Your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and brakes need certain fluids to keep functioning at their best and get you where you need to be safely.
While these liquids are all vital to the smooth operation of your ride, they have different purposes and varying lifespans, so it’s important to check them regularly and perform top-ups whenever they start running low.
Engine oil
The primary role of engine oil is to lubricate the many moving parts within the power unit and prevent abnormal wear and tear, thus, regular oil and oil filter changes are a sure way to prolong the life of your car’s engine, according to pre-owned car retailer Motus Select.
Engine oil should be changed in line with the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, but if you are driving less than the recommended oil change intervals, it should be changed at least once a year.
In modern cars, the onboard computer may even notify you when it’s time for a top-up based on your driving habits.
“If your car requires a top-up of engine oil between services, it is important to top up with the same oil as which the engine was filled,” said Motus.
“Different oils contain different additives which do not all work well together when mixed.”
Gearbox oil
Regardless of whether you own a manual or automatic, transmission oil will prevent the gears from grinding and minimise metal-to-metal contact.
It is not a service item you would like to forget as doing so can cause serious damage to the vital component and lead to a hefty repair bill.
Checking transmission oil at home can be difficult as newer cars don’t always have a dipstick to measure the fluid like older vehicles.
As such, check for signs such as strange liquids lying on your garage floor or paving where the car is parked; if you notice any, immediately book the vehicle for an inspection by a professional.
If your wheels go in for a scheduled service, ask the mechanic to throw an eye over the gearbox oil to ensure it is not running low.
Motus emphasises that the level of transmission fluid should never drop by an abnormal amount between changes, as this is an indicator of more serious issues.
Coolant
Coolant, also called antifreeze, keeps an engine within a certain operating temperature and prevents overheating. It is also responsible for lubricating moving parts such as the water pump.
It is good to habitually check the coolant level of your car when it is cold and switched off by ensuring the watermark is between the minimum and maximum indicators on the coolant bottle.
“Be sure to never open the bottle when the car is warm as the system is pressurised when warm and you could burn and allow a lot of the coolant to escape,” said Motus.
Coolant also deteriorates over time and is susceptible to build up, and should therefore be replaced by a professional every few years.
You can do it at home, but be sure to never use tap water as it is filled with contaminants, rather, top it up with the correct coolant for your car as recommended by the manufacturer, or with distilled water if nothing else is available.
Brake fluid
A drop in the brake fluid level can indicate a variety of factors, like worn brake pads, as the fluid keeps the braking system full as the friction material on the pads wears down.
However, a very low brake fluid level could indicate a leak which should be rectified as a matter of urgency.
“Brake fluid is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs water over time, which degrades its properties,” said the experts.
With this in mind, it is critical to have your brake fluid flushed and replaced every few years.
Again, it is important to use manufacturer-recommended products and to preferably get the job done by a professional.
Power steering fluid
Power steering fluid creates a hydraulic link between the steering wheel and the wheels on the tips of the axles, and lubricates moving parts within the power steering system.
Neglecting to maintain this fluid will not only make it difficult to steer the car, but it can also affect other parts of the system, which could lead to costly repairs.
The power steering fluid has a reservoir under the bonnet where the levels can be monitored. If it’s running low, it’s best to fill it up as soon as possible.
Windscreen washer fluid
Last but not least, windscreen washer fluid helps the wipers keep your dirty windows clean, which is crucial for maintaining visibility and safety.
Topping up the liquid can be done with boiled water from the kettle that has been left to cool, and you can even add detergents that have been developed especially for this application.
“Apart from windscreen washer fluid and, of course, petrol and diesel, your car shouldn’t consume any other fluids,” said Motus.
“However, it is important to keep an eye on all the above fluids because their loss will indicate an issue that can very quickly escalate into a large problem if not attended to correctly.”
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