When it comes to car care, your vehicle needs more than just a run through the neighborhood car wash every now and then. In adherence to most manufacturer’s instructions, it is important to service your vehicle’s tires, engine, lighting system, battery, and more. But undeniably, one the most vital maintenance practices you simply cannot neglect are your vehicles essential automotive fluids. There are seven automotive fluids that every vehicle needs to operate safely, or at all for that matter.

Continue reading to learn which 7 automotive fluids every vehicle needs, and where to get trusted Indianapolis car maintenance and advice.

➀ Motor Oil

Motor oil is one of the basic, primary fluids that all vehicle’s need to operate safely, or at all. Motor oil is intended to lubricate the moving parts inside a car engine’s crankcase. Without it, an engine will quickly overheat, causing the vehicle to break down. This is because all the moving parts within a car engine creates friction, which produces heat. The lubrication reduces this friction, which in return, prevents overheating. Motor oil protects an engine’s pistons, valves, and all its other moving parts. Have your oil changed every 6 months or 5,000 miles, more or less depending on how much you drive.

➁ Brake Fluid

The ability to stop a vehicle is just as important as the ability to make it go. Just like motor oil, brake fluid is also one of the most important fluids for any vehicle. A car’s brake system uses hydraulic pressure to make a vehicle come to a stop. When a brake pedal is pushed, the brake line system compresses the brake fluid, which then allows the hydraulic force to be transferred to the brake pads and rotors where the friction is made that stops a vehicle. If there is a leak in this system, or no brake fluid at all, a vehicle loses its capacity to stop upon request. Brake fluid must be re-filled on a regular basis. The general rule is to have your vehicle inspected for all fluid changes and replacements, as well as other factory services, every 3 to 6 months depending on how much you drive and the age of the car or truck.

➂ Radiator Fluid (Coolant or Anti-Freeze)

Radiator Fluid, also called coolant or anti-freeze, is extremely important for your car or truck. It is a heat-transfer liquid that prevents a motor from overheating. It does this by cycling through an engine and collecting heat as it flows; and then returns the collected heat to the radiator, which is then filtered and released through the exhaust and muffler. A car is not operational if it overheats. Operating a car without coolant can cause irreversible damages to the engine and other parts of the vehicle, as well as, put passengers and drivers in danger. Adding anti-freeze to your engine is simple and can be done on your own. Simply locate the radiator cap, unscrew, and our in store-bought pre-mixed coolant. Be sure to have your car’s radiator flushed annually by a professional mechanic.

➃ Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is not a solution that requires a car owner to check on their own. Professionals typically tend to these types of fluids when facilitating regular scheduled maintenance tasks. Transmission fluid is rust-colored, or almost a reddish hue. It is used to lubricate and cool the inner components of a vehicle’s transmission, similar to motor oil. 

➄ Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is also typically checked and administered by a professional automotive technician during routine factory care. Power steering fluid is pressurized by a small hydraulic pump that is powered by the engine.  Its main responsibility is to make turning a car easier.  It increases the functionality of the steering mechanism that directs the car tires while driving on the road.

➅ Battery Fluid

Many vehicles today are manufactured with maintenance-free batteries; however, some older models will require a vehicle owner to manually replace the battery fluid on a regular basis. In these type of vehicle batteries, the individual cells need to be filled with the proper type of battery fluid in order for the vehicle to run.

➆ Windshield Wiper Fluid

Although commonly overlooked, a driver could almost not live without windshield wiper fluid! Mud, dirt, water spots, insects, fingerprints, and more can be distracting on a vehicle’s windshield. Windshield wiper fluid is a soapy viscous solution that can be controlled manually by a push of a button inside the car. This button or attachment is generally near the steering wheel. Depending on how often it is used, windshield wiper fluid should be refilled every few months or so.

Auto Repair and Factory Scheduled Maintenance in Carmel, Indiana

Call Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 to request a free estimate, or to schedule an appointment, for European auto repair or factory scheduled car maintenance in Carmel, Indiana. Our German factory-trained mechanics provide a wide range of automotive maintenance and repair services for all European make and model vehicles. Best of all, we offer free written estimates and extensive warranties on all our work. Don’t wait another minute to get your needed automotive work done. Call our office today to get started.