How to Winterize Your Car

Winter is nearly here, bringing with it the challenge of ensuring your vehicle is ready for the cold weather. For starters, tire pressure and tread are critically affected by temperature variations, making it important to ensure all tires are properly inflated and tread depth is sufficient. Additionally, an oil change is also paramount as wintertime can often bring excess strain on motor oil’s ability to protect parts of the engine. But there is a lot more to prepping your ride for the winter climate.

Continue reading to learn how to winterize your car in preparation for the cold ahead.

For Trusted Winter Auto Service in Carmel Indiana, Call 317-571-0800 Today!
For Trusted Winter Auto Service in Carmel Indiana, Call 317-571-0800 Today!

What You Need to Know About Winterizing Your Vehicle

Here are some tips on how to winterize your car and make sure it’s ready for the snow and ice:

1. Start With a Car Care Check-Up: A good car care check-up can ensure your car is in top condition for the winter. Have your car serviced regularly, including oil changes and tire rotations, to make sure everything is running smoothly and efficiently.

2. Change Your Tires: Make sure your tires are suitable for winter conditions. If you live in an area with snow and ice, invest in a set of quality winter tires or snow chains to ensure your car has the best grip possible.

3. Check Your Battery: Cold weather can take its toll on car batteries, so make sure yours is up to the task. Have it tested by a professional auto service technician and replace it if necessary.

4. Top Up Fluids: Keep your car running smoothly by topping up oil, coolant, washer fluid, antifreeze, etc. Check your owner’s manual for the correct type of fluids to use in each situation.

5. Have an Emergency Kit Ready: It’s always a good idea to carry an emergency kit with you in case of breakdowns or other problems. Keep things like jumper cables, flashlights, blankets, and snacks in the car at all times.

6. Get Scheduled Auto Service. To truly ensure maximum efficiency during the chilliest of months, a comprehensive vehicle checkup should be scheduled at your preferred repair shop. Taking heed of these basic preventative maintenance steps can go a long way in keeping your car poised for success when winter finally arrives.

These tips can help ensure your car is ready for winter weather conditions. Regular maintenance and car care will go a long way towards keeping you safe and sound during the cold winter months. Don’t forget, it’s always a good idea to read your owner’s manual for specific winter car care tips that may be relevant to your vehicle.

Carmel Indiana Auto Repair and Maintenance

Autohaus Dierolf offers exceptional European and German auto repair and maintenance services in Carmel, Indiana. Our German-factory trained mechanics specialize in servicing all makes and models of European and German vehicles, providing peace of mind knowing that your car is being cared for by knowledgeable professionals. Contact us at 317-571-0800 today and experience the Dierolf Difference! Let us make you a customer for life.

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5 Car Maintenance Services That Protect Your Life

When it comes to driving, whether yourself or your loved ones, safety is always front of mind. There is no better way to ensure optimal safety and performance of your vehicles than responsible auto service and maintenance. Not only should you have your vehicles inspected by a licensed mechanic, according to the automotive manufacturer factory scheduled maintenance recommendations, but you should also know how to visibly inspect and care for your car on your own.

Although all manufacturer recommended auto services and car care best practices should be followed, continue reading to learn the top five auto services that are the most critical to your overall safety.

Car Brake Auto Service Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800
Car Brake Auto Service Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800

5 Safety Focused Auto Services

To protect yourself from danger, out on the road, these five safety focused auto services should be at the top of your routine car maintenance priority list: brake replacement, shocks and struts replacement, exterior light inspections, windshield wiper fluid refills, and car fluid refills.

Car Brake Replacement

Car brakes are not designed to last forever. At some point in time, your vehicle’s car braking system will need either a full replacement or parts replacement. When car brakes wear down, they lose performance value. Since brakes are arguably the most important safety feature of the vehicle, a decline in corporate performance is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. As for parts, brake pads can deteriorate over time, so they need to be changed on a routine basis to ensure optimal braking and friction and performance.

