Fluid Insights: Understanding the Role of Vehicle Fluid Inspection
The fluids in your vehicle are essential to its operation — from lubricating moving parts to dissipating heat to providing hydraulic pressure. Performing regular fluid inspections on your vehicle will help keep it in top running condition, extend its life, and help avoid expensive repairs.
At Orcutt Automotive, our technicians thoroughly check all of your fluids to help keep your vehicle’s systems working effectively.
Fluid inspection should be a part of your routine preventative maintenance on your vehicle. Our in-depth checks analyze all of the systems in your vehicle that depend on fluids, including your engine, brakes, transmission, and more, so you can be confident and safe on the road.
What to Look for During Fluid Inspections
When you bring your vehicle to Orcutt Automotive, our experts will check the level and condition of all your fluids. They’ll check each system's fluid level by looking at the dipstick or reservoir markings. If you’re low on any fluids, they’ll refill them.
Some fluids, such as your windshield wiper fluid, are used up over time and need to be refilled on a regular basis. In other systems, such as your brakes, a low fluid level could indicate a leak or other potential problem that should be addressed.
Our technicians also check the condition of your fluids. They make sure the fluids are the appropriate color and that they’re clear and free from contaminants. If your fluids are discolored or contaminated, it could indicate a problem that needs to be checked out.
It can also indicate that the fluid needs to be flushed and replaced. Over time, some fluids wear down and disintegrate, which can affect their performance. These fluids need to be periodically replaced to keep your vehicle in the best possible condition.
Fluids and Their Functions
Modern vehicles are a combination of many different systems, and most of them require some type of fluid to work. Here are the most common fluids in your vehicle and the purposes they serve:
Engine Oil
The oil in your engine lubricates all of the parts and keeps it running smoothly. If your engine oil levels drop too low, it can cause your engine to overheat or seize up completely. There are three different types of engine oil, including conventional, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Your vehicle’s owner manual will tell you which you should use. Or you can discuss it with one of Orcutt Automotive experts.
Plan to check your car’s engine oil level once a month with the dipstick if you don’t follow a regular maintenance schedule. Otherwise, Orcutt Automotive can check it as part of your regular oil changes.
Coolants and Antifreeze
Whether it’s freezing in winter or blistering hot in summer, radiator coolant and antifreeze fluids keep your vehicle running at the ideal temperature. You should have these checked every three to six months or before any major seasonal changes. It’s also a good idea to check it before you embark on a long trip.
Coolant leakage could indicate a problem with your radiator. You can check the coolant level in the reservoir. The coolant color will depend on the fluid you’re using. However, if you need to refill, make sure you wait until your vehicle is cool since these fluids are pressurized and could scald you otherwise.
Power Steering Fluid
Keeping your power steering fluid level optimized makes it easy to turn your steering wheel. If it’s hard to turn, you should check for power steering fluid leaks. For the most accurate reading, check your power steering fluid while the vehicle is still warm. The power steering fluid color is clear with a reddish tint but turns brown over time. You’ll probably only need to replace your power steering fluid about every 75,000 miles, but you should check it about every three months.
Brake Fluid
A healthy brake fluid color ranges from light yellow to brown. It provides hydraulic pressure when you apply the brakes. Any brake fluid contamination should be investigated immediately since it may interfere with your ability to stop your vehicle and could cause an accident.
Check your brake fluid level around every six months even if your brakes seem to be working well.
Transmission Fluid
Your transmission fluid lubricates your gearbox and maintains temperature and pressure so your transmission works correctly. A low transmission fluid level could indicate a leak in your system. Normal transmission fluid color is red, and Orcutt Automotive will check it as part of your oil change, about every three months. They will also let you know if you need a transmission fluid change. Typically, you’ll need one about every 30,000 miles.
Cleaning Fluids
Your windshield washer fluid quality doesn’t directly affect your vehicle’s performance, but it’s still important. Washer fluid contamination can interfere with your ability to see clearly. In most vehicles, you can use a funnel to pour the cleaning fluid directly into the reservoir where you measure the washer fluid level. Plan to check your washer fluid every month or whenever it seems to be running low.
Orcutt Automotive Is the Premier Choice for Fluid Inspection
As an expert automobile service provider here in Corpus Christi, TX, Orcutt Automotive is proud to offer comprehensive inspection services for your vehicle. Our experienced mechanics are looking forward to giving your automobile customized attention. If you have any questions or concerns about your vehicle, or to schedule an inspection, just call (361) 353-4346.
