6 Essential Fluids Your Car Craves

Cars aren’t designed to sit in one place and look pretty (unless you have a luxury car, in which case, it royally sits). That’s why it’s so crucial to keep them happy by giving them the things they need.

We all know that cars need essential fluids; otherwise, they’ll start making weird noises and eventually seize up. But what about the other fluids?

Here are five of the essential ones your car needs, highlighted by Cutter Mazda of Honolulu :

Engine Coolant:

It is probably one of the most critical fluids on this list because your engine will overheat and die if it gets too low. An engine coolant works to keep your engine running at the right temperature by regulating the created heat.

Most engines will have a coolant reservoir or overflow tank, so it’s easy to check the level and add more as needed.

Windshield Wiper Fluid:

Your car’s windshield wipers can only do their job if they’re correctly lubricated with fluid; otherwise, they’ll streak and smear your windshield. It’s also essential to use a good-quality windshield wiper fluid that won’t freeze in cold weather (or evaporate in hot weather).

Your windshield washer fluid helps clean dirt, bugs, and other debris off your windshield while you’re driving. It’s crucial to keep this topped off, especially during winter when snow and ice can accumulate on your windshield.

Without enough windshield washer fluid, you may not see well while driving, leading to accidents. Even worse, your wipers may leave streaks on your windshield that can obstruct your view even more.

Brake Fluid:

Without adequate brake fluid, you’re putting yourself (and everyone else on the road) in danger. Brake fluid is what helps your brake pads create friction against your car’s rotors, which ultimately stops your vehicle.

You must regularly check your vehicle’s brake fluid and top it off when required; you can find the brake fluid reservoir near the brake pedal.

Engine Oil:

Motor oil lubricates all of the moving parts inside your engine, helping them run smoothly (and preventing them from wearing out prematurely). Engine oil has different variants like mineral oil and synthetic oil, so it’s vital to consult your car’s owner’s manual to check which type of engine oil your vehicle needs.

You should also check the engine oil level regularly; if it falls below the “min” line on the dipstick, you’ll need to add more.

Transmission Fluid:

Automatic or Manual? Maybe a bit of both? No matter what kind of transmission your car has, transmission fluid needs to function correctly. This oil helps cool and lubricate the moving parts inside your transmission.

If your car starts to slip out of gear or make strange noises, it could be a sign that you’re low on transmission fluid. Don’t wait too long to check, as driving without enough transmission fluid can cause severe damage to your car’s engine.

Conclusion:

Did you know that most of the time, when a car is making weird noises or not running quite right, all it needs is a good ol’ tune-up? And what does a tune-up involve? Fluid top-offs! Your car loves to drink fluids (especially oil), and by keeping its levels topped off, you’re doing your part to keep her running smoothly.

Schedule a service at Cutter Mazda of Honolulu serving Honolulu, HI, and your car will love you for it.

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