Regular fluid exchanges are one of the most important types of maintenance items for your vehicle. Clean, specialized liquids are needed to help lubricate and cool parts of your vehicle while driving. Contaminated fluids can cause performance issues and part failures. The different types of fluids in your vehicle will have different maintenance schedules. Learn more about these fluids and when they should be changed.
Oil changes are the most common type of fluid exchange on a vehicle. Engine oil lubricates, cleans, and cools engine parts. It can also hold abrasive particles and chemical contaminants in suspension. Regular oil changes are necessary to keep your engine running smoothly. Lou’s Car Care recommends changing your oil every 3,000 – 5,000 miles depending on the type of your motor oil.
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) helps prevent your engine from freezing or over-heating in extreme temperatures. The freezing point of water decreases and the boiling point of water increases when Antifreeze (Coolant) is mixed with water. This allows your engine to operate at it’s optimal temperature in harsh conditions. Engine Coolant will break down overtime. Dirt and rust particles can clog your radiator and cause your vehicle to over heat. We recommend a Coolant Fluid Exchange every 24-36 months or 30,000 miles, depending on operating conditions.
Automatic Transmissions rely on hydraulic pressure provided by transmission fluid to change gears. It also removes heat away from the transmission and clutches. Overtime, your car’s Transmission Fluid breaks down causing it to become thinner, darker and full of contaminants. As it breaks down, the fluid will be ineffective at removing heat away from the transmission. This will cause the transmission to over heat and will prohibit the gears from shifting in a normal manner. It is recommended to change your Transmission Fluid every 30,000 miles. This will keep your transmission in great operating condition. Please note, some vehicle have a sealed system and may not require a Transmission Fluid Change.
Did you know that your car’s Braking System won’t work without Brake Fluid? When your Brake Pedal is depressed, Brake Fluid translates that into pressure, and sends it to the front and rear brakes. This will slow down the wheels and stop your car. Brake Fluid also lubricates the moving parts inside the Brake System and protects against rust and corrosion. Like every other vehicle fluid, Brake Fluid breaks down and becomes contaminated. Most manufacturers recommend a Brake Fluid Exchange every 24-36 months, depending on driving conditions. You may also be advised to change your Brake Fluid during a Brake Service, depending on the condition of your Braking System.
A Differential connects to your Drive Shaft and directs appropriate power to each wheel on your front or rear axel. If your Differential Fluid starts to run low or becomes contaminated, the Differential will become noisy and could eventually fail. A failed Differential will cause the gears to seize and the wheels to lock up. This can cause damage to the vehicle and even cause and accident. Many manufacturers do not specify a time or mileage to exchange the Differential Fluid. Lou’s Car Care recommends this fluid be exchanged every 30,000 miles on a majority of vehicles.
Does your vehicle need a Fluid Exchange? We can help! Lou’s Car Care is the right choice for all your auto maintenance and oil change needs. With our modern equipment and knowledgeable staff, Lou’s Car Care is here to help you get the most from your car, truck or SUV. Proudly serving the Baldwinsville, NY, and surrounding communities since 1976. Call us or schedule an online appointment today!
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