Shocks and Struts Replacement

Shocks and struts generally began to experience wear and tear between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. This is typically a middle-aged vehicle, with struts in the front and shocks in the rear end. If you’re feeling like your car is bouncy when you drive or if it’s sagging on one end, you could have a damaged strut or blown shock. Damaged shocks and struts can pose serious risks out on the road since a car can become less responsive to steering and braking.

Exterior Light Inspections

It is important to routinely check on the exterior lights of your vehicle. This is something that you can do all on your own, or even enlist the kids to do for you. Simply insert your key into the ignition. Clicking it over one time so that your lights turn on. But your engine stays off. Then, while monitoring reflections around you or with the help of a partner, check to see that your turn signals, windshield Wiper, parking lights, headlights, brake lights, and brights are all working. If you ever drive in the evening hours or at night, exterior lights are vital to your overall safety on the road. Even if you are a daytime driver, inclement weather conditions and foggy weather can put you in serious danger. If your exterior lights are not functioning properly.

Windshield Wiper Fluid Refills

On the subject of inclement weather conditions, having a full reservoir of windshield wiper fluid is critical to your visibility, which is critical to your overall ability to operate your vehicle safely. Not only is it important to use a quality windshield wiper fluid, but it is also important to routinely fill it up, especially during times of frequent use. Along with windshield wiper fluid, it is important to replace your actual windshield wipers every year or two. And unlike many other products in life, price does matter. The more expensive the windshield wipers are, the better performance you can expect.

Automotive Fluid Refills

Along with windshield wiper fluid, your vehicle requires six other vital automotive fluids that need to be refilled on a routine basis. These fluids include motor oil, coolant (radiator fluid/antifreeze), brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid (if applicable), and battery fluid (if applicable). Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to check and refill these fluids for your make and model vehicle.

Are you looking for a trusted German factory trained auto mechanic for your luxury or European vehicle? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for European car maintenance in Indianapolis, Carmel, Indiana. We are German factory trained mechanics who specialize in German and European vehicles.

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Recommended Car Maintenance for Fall

Fall has begun, and likely so has some of your favorite seasonal activities and indulgences. But don’t let all the fun Autumn festivities distract you from your season-to-season scheduled car maintenance duties. Continue reading to learn the recommended car maintenance checklist for Fall, and who to trust for superior European auto service in Indianapolis.

Factory Scheduled Maintenance Indianapolis IN 317-571-0800
Factory Scheduled Maintenance Indianapolis IN 317-571-0800

Fall Season Car Care Checklist

Heating and Air Conditioning System

Now that the temperatures are slowly dropping, it is important to ensure that your heating system is on point and ready to deliver a cozy indoor environment for your vehicle. In preparation for the increasingly chilly Fall weather, be sure to have your automotive heating and air conditioning system inspected and serviced by a licensed mechanic in Carmel, Indiana.

Tires

Proper tire inflation is vital for safe driving through the fall season. Colder climates can also cause tires to lose air pressure, making it important to routinely check your tire pressure. Before fall turns into winter, be sure to have your tire serviced by a licensed mechanic. Have your tires changed at the tread is low and have them rotated and balanced for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Car Battery

Car batteries are known to encounter problems as the outdoor temperatures drop for the Autumn season. Be sure that your automotive battery is an optimal condition. Also, be sure that your vehicle is equipped with jumper cables and additional emergency roadside assistance supplies in the case of your car battery dies while out on the road.

Automotive Fluids

All vehicles, regardless of make or model, require 7 vital automotive fluids. These include transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator fluid (also known as coolant or antifreeze), battery fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and of course motor oil. Bring your vehicle into your local Carmel Indiana auto shop to have all fluids topped off and refilled as needed.

You might want to also consider keeping an extra bottle of coolant and motor oil in the trunk in the case of an overheating car engine. Depending on the type of battery you have, you may not require battery fluid. Sometimes battery cells are required to be topped off with water. This is more common in older vehicles.

