6 Essential Car Fluids and How to Check Them

Brake fluid check

Most cars have 6 essential car fluids that must be checked and replaced regularly. You may be wondering when to check car fluids and how to check essential fluids in your car. Fortunately, the service team at Milledgeville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat has put together this overview to help you learn more about the importance of these essential car fluids and how to ensure their longevity to keep your car functioning properly for years to come. These fluids include:

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

 

This guide from the Milledgeville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat service team covers what every driver in Eatonton or Sandersville should know about when and how to check essential fluids in a car and why it’s important to do so.

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How to Check Essential Fluids in Your Car

All 6 of these essential car fluids should be checked regularly and replaced as needed or at intervals recommended by your manufacturer. Let’s look at how and when to check car fluids like windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, motor oil, and engine coolant. 

 

Note: Before checking the level of an essential car fluid – except transmission fluid, wait until the engine has had time to cool for at least 30 minutes before opening the hood! 

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 6 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 2 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 (for cars with automatic transmission): Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles
  • How to check transmission fluid (for cars with automatic transmission): 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 Monticello- or Macon-area service center.

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 if 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,’ 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; 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 Essential Car Fluids with Milledgeville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat

Whether you have additional questions about these essential car fluids or want to know more about other service and parts tips, our service team is here to help. Contact us today to talk to a service writer. For those who prefer to do their own maintenance, our parts department carries genuine OEM car fluids to ensure your vehicle is running optimally. We also carry other service and repair parts as well as accessories. We look forward to helping you keep your car in top shape.