How to Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids | Royal Moore Subaru

How to Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids | Royal Moore Subaru

The cars of today have become efficient and more maintenance-free than in the past. However, despite the advances car manufacturers have made, they do require some attention. The manufacturer has a suggested schedule of maintenance your car needs. In addition to that schedule, there are some quick and easy steps you can take to ensure your car is running at its peak performance. One of those steps is to check the fluids in your care. Doing this will help it drive better, last longer, and be more fuel-efficient. There are six essential oils in your car that you should check.

Windshield Washer Fluid

This is the easiest of all the fluids to maintain. While it does not impact the performance of your car, it can impact safety. If you cannot see out of your windshield, it is hazardous to you and others on the road. You can purchase washer fluid in many stores for just a few dollars. To fill your washer fluid, you pour it into the reservoir until it is full. Put that cap back on the reservoir, and you are good to go.

Oil

Next to gas, motor oil is the most essential fluid in your car. Motor oil ensures that all the moving components in a car spin smoothly. Many vehicles have a dipstick that allows you to check the amount of oil in your car. You should ensure that your vehicle has been sitting for at least 10 minutes to allow the oil to cool and settle. Next, pull the dipstick out of the engine bay, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and pull it back out. The dipstick has marks to indicate the minimum and maximum oil levels. You want your oil level to be near the maximum line. If it falls below the minimum line, add oil. Having low oil could indicate that your engine is leaking or burning oil.

You also want to check the condition of your oil. It would help if you smeared the dipstick between your fingers. The oil should be smooth and slick. If there is any grittiness, it is wearing down. If the oil is a yellow color, it is good. If the oil is dark like coffee, it needs to be changed. If you do not feel comfortable changing your oil, bring your vehicle into Royal Moore Subaru, and one of the service technicians will be glad to help you.

Coolant

Your car uses coolant to cool down all the parts of the engine. It absorbs the engine heat and pushes it through the radiator. Typically, you only need to check this after about 50,000 miles unless you think you have a leak. You want to make sure your car is completely cool before checking the coolant. Depending on your vehicle, the process for checking the coolant varies. When you open the radiator cap, you should see coolant filled to the top. You should only add coolant approved for your car. When adding coolant, wait a few minutes for any air bubbles to release before securing the cap. A technician at Royal Moore Subaru can assist you with checking your coolant levels.  

Steering Fluid

You probably have never driven a car without power steering. It is difficult. The power steering fluid is what makes your vehicle easy to steer and maneuver movement like parallel parking. Modern power steering systems have pressurized fluid that makes steering the car almost effortless. Steering fluid also has a dipstick in the engine bay. Pull the dipstick out of the engine bay, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and pull it back out. The dipstick has marks to indicate minimum and maximum steering fluid levels. You want your steering fluid level to be near the maximum line. You can top off this fluid if it is low. There may also be an indicator on the reservoir that alerts you to the level of steering fluid. 

Brake Fluid

The brake fluid in your car connects the brake pedal to the brake. When you press the pedal, the plunger adds pressure to the fluid and causes the brake pads to clamp onto the rotors to slow down your car. With wear, the brake fluid gets contaminated with water which can cause rust. You can take a look at the brake fluid in the reservoir in your engine bay. You want to make sure it sits between the maximum and minimum. The fluid should be translucent and not cloudy. 

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid cools and lubricates your transmission components. Technically, your transmission fluid should never need replacing. However, there are times when it goes bad and causes odd sounds and rough shifting. You can check the transmission fluid on some cars, but others need a mechanic to check it. If you believe you are having any problems with your transmission or the fluid, visit Royal Moore Subaru and have a certified technician assess your car and its fluids. They are critical to your vehicle running efficiently. You do not want to ignore or overlook them.  

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