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After you’ve driven off the lot in a Chevrolet, you want to keep that smooth performance going for as long as possible. Key to that performance is how well you maintain the essential fluids in your car. While there are many important fluids in your vehicle, these are ones you should keep your eye on:
Before you schedule your service appointment to top off the windshield wiper fluid or change the brake fluid, there are a few quick checks you can do at home. Wondering how to check the essential fluids in your car? Read on to learn about these fluids and when to check car fluid during your time on the roads around Ooltewah.
While the six essential car fluids should be regularly inspected and replaced, the frequency of when checks happen can vary depending on the model. Be sure to reference your owner’s manual for more information on when to check your car’s fluids. It may include model-specific ways to replace them, too. In general, here’s how to check essential fluids in your car:
Vital to your performance on Athens roads, engine oil is what lubricates the moving parts in your vehicle and keeps you moving. Typically, engine oil should be replaced every 7,500 to 10,000 miles depending on your driving habits.
Keep in mind that engine oil breaks down, even if the car hasn’t been driven. As it sits in the garage, be sure to replace the engine oil once every six months. To check the oil in your car, a dipstick underneath the hood allows you to monitor the oil level and check for proper consistency.
Learn more about this essential car oil and compare synthetic vs. conventional oil.
Exhibit excellent control on the road by flexing the braking power of your Chevrolet. Brake fluid is responsible for lubricating the parts of your braking system. It’s essential to ensure the debris that builds up over time is removed by replacing the fluid every 30,000 miles or two years.
It’s easy to learn how to check this essential fluid in your car. Most vehicles have a clear brake fluid reservoir underneath the hood. The fluid level is indicated on the reservoir for a mess-free brake fluid check.
The engine coolant is the cooling system that moderates the heat in your system as you drive. It’s what ensures your engine doesn’t overheat while you’re powering through the daily commute. Typically, engine coolant replacements are done every 50,000 miles with checks performed at regular intervals to ensure engine temperatures are optimal.
Once your vehicle has been cooled after a drive, you can check the engine oil by locating the reservoir under the hood. The outside of the reservoir may be marked to indicate its levels to easily check if the coolant is low without removing the cap.
Transmission fluid is the essential car fluid that ensures you can confidently shift through gears as the engine sends power to the wheels. Similarly to the fluids mentioned above, transmission fluid keeps the transmission cooled and properly lubricated for smooth performance. Dirty or broken down fluid can cause problems for your vehicle through delays and grinding noises while shifting.
Depending on your make and model, transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Some models have a transmission that can be checked using a dipstick in the reservoir. However, other transmissions may be sealed and can only be checked by a service technician with the proper training and tools.
Drivers often forget about the steering system fluid until their steering wheel isn’t turning as smoothly as it once did. This essential fluid provides steering assistance and assists with your tight turns on city corners. When to check this car fluid isn’t as straightforward. There is no recommended schedule, but frequent steering issues hint at an issue with the steering fluid.
While not following a set schedule, it’s likely you’ll notice when you need to refill the windshield wiper fluid. Windshield wiper fluid is essential to keeping your field of view clear during rainy days or around dusty construction sites. Easily check the fluid levels by lifting the hood and locating the reservoir with the windshield washer symbol. You can inspect the fluid and top it off as needed during your trips around Chattanooga.
From engine oil to windshield wiper fluid, we’ll check all your essential fluids when you bring your car into the Mtn. View Chevrolet service center. When it’s time for your next service, save on your visit by checking out our available service specials. Are you interested in performing DIY car care? Learn how to do a tire rotation.