Most automobiles have six different fluids in them. Some might not have power steering fluid because their power steering is electric or they drive an automobile with manual steering. It’s important to know what the fluids are so you can make sure they get changed when they need it. Let’s talk about the automotive fluids we flush and refill here at Willoughby Hills Auto Repair.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid helps stop your car, truck, or utility vehicle. When you step on the brake pedal, the master cylinder pushes the fluid through the brake lines and up against the calipers which, in turn, press the brake pads against the rotors. Vehicles with low or dirty brake fluid will have a harder time stopping.
Coolant
Also known as antifreeze, coolant circulates through the engine to draw heat away from the moving parts. The hot coolant is deposited into the radiator where it is cooled by a fan. Once cooled, it’s pushed back through the engine to start the process all over again. Low coolant can overheat an automobile.
Motor Oil
Motor oil also helps keep your vehicle’s engine cool by lubricating moving parts to reduce the friction they create. You’ll often hear that motor oil is your engine’s “lifeblood,” and this statement is true. Without fresh motor oil, your engine parts will get dirty and seize up causing serious damage.
Power Steering Fluid
Vehicles with a fluid-based power steering system have power steering fluid. Sorry, that was pretty obvious, wasn’t it? Older power steering systems are hydraulic, and they use fluid just like your brakes do to assist in the steering operation. Low power steering fluid can make steering more difficult.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid, or oil as it is also called, works in your transmission just as motor oil works in your engine. The transmission fluid’s main responsibility is to coat transmission parts to ensure they stay cool and as frictionless as possible as they operate. Low or dirty fluid can damage the transmission.
Windshield Washing Fluid
This is the only fluid in your automobile that won’t really harm anything if it gets too low. If you run out of windshield washer fluid, you won’t be able to clean your windshield while you’re driving, but that’s the only repercussion. You can replace this fluid yourself quite easily with a store-bought cleaner.
There you have it! Automotive Fluid 101 is complete. If you’d like us to check your automotive fluids, stop by Willoughby Hills Auto Repair in Willoughby Hills, OH.