

 

Learning how to check essential fluids in your car, and also when to check car fluids, can pay off in the long run. Think of better handling, better efficiency, longer lifespan, and lower service bills! Learn how to take care of your car at home like a pro around Pleasant Grove and Eagle Mountain, and schedule your next service with us in Ken Garff Chevrolet. 

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How to Check Essential Fluids in Your Car

Not sure how or when to check car fluids in your car? No problem. Our guide details each of the 6 essential car fluids, including the purpose and maintenance needs. Let’s get started.

Motor Oil

  • Purpose of motor oil: Lubricates engine parts, regulates engine temperature
  • When to change motor oil: Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six months.
  • How to check motor oil: Remove the oil dipstick and wipe off the excess oil with a clean cloth. Dip it back into the tube and make sure the oil level reaches the indicator mark. Also make sure that the texture, color, and odor appear normal.

Brake Fluid

  • Purpose of brake fluid: Transfers force from the brake pedal to the entire braking system
  • How often to replace brake fluid: Every 30,000 miles or two years. 
  • How to check brake fluid: Look for the brake fluid reservoir and make sure that the fluid level reaches the markings.

Engine Coolant

  • Purpose of engine coolant: Regulate the temperature of the cooling system and engine
  • When to replace engine coolant: Every 50,000 miles.  
  • How to check engine coolant: Look for the engine coolant reservoir and make sure that the fluid reaches the markings. 

Transmission Fluid

  • Purpose of transmission fluid: Helps gears shift smoothly and quickly
  • 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): Find the transmission fluid dipstick and make sure the liquid level reaches the correct markings. If you have a sealed transmission, bring your car to a service center instead.

Power Steering Fluid

  • Purpose of power steering fluid: Aids in the function of the power steering hydraulic system 
  • When to replace power steering fluid: As needed, if your steering wheel feels unresponsive
  • How to check power steering fluid: Look for the power steering fluid reservoir and make sure that the fluid reaches the markings. 

Windshield Wiper Fluid

  • Purpose of windshield wiper fluid: Lubricates the windshield, so the the windshield wipers can wipe away debris
  • When to replace windshield wiper fluid: As needed, when windshield sprayers run dry
  • How to check windshield wiper fluid: Look for the windshield wiper fluid reservoir and make sure that the fluid reaches the markings.

Learn All About DIY Car Care with Ken Garff Chevrolet

Got any questions about when to check car fluids or how to check essential fluids in your car? Or are you interested in more service tips and tricks from our experts? Just let us know your questions, and we’d be happy to help. Contact our team in American Fork at any time, or just stop by! You can also schedule your service online and check out our current specials.