Six Essential Car Fluids and How to Check Them

Whether you’re constantly on the roads of Van Buren or you usually drive twice a week, your car requires essential car fluids to keep running smoothly and properly. That’s why you should inspect the six essential car fluids when a check is needed. Here are the fluids you should be aware of:

• Engine oil
• Brake fluid
• Engine coolant
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Windshield wiper fluid

Learn how to check the essential fluids in your car below!

How to Check Essential Fluids in Your Car

Before we get into how to check essential fluids in your car, you should check these vehicle fluids daily and replace them as needed or at intervals recommended by the car manufacturer. Always remember to wait until the engine has had time to cool for at least 30 minutes before opening the hood and before inspecting the level of any essential car fluids! Get the details of the inspection of the essential car fluids here: 

Motor Oil

• Purpose of motor oil: Prevents friction between engine parts and regulates engine temperature.
• When to change motor oil: Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six months.
• How to check motor oil: Find the dipstick underneath the hood. Insert it into the oil reservoir and check the level and consistency of the oil.

Brake Fluid

• Purpose of brake fluid: Transfers movement and force from the brake pedal to the braking system.
• How often to replace brake fluid: Every 30,000 miles or two years. 
• How to check brake fluid: The fluid level should reach the marking on the side of the clear brake fluid reservoir underneath your car’s hood.

Engine Coolant

• Purpose of engine coolant: Optimizes temperature in your vehicle’s cooling system and engine.
• When to replace engine coolant: Every 50,000 miles.
• How to check engine coolant: The fluid level should reach the marking on the side of the engine coolant reservoir underneath your car’s hood.

Transmission Fluid

• Purpose of transmission fluid: Ensures fast and smooth gear shifts.
• How often to replace transmission fluid: Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
• How to check transmission fluid: Remove and re-insert the transmission fluid dipstick into the reservoir. Pull it out and observe the level of fluid. Check that the color of the fluid is a translucent dark red color. If you have a sealed transmission, you’ll need to bring your car to a service center near Arcadia or McComb.

Power Steering Fluid

• Purpose of power steering fluid: Ensures proper function of the power steering hydraulic system, which multiplies the force you exert on your steering wheel.
• When to replace power steering fluid: As needed, when your vehicle is difficult to steer, or the power steering system needs frequent service.
• How to check power steering fluid: Find the reservoir under your car’s hood marked with a steering wheel or the words ‘power steering fluid’ or it might be a steering wheel symbol. Make sure the fluid reaches the marked level.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

• Purpose of windshield wiper fluid: Increases efficacy of your windshield wipers for clearer glass.
• When to replace windshield wiper fluid: As needed or when no fluid comes out of the sprayers on your windshield.
• How to check windshield wiper fluid: Open the hood and find the reservoir with a windshield washer symbol on the cap.

Learn More About Car Upkeep with Spitzer Nissan

Our service team has more info and tips to share, including the longevity of brake pads and tire maintenance. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about a service task or our service center in Findlay.