Headlights

Before the foggy and hazy fall and winter days approach, be sure your headlights are cleaned up and shining bright for optimal road safety and driving control. Be sure to have any lamps changed if any of your headlights or taillights are burnt out.

Windshield Wipers

Not only do you want to ensure that your when should wiper fluid is topped off and ready for the fall season, but you also want to ensure that your windshield wipers are in good condition. It is important to switch at you when chilled wipers annually to ensure optimal performance and water runoff clearance. You need to prepare for flurries and snowstorms, even in the Fall.

Do you own a European vehicle that requires some routine car maintenance in Indianapolis? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for superior factory scheduled maintenance in Carmel, Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

When Do I Need to Change the Fluids in My Car?
Factory Recommended Maintenance for Car Brakes
How to Correct an Overheating Car Engine

European Automotive Repair Carmel
European Automotive Repair Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800

When Should I Change the Coolant in My Car?

No matter the time of year, coolant is an essential automotive fluid for all make and model vehicles. But when the summer heat approaches, the need to keep your car’s engine cool and running smoothly is even more pressing. Not sure if your car’s coolant needs to be refilled or replaced yet?

Continue below to learn everything you need to know about radiator flushes, coolant replacement, and factory scheduled maintenance.

European Auto Service Carmel Indianapolis
European Auto Service Carmel Indianapolis 317-571-0800

Facts About Your Car’s Coolant

Engine coolant goes by many names, including radiator fluid, radiator coolant, or antifreeze. No matter what you call it, engine coolant is one of the most vital car fluids for any vehicle. It is a combination of antifreeze and water (usually a 50/50 mix), and serves a number of purposes for a car.

First, it runs through a vehicle’s radiator to remove any excess heat and prevent the engine from overheating. Next, since it contains antifreeze chemicals, it prevents it from freezing up in cold temperatures. But also, engine coolant prevents corrosion and works as a lubricant to the water pump and other internal workings.

So, as you can see, radiator fluid is very important for a car or truck to operate safely and effectively. Continue reading to learn when your vehicles engine coolant should be changed, as well as, factory car maintenance scheduling, and more!

What You Need to Know About Radiator Fluid Flushes

Coolant Flushes

Changing or replacing the radiator fluid in your vehicle is referred to as coolant flush. Regular coolant flushes are vital for your vehicle because it inhibits corrosion, prevents over-heating, and provides lubrication to the internal workings of your engine’s water pump, radiator, and heater core.

Dirty or Discolored Coolant

To properly identify when your coolant is dirty, you must first know what the color of the fluid is when brand new. The primary colors of engine coolant are yellow, orange, green, and black. Check the color of your radiator fluid once every week. When this color starts to change, you know it’s time to change your radiator fluid. But the most noticeable sign that it is time to replace the coolant is when your engine starts to overheat. The temperature gauge on your car’s dashboard will tell you how hot the engine is getting, and if you start to see smoke, it’s gone too far!

Overheating Engines

Never operate a vehicle with an overheating engine. Not only is this extremely dangerous, it causes significant damage to the engine. This can result in a costly repair, engine replacement, or even a totaled vehicle. As soon as you are aware your engine is overheating, take it to an auto so immediately and have it serviced.

Regular Fluids Changes

All fluids should be changed, flushed, and replaced regularly for all vehicles. The general factory car maintenance schedule is every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. This includes motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, battery fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and in some cases, even transfer case lubricants. But engine coolant does not need to be replaced this often. Most manufacturers suggest flushing the coolant every 24,000 to 36,000 miles, or once every 2 to 3 years. But if you are driving in hot climates or long distances regularly, then once per year is a better schedule.

How to Learn More About Car Care for Your Make and Model Vehicle

Consult a licensed automotive service and repair technician for information regarding your make and model vehicle’s factory maintenance schedule. An ASE-licensed mechanic will have up-to-date knowledge and information for all make and model cars and trucks.

