Vehicle Fluids That Need Attention for the Spring

Vehicle Fluids That Need Attention for the Spring

Spring is almost here! There are certain things that come with that, in the form of a to-do list. One of those items would be to check and top off your car’s fluids, and perhaps even perform a fluid flush. Let us take a look at what the most important fluids in your vehicle are.

1. Brake Fluid

You cannot very well drive safely without having properly functioning brakes, which is why you need to check on the brake fluid. Otherwise, you risk having unpleasant occurrences such as experiencing less responsive brakes, needing to push harder on the brakes so that they react, and other similar cases.

2. Motor Oil

As you might know, the oil change service is one of the easiest and cheapest maintenance services that you can have done for the upkeep of your vehicle’s engine. It ensures that the parts of the engine continue to run smoothly and that you get the most out of your engine. Typically, expert mechanics advise that the change be done every 3 months, for instance, or every 3,000-5,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. You can consult your owner’s manual if you don’t feel like going to an auto repair shop just for that. Now, the reason why it is best to change the oil in the beginning of the spring is because the viscosity of the oil used for the spring (and other warm seasons) is different from the one that is used during the cold months that the winter brings.

3. Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed very often. However, you will need to check on it periodically and make sure that its condition is still good. Why not do it while you are checking on the other fluids this spring? Ignoring the transmission fluid can lead to you experiencing difficulty when shifting gears, or sliding gears, or in fact a number of other annoying issues that can easily be avoided. Consult your owner’s manual as to what the interval of change is regarding the transmission fluid.

4. Antifreeze/Coolant

The antifreeze, or as it is also known – coolant, is responsible for keeping your engine from overheating. You will need to check if there is sufficient antifreeze left and, if needed, you will have to top it off. However, there might be need of a coolant flush because it actually develops corrosive properties over time, which in turn can cause damage. You don’t have to get the flush during the spring as a rule, but it’s easier to check the condition while you take care of the other fluids - that way you won’t forget about it.

If you want to be completely sure that the items from the list above are taken care of properly, you can take your vehicle in for a service at an auto repair center. In fact, while there, a mechanic can check and let you know if you need to have any of the systems flushed or just topped off. A fluid flush is a service that you will need to have performed occasionally, even if you don’t want to. In the long run it will save you money from potential costly repairs.