Just like any machine, your car needs fluids and filters to run properly. But what exactly do these fluids and filters do? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at three of the most important fluids and filters for your car: motor oil, coolant, and transmission fluid.
Motor Oil
Motor oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, helps to keep the engine clean, and prevents corrosion. Over time, motor oil breaks down and becomes less effective. That’s why it’s important to change your motor oil every 5,000 miles or so.
Common Myths about Motor Oil:
- You only need to change your motor oil when the light comes on: The “change oil” light on your dash only comes on when it’s time for a routine oil change-not when your oil is actually empty. So don’t wait until the light comes on to change your oil! By then, it might be too late.
- You can go longer than 5,000 miles between changes if you use synthetic oil: Although synthetic oils tend to last longer than regular oils, you should still change your synthetic oil every 5,000 miles to be on the safe side.
- You don’t need to change your motor oil if you have a new car: Even if you have a brand new car, it’s important to change the motor oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. New cars often come with special break-in oils that need to be changed after the first 1,000 miles or so.
Coolant
Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze that helps to keep your engine at a consistent temperature by absorbing heat from the engine. Over time, coolant breaks down and becomes less effective. That’s why it’s important to check your coolant level every few months and replace it entirely every 50,000 miles or so.
Common Myths about Coolant:
- You can go longer than 50,000 miles between replacements if you use extended life coolant: Even if you use extended life coolant, it’s important to replace it entirely every 50,000 miles. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your engine.
- It doesn’t matter what kind of coolant you use as long as it’s green: While most coolants are indeed green, there are many different types of coolant on the market. It’s important to use the type of coolant that is recommended for your vehicle by the manufacturer.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid lubricates the moving parts of your transmission and helps to keep it running smoothly. Over time, transmission fluid breaks down and becomes less effective. That’s why it’s important check your transmission fluid level every few months and replace it entirely every 50,000 miles or so.
Common Myths about Transmission Fluid:
- You can go longer than 50,000 miles between replacements if you use synthetic transmission fluid: Even if you use synthetic transmission fluid, it’s important replace it entirely every 50,000 miles in order to prevent damage to your transmission.
- It doesn’t matter what kind of transmission fluid you use as long as it’s red: While most transmission fluids are indeed red, there are many different types of transmission fluid on the market. It’s important to use the type of transmission fluid that is recommended for your vehicle by the manufacturer.
Now that you know more about auto fluids and filters, you can be sure that your car is running smoothly. Be sure to check your levels regularly and replace fluids and filters according to manufacturers’ recommendations in order to prevent damage to your car.