Does your luxury import or European vehicle require some professional car maintenance or repair? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for factory scheduled car maintenance in Carmel, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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The Seven Essential Automotive Fluids Every Vehicle Needs
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European Automotive Repair Carmel
European Automotive Repair Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800

How to Change Your Car Oil and Air Filters

Routine air filter replacement and oil filter replacement are both vital for optimal vehicular performance and overall safety. Depending on the particular make and model of your car, air filter replacement is usually needed between 12,000 and 15,000 miles. But you don’t have to take your car into the shop for this if you are a hands-on kind of person. You can likely change your own oil and oil filter without the help of a professional mechanic!

Continue reading to learn how to change your car oil and air filters all in one go.

Indianapolis Car Maintenance and Auto Service 317-571-0800
Carmel Indiana European Car Maintenance and Service 317-571-0800

The 101 on DIY Automotive Filter Changes

What You Need

All you need in order to change your air filters is the right supplies and a little knowledge. Then, you are ready to change your car’s oil all by yourself. Acquire a new oil filter, an oil pan to store the dirty oil, a car jack, a socket set, a funnel, and a couple bottles of the motor oil your car uses. Safety goggles, rubber gloves, a flashlight, and a few clean cloths wouldn’t hurt either.

Instructions for Engine Filter Changes

Oil Filter Replacement

First, run your car engine for a few minutes to warm the oil up because warm oil flows easier. Then, lift your vehicle off the ground with the car jack and place the oil pan beneath your vehicle. Be sure you have used a car jack before, as they can pose certain dangers if you don’t know what you are doing.

Next, unscrew your oil cap located under the hood, and the oil drain plug beneath your car. This plug generally looks like a single bolt underneath your car’s oil compartment. Double check your vehicle owners’ manual for instructions on locating the oil drain plug.

Motor oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or sooner depending on how often you drive.

Put on your rubber gloves and use a socket wrench to unscrew the drain plug a few rounds, then use your hands to unscrew the rest of the way. Allow all the dirty oil to drain out completely. Replace the drain plug and then change the oil filter.

Once this is all done, you can use your funnel to pour your new, clean oil into your engine. The next step is replacing the oil filter. Simply unscrew the old filter, allow any excess oil to drain, and then replace and tighten the filter. If you are not using paper filters, use a tiny bit of oil to lubricate the edges of the new filter before screwing it back into place.

Air Filter Replacement

Aside from oil filters, your vehicle has air filters that need replaced on a routine basis. These are inexpensive and can be purchased at any local automotive store or general store. Expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $20 per filter. If you neglect to change your air filters, overtime you will notice a major decrease in gas mileage and vehicular performance. Luckily, this is a maintenance job you can do all by yourself! It is a simple ten minute process that is easy to learn how to do. Just follow your owners’ manual instructions!

Need some help with your routine car maintenance needs? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for factory scheduled maintenance in Carmel, Indiana for European vehicles. Our German factory trained mechanics offer dealership quality European auto repair at neighborhood prices!

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European Automotive Repair Carmel
European Automotive Repair Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800

How Does Tire Width Affect Gas Mileage in Cars?

Today, everyone is looking for the answer to better gas mileage.  Vehicle owners and drivers are on a constant hunt for secrets, miracle cures, rises in the economy, and blatant luck to reduce gas mileage, prices, and fuel consumption. There are several reasons why vehicles can get good or bad gas mileage. There are so many factors that affect this area of concern; however, there is one variable that is hardly discussed but highly influential when it comes to fuel mileage.  This variable is tire width.  Tires have a large influence on how a car or truck operates on the road.

Continue reading to learn how tire size can affect fuel economy and gas mileage on the road.

