Automotive fluids serve many purposes. Their most important job is to protect your engine. Some automobile fluids are hydraulic, which means they also assist in system operations. Checkpoint Motors offers fluid-changing services to all of our customers to ensure their automotive fluids are always clean, fresh, viscous, and able to do what they should be doing. Here’s what needs changing in your car.
Brake Fluid
Light brown when it’s new and slick to the touch, your brake system cannot operate without brake fluid. The fluid applies pressure to the calipers to push them against the brake pads. Once the pads press against the rotors, the brakes generate kinetic energy that stops your automobile. You should have the brakes inspected every 15,000 miles and the fluid changed every two years on average.
Coolant
Blue, green, red, or even yellow or orange, engine coolant does what its name suggests: It keeps your engine cool. This fluid also works as an antifreeze in the winter to prevent your engine from freezing in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, a coolant flush is a good idea every two or three years, but you should check it regularly to make sure it’s clean and isn’t low.
Motor Oil
This is the automotive fluid that you will change the most in your automobile. Motor oil serves two purposes. First, it lubricates moving engine parts so they don’t overheat by not only coating the parts but also by drawing heat away from them. Motor oil also cleans the engine as it circulates through it. Change your motor oil every 3,000 miles or every six months if that comes first.
Power Steering Fluid
In all seriousness, you may never have to change your power steering fluid. This fluid is completely encased in the power steering system so it never sees the light of day or much dirt and grime. It’s a good idea to check it regularly to make certain it isn’t low. If it is, your power steering system is leaking.
Transmission Fluid
Although not exactly the same, transmission fluid protects your transmission’s moving parts and gears by lubricating them and drawing heat and grime away from them much like motor oil protects the engine. One key difference between the two is transmission fluid is also a hydraulic fluid that helps your automatic transmission shift gears. This fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles.
Checkpoint Motors in Oregon City, OR, can change these fluids and also top off your windshield washer fluid. Schedule an appointment with us today for a fluid inspection.
