Car fluids that need regular check and replacement

1. Why are automotive fluids important?

Automotive fluids play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and durable operation of a vehicle. They not only help lubricate moving parts, reducing friction to protect against wear, but also ensure that components do not overheat, thus preventing serious damage.

2. Misconceptions about regular fluid replacement

Many drivers often overlook or forget the regular maintenance of their car's fluids. There are still many opinions suggesting that all types of fluids are similar and that regular replacement is unnecessary, believing that replacing multiple types will increase costs and is not needed.

However, the reality is that each type of fluid, such as engine oil, transmission oil, coolant, and brake fluid, has its specific functions and requirements. Regular replacement helps maintain the vehicle's performance and protects components from wear and damage due to long-term use. If not replaced on schedule, the fluids can lose their lubricating properties, leading to increased friction, unstable temperatures, and even reduced vehicle performance.

Proper replacement not only helps save future repair costs but also ensures the safety and durability of your car. Therefore, to protect and maintain your vehicle in its best condition, regular reminders and replacements of fluids are essential and should not be overlooked.

3. The Main Fluids that Need Regular Replacement

There are six main fluids in a car, including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. These fluids cannot be used indefinitely and naturally wear out over time.

3.1 Engine Oil

Engine oil is the most crucial fluid that needs regular replacement. It lubricates the internal parts of the engine, reducing friction and wear. Additionally, engine oil cleans, prevents corrosion, and helps dissipate heat from the engine. Therefore, it is one of the most important fluids in a car and must be replaced regularly according to the manufacturer's manual, typically every 5,000-10,000 km, or every 3 months, depending on the vehicle model.

If not replaced regularly, engine oil will evaporate, wear out, and thicken due to mixing with metal dust and soot. As a result, the engine lacks lubrication, leading to damage or even seizure due to overheating if the oil level is too low, especially during high-intensity operation.

Most modern vehicles have warning lights indicating low engine oil levels. Other signs of insufficient engine oil include unusual noises from the engine compartment while operating, a burning smell due to overheating oil, low oil levels, thin oil, and black oil when checked with the dipstick.

3.2 Brake Fluid

The brake system cannot function without brake fluid. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the force is converted into pressure that compresses the brake fluid, which then transmits this pressure to the brake pistons, creating the clamping force on the brake discs to slow the vehicle down.

Most modern vehicles allow drivers to check the brake fluid level, usually in the engine compartment. If the brake fluid is too low, the driver can buy the same type (information available in the vehicle's manual) to refill. Experts recommend replacing brake fluid every 2 years or 50,000 km.

Signs that the vehicle is low on brake fluid or needs checking/replacement include the brake pedal losing its sensitivity, the pedal vibrating when pressed, unusual noises when braking, a change in the color of the brake fluid, and the vehicle veering to the left or right when braking due to uneven braking force.

3.3 Power Steering Fluid

For vehicles with a hydraulic power steering system, power steering fluid helps the driver turn the steering wheel more smoothly and easily, thereby enhancing the driving experience and vehicle safety. Power steering fluid does not wear out quickly, so the replacement interval is longer compared to other fluids in the vehicle. It is generally recommended to replace the power steering fluid every 60,000-80,000 km.

When power steering fluid needs replacing, the vehicle often exhibits signs such as the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn, requiring more force to steer, or making unusual noises when changing direction.

3.4 Coolant

Coolant helps prevent the car engine from overheating during operation, thereby extending the engine's lifespan and other mechanical components by maintaining a stable temperature. When the car is low on coolant, the engine heats up faster, which is often indicated on the vehicle's dashboard. The optimal operating temperature for a car typically ranges from 75-105°C.

When the car is low on coolant, the driver can add the correct type specified in the owner's manual. It is important to do this when the engine is cool because opening the coolant cap while the engine is hot can cause boiling coolant to spray out, leading to burns. Additionally, the coolant should be completely replaced every 50,000 km or every 3 years, depending on the vehicle type and manufacturer.

Coolant is used in a closed-loop system, so the amount lost due to evaporation or natural absorption is very low. If the car is low on coolant, besides adding more, it is necessary to check the system to determine where the coolant is leaking, such as from the hoses, radiator, or into the combustion chamber.

3.5 Windshield Washer Fluid

Windshield washer fluid is crucial for ensuring that your car’s windshield stays clean in any condition. Without windshield washer fluid, the wipers won't work smoothly and won't effectively clean dirt from the windshield.

Drivers can usually detect low washer fluid levels through the dashboard display in their vehicle. Refilling the windshield washer fluid is quite simple and can be done at home. You just need to pour the windshield washer fluid into the reservoir, which is typically located in the engine bay. It’s important not to use plain water or homemade soap solutions, as these can clog the spray nozzles or cause the rubber and glass surfaces to deteriorate.

3.6 Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is used to lubricate and protect the moving parts inside the transmission. Since the transmission does not work as hard as the engine, some manufacturers claim that the factory-filled transmission fluid can last for the vehicle's lifetime. However, experts recommend replacing the transmission fluid when it degrades over time to ensure smooth and durable operation. Generally, transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000-60,000 kilometers.

Signs that drivers should look for indicating the need to change the transmission fluid include slow shifting when accelerating or decelerating, "stuck" or "slipping" gears, unusual noises when shifting gears, or the vehicle jerking forward when accelerating. Transmission fluid changes should be performed at authorized service centers.

Regularly checking and maintaining the various fluids in your car not only helps maintain its performance but also ensures safety for you and other road users. Always adhere to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance and fluid replacement schedule to keep your vehicle in the best condition. Additionally, car owners should be aware of the six types of fluids that need to be replaced in a car and plan for timely replenishment to avoid trouble in case of any issues.