How Often Should I Get My Car Fluids Checked?

The life of your vehicle depends on how you handle maintenance. One of the simplest ways to maintain your vehicle is by checking the fluids the vehicle needs to operate smoothly. This quick guide will help inform you about how often you should check your fluids and which fluids need to be checked.

How Often Should You Check the Fluids in Your Car?

Different fluids need to be checked and changed at different times in your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to check the vehicle’s fluid levels about once a month. When you check the fluid, you want to make sure that the levels are adequate and that the fluid is clean. This easy maintenance job can usually be completed at home.

If some of the fluids are low, you may want to take a trip to a trusted mechanic to have the levels topped off. Let’s take a look at the different types of fluids that need to be checked.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is one of the most crucial types of fluid running in your vehicle; it lubricates the moving parts of the transmission in much the same way that engine oil lubricates the engine. This fluid is also a coolant and a viscous fluid. That means that it helps with the transmission of power from the engine to the transmission. If you are wondering, “How often should I check transmission fluid,” the general rule is that transmission fluid should be checked monthly and changed every 30,000- 60,000 miles.

When checking the transmission fluid, simply read the dipstick which will indicate either low or full. Low transmission fluid will have a burning smell and may appear dark brown. This indicates that the fluid should be replaced. If your vehicle is not equipped with a transmission fluid dipstick, you should take it to a mechanic to have it checked.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is another essential fluid that should be checked and changed regularly. Without brake fluid, your car would not be able to brake properly, and your life would be endangered. Brake fluid is easy to check as the reservoir in most vehicles is see-through and you can clearly see where the level is at. Brake fluid is usually replaced every 45,000 miles.

Engine Oil

Engine oil is one type of fluid that most people are pretty good at remembering. Getting an oil change is an essential and frequent part of car maintenance. Without engine oil, your vehicle will not be able to operate properly. Oil needs to be changed about every 5,000-10,000 miles. This can vary depending on how much you drive.

Other Fluids

Other fluids that need to be checked and changed would include:

• Power steering fluid
• Coolant
• Windshield wiper fluid

If you are comfortable doing your own vehicle maintenance, you can easily keep a check on these fluids and replace them when needed. However, if you are not comfortable doing these tasks, it is a good idea to call in the help of a trusted mechanic.

Categorised in: Car Maintenance

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