Fuel System Repair Carmel Indianapolis
Fuel System Repair and Car Maintenance Carmel, Indiana 317-571-0800

The 101 on Gas Mileage and Tire Care

There are two things to consider when thinking about tires and their effect on gas mileage; one is wind resistance, and the other is rolling resistance. When a car is driving at higher speeds, it experiences higher wind resistance; this means lower fuel economy. Rolling resistance is the impact the road has on the tires, and how it affects drivability. If you change the features (size and width) of your tires, it will then influence the interaction it has with the road, thus affecting the gas mileage. This is where tire width can begin to influence gas mileage.

Tire Size and Width Influences Gas Mileage

Many people believe by changing the height of a car’s tires, they can increase its fuel economy. This is not a reliable idea. You see, speedometers are specifically calibrated to the number of revolutions a set of tires makes per mile while driving.  If the original set of tires is replaced, the calibration will be off and changes in fuel economy will be blurred.  Shorter tires will calculate at higher gas mileage because they will make so many more revolutions per mile. This negatively affects fuel consumption because it makes the car’s engine work at a higher rpm to achieve the same speeds. Taller tires will do just the opposite while still offering an inaccurate reading.

Tire Width versus Gas Mileage

Tire width is one of the only tire size factors that can influence gas mileage in a positive way. For example, a narrow tire will have less wind resistance, rolling resistance, and weight, thus, increasing gas mileage. If choosing a narrower tire, be aware that they can make the car’s handling characteristics more difficult to control. It is best to always install the proper size tires for your particular vehicle.  A professional tire tech or mechanic will have no problem helping you figure this out. Also, keeping your tires fully inflated can improve gas mileage.

Do you need fuel system repair or factory scheduled maintenance for a European car in Carmel, Indianapolis, IN? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for the best deals around town!

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European Automotive Repair Carmel
European Automotive Repair Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800

How to Start the New Year With Better Fuel Mileage

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution? Was it to save more money? Well, fuel is not cheap; so why not aim to save money in 2021 by improving your gas mileage? All you need is a little adjustment and a little strategy. This means implementing methods and changing your driving habits in order to save fuel and ultimately, money.

New year or not, it is always important to learn ways to make your dollar last longer in your gas tank. So, without further hesitation, continue below and learn some easy gas mileage saving tips that you can apply every day.

Don’t Throw Away Your Hard-Earned Cash. Save Gas Money With These Tips!

Get Better Fuel Efficiency in 2021!

Remove Unwanted Junk From Your Vehicle

The first step to reducing fuel consumption is reducing any excess weight within your vehicle. Remove any heavy items that have been stored there for some time. Things like sporting equipment, clothes, books, trunk items, electronics, building materials, hobby supplies, and garbage can add unnecessary weight to your car. The heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it requires for motion, so this is the easiest and quickest way to immediately improve gas mileage on your own.

Try Not to Idle So Much

Another approach to saving on fuel is to avoid long idle times in your car. Next time you go to pick up pizzas for the family, park and walk into the store rather than pulling up and allowing your car to run while you are inside paying. Unbeknown to ordinary drivers, this action causes our fuel to burn up almost as fast as it would if we were driving. Avoid taking lunch breaks in your car, leaving it on while applying makeup, or listening to music before school. This will eat your fuel up faster than you can say fuel economy!

Embrace Better Driving Habits

If you really want to reduce your gas mileage and fuel consumption, try driving better. You may believe you are a fantastic driver, especially if you have a solid record. But this does not mean you can’t improve on your skill.  Driving fast, erratically, taking off fast, and coming to abrupt stops can cause your vehicle to use more fuel than it needs to. It can also damage your vehicle’s inner workings. Try driving slower, smoother, and in a more consistent manner can help reduce fuel consumption and save you money in the long run.

Using the right fuel grade is also important to ensure optimal gas mileage and overall vehicle performance!

Have Your Car Serviced Regularly

Perhaps the most effective and recommended way to reduce fuel consumption is to make sure your car is operating optimally. The only way to ensure top vehicle performance is to have your vehicle serviced regularly, and to stay on top of all its necessary factory scheduled maintenance. Car maintenance services like oil changes, automotive fluid changes, air filter changes, engine cleaning, tire rotation and balancing, and tune-ups all contribute to how efficient your car’s fuel consumption will be now and in the future.

