6 Essential Car Fluids and How to Check Them

The right car maintenance can help your vehicle perform better and stay safer on the Houston roads, and DIY car care isn’t nearly as difficult as some drivers may expect. For example, 6 essential car fluids in your vehicle can be inspected in just a few minutes of your time. They include:

• Engine oil
• Brake fluid
• Engine coolant
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Windshield wiper fluid

Learning how to check essential fluids in your car, and when to check car fluids, is a small time investment that can pay off in a big way. Think lower service bills, less downtime, and a better driving experience overall in Channelview. Let’s go over how to care of everything essential car fluid-related from brake fluid to windshield wiper fluid like a pro!

How to Check Essential Fluids in Your Car

How do you check essential fluids in your car? Not sure when to check essential fluids as part of your maintenance routine? No problem, our service team has compiled a quick overview to help you out. If you need additional help, feel free to contact our techs or browse your owner’s manual. Let’s get started.

Motor Oil

• Purpose of motor oil: Reduces friction between engine components, draws away heat to prevent overheating
• When to change motor oil: Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six months.
• How to check motor oil: Remove the motor oil dipstick and wipe it off. Dip it in the reservoir and note the oil level, color, and consistency to make sure everything looks normal.

Brake Fluid

• Purpose of brake fluid: Moves the force from the brake pedal to the entire braking system
• How often to replace brake fluid: Every 30,000 miles or two years. 
• How to check brake fluid: Locate the brake fluid reservoir and check that the fluid level reaches the markings.

Engine Coolant

• Purpose of engine coolant: Helps to regulate the temperature of the cooling system and engine
• When to replace engine coolant: Every 50,000 miles.  
• How to check engine coolant: Locate the engine coolant reservoir and check that the fluid reaches the markings. 

Transmission Fluid

• Purpose of transmission fluid: Enables gears to shift smoothly and seamlessly
• How often to replace transmission fluid (for cars with automatic transmission): Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
• How to check transmission fluid (for cars with automatic transmission): Locate the transmission fluid dipstick and check the liquid level. The fluid should be dark red and translucent.  If you have a sealed transmission, you’ll need to bring your car to a service center instead.

Power Steering Fluid

• Purpose of power steering fluid: Helps the power steering hydraulic system work properly
• When to replace power steering fluid: As needed, if your steering wheel feels sluggish or unresponsive
• How to check power steering fluid: Locate the power steering fluid reservoir and check that the fluid reaches the markings. 

Windshield Wiper Fluid

• Purpose of windshield wiper fluid: Helps the windshield wipers sweep away dust and debris
• When to replace windshield wiper fluid: As needed, when windshield sprayers run dry
• How to check windshield wiper fluid: Locate the windshield wiper fluid reservoir and check that the fluid reaches the markings.

Get More Service Tips and Tricks with Big Star Buick GMC

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Big Star Buick GMC if you have any remaining questions about when to check car fluids. We’d be happy to go over proper home maintenance for your vehicle, so you can enjoy miles and miles of stress-free travel in Crosby. Contact us and schedule your service in Baytown today!