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Modern motor vehicles use a variety of fluids to operate as they were designed. These fluids are used to lubricate, disperse heat and operate different functions during day-to-day driving
When we start a long journey by the car first thing we need to do is check the vehicle if it is in mint condition for drive the basic check up starts from the fluids used in car for safe operations of the engine and parts of the vehicle
1. Engine Oil
The main lubricant vehicles use is engine oil. This oil provides proper lubrication of all the moving parts inside an internal combustion engine - to disperse heat and prolong the life of all components.
It is essentially the lifeblood of the engine, and without it serious damage can be caused in a very short amount of time.
There are also cleaning properties built into modern engine oils that prevent blockages and contaminants from restricting oil flow.
It’s important to replace your engine oil at regular intervals, as oil breaks down and loses these properties over time. The normal service interval can vary between 10,000km to 20,000km, depending on the vehicle, but may need to be changed more frequently if the vehicle is operated under abnormal conditions ie. 4wding, towing, racing, excessive stop-start driving.
2. Brake Fluid
Modern braking systems use brake fluid to transfer the application of the brake pedal down to the front and rear brakes, to bring the vehicle to a stop.
The fluid is usually silicone based, which does not compress, giving a solid pedal feel and an increased temperature rating.
Regular brake fluid changes ensure that a car’s braking system operates safely and effectively.
Most manufacturers recommend brake fluid changes every 2 years, regardless of kilometres travelled, but it may need to be changed more frequently if the vehicle is operated under abnormal conditions.
3. Clutch Fluid
Today’s manual transmission equipped vehicles use hydraulic clutch systems to transfer the application of the clutch pedal down to the gearbox and clutch assembly, allowing the driver to change gears smoothly and easily.
These systems use the same silicone based fluid that the braking system uses, so the same principals apply.
Most manufacturers recommend replacement of clutch fluid every 2 years, regardless of kilometres travelled, but this may need to be changed more frequently if the vehicle is operated under abnormal conditions.
It’s industry standard to replace the brake and clutch fluid at the same time, to make sure both systems are operating correctly.
4. Engine Coolant
Engine coolant (including Antifreeze) is designed to transfer the heat created by the combustion , and disperse it through the cooling system of the engine.
This system includes the water pump - which pumps the coolant through passages in the engine, and the radiator - which transfers the heat from the fluid out into the atmosphere. It also provides the heat for the in car heater when switched on.
Coolant can come different colors, the main two being green - for cast iron engines, and red - for alloy based engines.
Normal life coolant is recommended to be changed every 3 to 5 years, depending on the vehicle and color of the coolant. Top up can be done with the service.
Long-life coolants can last up to 200,000km or 10 years, at which times the systems are flushed and coolant replaced.
5. Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid operates on the same basis as engine oil. It provides lubrication for moving parts, heat transfer and, in the case of automatic transmissions, enables the vehicle to move.
This fluid is designed to withstand enormous pressures and heat. Some transmissions incorporate a radiator, to allow heat transfer away from the moving parts inside the transmission.
6. Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield washer fluid is used for cleaning the front and rear windshield of the vehicle, generally we use clean water with some windshield washer shampoo.