It's time to figure out what fluids are needed to keep your car running. Let's check the list and make sure that all chemicals are in your trunk.
Car maintenance involves a large amount of time and resources. In order to spend less on replacing both mechanisms and external parts, it is worth remembering the following five types of fluids needed for a car:
1) Engine oil
According to statistics, it is this that needs to be changed most often. After all, the engine is the main working force of a car. Thousands of parts require constant lubrication.
Most cars have a special dipstick designed to check the oil level and condition. Checking the oil level should be done with the engine turned off, allowing it to cool slightly so that the oil has time to drain back into the crankcase.
Engine oil must be poured into the closed valve neck of the engine under the hood. Often there is a designation in the form of an oil can. Both on the cover itself and on the control panel.
If you notice that the oil in the engine disappears too quickly and you often need to add it, you should contact a specialist to examine the engine — perhaps it consumes more than the required amount.
A good oil color is amber/light.
Bad — coffee/black.
2) Antifreeze
Often breakdowns in an internal combustion engine are associated with poor quality processing.
An internal combustion engine is a device where numerous controlled explosions occur during operation. During operation of the motor, a significant amount of thermal energy is released.
Antifreeze is used to absorb this heat and then remove it through the radiator. Maintaining the correct level of antifreeze is critical to the proper operation of the cooling system.
It is marked with a thermometer on the control panel; it should be filled either into the radiator neck or into the expansion tank (a container with two compartments for pressurized air and antifreeze).
Please note that adding coolant should only be done when the vehicle has cooled down, otherwise there is a risk of burns.
When the engine is hot, the system maintains high pressure. The expansion tank cap should only be opened when the car is turned off.
3)Brake fluid
Modern passenger cars use a hydraulic braking system. The pressure created by the pressure on the brake pedal is transmitted to the mechanisms using a special fluid.
When you apply the brakes, force is transferred to the brake master cylinder, which creates pressure in the hydraulic system.
Brake fluid has hygroscopic properties — it absorbs moisture from the air. As the amount of water increases, the boiling point of the liquid decreases, and at subzero temperatures it begins to freeze. The presence of water in brake fluid can cause corrosion of brake system components.
The brakes should apply immediately when you press the pedal — without delay. If you notice that the brakes are starting to feel soft and the distance required to come to a stop has increased, this is a sign that you need to check your brake fluid.
A red circle with waves/a red circle with brackets around it indicates an emergency condition of the brake system. It should also be poured into a tank marked accordingly.
If the fluid has darkened and become cloudy, it should be replaced immediately.
4) Transmission fluid
Transmission fluid is often referred to as oil, but its role is not limited to lubrication. On some modern cars, manufacturers do not set a transmission fluid replacement period, claiming that the gearbox oil does not require changing throughout its entire service life.
However, checking this species is not so easy. Some cars are not equipped with dipsticks, in which case you will need the help of professionals. A yellow gearbox icon with the inscription AUTO indicates engine overheating.
Quality light — amber/red
Poor — mixed/opaque/dark
5)Power steering fluid
Hydraulic power steering is gradually giving way to an electric analogue that is more economical in production and use. However, many budget (and sometimes not so budget) cars still use a hydraulic system. The time-tested system provides a more comfortable driving experience, but requires constant maintenance.
The power steering reservoir usually stands out among all, since it is located near the power steering pump and has a small volume.
In most cases, the power steering reservoir is located under the hood of the car.
Often, manufacturers do not indicate after what period this fluid needs to be changed, so owners have to rely on their feelings and seek professional diagnostics.
The liquid must be selected in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Original oils are always ideal for cars of this brand. It is not recommended to save at this point. Otherwise, you will have to endure serious problems and expenses.
CAR4RU went through all the main automotive oils. Be careful!