Your Basic Guide To 4 Essential Fluids For Your Vehicle

Anyone who’s ever owned or driven a car knows that it needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. But did you know that there’re four essential car fluids you should be checking and topping up regularly?

In this post, Brooklyn VW will look at each of these fluids, what they do, and how to check their levels. We’ll also give some bonus tips on how to keep your car in good shape all year round. So, if you’re looking for an essential guide to car maintenance, read on!

Brake Oil

Brake oil is a hydraulic fluid that helps your car to stop. It’s located in the brake master cylinder and creates pressure when you step on the brake pedal.

You should check the brake oil level every time you get your car serviced and top it up if necessary. If the brake oil level is low, your car may not stop in time.

How to check: Park your car on a flat surface and apply the parking brake. Remove the brake master cylinder cap and look at the fluid level. It must be between the two marks on the side of the container. If it’s low, top it up with fresh brake oil.

Car Coolant

Car coolant is just a blend of water and antifreeze, which helps to keep your car’s engine cool. It’s located in the radiator and is circulated around the engine to prevent overheating.

You should check the car coolant level every month and top it up if necessary. If the car coolant level is low, your car will overheat.

How to check: Pop the bonnet and locate the radiator. The coolant level must be between the two marks on the side of the container. If it’s low, top it up with fresh coolant.

Engine Oil

Engine oil is used to lubricate your car’s engine and prevent it from seizing. It’s located in the sump, at the bottom of the engine, and is circulated around the engine by the pump. You should check and replace the engine oil level every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

How to check: Pop your car’s hood and locate the oil dipstick. The engine oil level must be between the two marks on the stick. If it’s low, top it up with fresh engine oil.

Transmission Fluid

Your car’s transmission fluid is used to lubricate and cool the gears in the transmission. It’s located in the transmission case and is circulated around the gears by the pump. You should check and replace the transmission fluid level every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

How to check: Locate your car’s transmission dipstick (it’ll be either red or green). The transmission fluid level must be between the two marks on the stick. If it’s low, get it topped up with fresh transmission fluid.

The Ending Note

Now that you know the basics about the four essential car fluids, it’s necessary to keep them in mind as we head into the summer. Fluids are vital to keeping your car running smoothly and preventing costly repairs down the road.

Make sure to schedule regular service appointments with our team here at Brooklyn VW so that we can take a look at all of these levels and top them off if necessary. We want to make sure you stay safe on the roads of Brooklyn, NY, this summer.