Where to Get Your Car’s Fuel System and Economy Checked in Indianapolis

Call Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 to request a free estimate, or to schedule an appointment, for European auto services or scheduled car maintenance in Carmel, Indiana. We are German-trained factory mechanics with decades of experience in the European auto service and repair industry. Autohaus Dierolf can work on any make or model European vehicle, including BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche. Call 317-571-0800 to request a free estimate, today.

European Automotive Repair Carmel
European Automotive Repair Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800

Why You Should Take Routine Oil Changes Seriously

The pressure of mortgages, credit cards, car payments, and additional obligatory expenses can be overwhelming in today’s economy. So now more than ever, people are looking for ways to save money. One way people are having success at managing their budget is taking good care of their cars. This helps to avoid unexpected costly repairs and replacements. In fact, one of the easiest and most effective method to improve vehicular performance is by implementing regular scheduled oil changes.

European Auto Repair and Service Carmel Indiana
European Auto Repair and Service in Carmel, Indiana 317-571-0800

The Importance of Motor Oil

Regular scheduled maintenance is vital for all cars, trucks, and even motorcycles. Oil changes are one of the most important scheduled car maintenance, and should be completed after a recommended period of time or mileage. A certified mechanic would recommend changing conventional oil every 3,000 miles.

For synthetic oil, the common recommendation would be to change the oil every 5,000 miles. Along with changing the oil, automotive technicians would suggest replacing the oil filter with every change as well. The 3000 and 5000 mile rule has been around for a long time in the automotive service industry; however, modern-day car manufacturers insist that their newer model vehicles can drive nearly 10,000 miles before an oil change is required.

The Purpose of Oil Changes

Changing the oil is a vehicle maintenance necessity for all car owners. Every vehicle contains various metal components that require regular lubrication and emollient. Proper lubrication lets the metal parts move freely and efficiently; allowing the vehicle to drive effortlessly. In fact, engine wear is commonly caused by friction which occurs from lack of lubrication.

As a vehicle drives, the movement of the engine generates particles and fragments that contaminate the oil within it. An accumulation of these harmful particles and contaminants will damage the internal components of an engine, leading to costly repairs. Regular scheduled oil changes are crucial when it comes to maintaining a clean and optimal engine.

Failing to get an oil change can result in a wide range of complications. These complications are problematic and will eventually evolve into larger issues that can potentially cost car owners hundreds and even thousands of dollars. One such complication that commonly results from neglecting regular scheduled oil changes is called engine sludge.

Engine sludge largely implicates a vehicle’s performance and driving capability, such as engine overheating and diminished gas mileage.  From this point, it is more lucrative to pay for a quick and inexpensive oil change rather than costly car repairs. Lubrication services are always affordable, quick, and available for all make and model vehicles.

What You Can Do

Remember, regular scheduled oil changes can vastly improve the vehicle’s performance, reduce engine friction, stabilize engine temperature, increase gas mileage, and even lower harmful fuel emissions. For all of this plus a cleaner that are working engine, change the oil in your vehicle as directed by its manufacturer or your local mechanic.

Carmel Auto Repair and Factory Scheduled Maintenance for European Vehicles

Call Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for European auto repair and service in Carmel, Indiana. Our mechanics provide a wide range of automotive services for all make and model European and British vehicles, including factory scheduled maintenance. With more than 30 years of experience, you can trust that your vehicle is in the hands of a truly-qualified professional. We also offer automotive repair coupons too!

European Automotive Repair Carmel
European Automotive Repair Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800

The Seven Essential Automotive Fluids Every Vehicle Needs

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.

European Auto Repair and Service
European Auto Repair and Service Carmel, Indiana 317-571-0800

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.

European Automotive Repair Carmel
European Automotive Repair Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800