In order to operate effectively, your vehicle depends on a variety of fluids. From engine oil to brake fluid, without these vital vehicle fluids, your engine would quickly break down and cease to work. Amongst many of their varied functions, engine fluids provide lubrication and temperature regulation to the engine parts.
Just like the actual parts of your engine, vital vehicle fluids are susceptible to extreme heat, dirt, and grime. This wear and tear over time can degrade the composition of the fluids and reduce the protection to your engine. The bottom-line is that your vehicle’s fluids need to be replaced and replenished at some point during the life cycle of your vehicle.
Vital Vehicle Fluids
Below is a breakdown of some of your vehicle’s vital fluids and considerations for when to replace them with a “fluid flush”.
| Type of Fluid | When to Replace |
|---|---|
| Engine Oil: Engine oil is what lubricates the moving parts of your vehicle’s engine. It reduces friction between parts to keep them lasting longer without wearing down. | - Engine oil is one of the more frequent fluids that needs to be replaced each time you have an oil change for your vehicle. - The recommended timeframe for oil changes is every 3,000-5,000 miles, but that could depend on the type of oil used in the vehicle. For example, synthetic oils can go longer between oil changes. |
| Coolant/Radiator Fluid: The engine coolant is what keeps your vehicle temperature controlled in either hot or cold conditions. Coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water and prevents the engine from overheating or freezing. | - The recommended timeframe varies based on vehicle manufacturer, but the standard is approximately every 30,000 miles driven. |
| Power Steering Fluid: The power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps your vehicle steer easily. | - The timeframe may vary depending on vehicle and manufacturer but the standard is about every 2 years, or about 50,000 miles driven. |
| Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is what helps create force when you depress the brake pedal. | - There is no recommended timeframe for replacing brake fluid, it largely depends on your vehicle, manufacturer and also your driving habits. |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid: The automatic transmission fluid serves several functions within the vehicle transmission, including lubrication, cooling, and also hydraulics. | - The recommended timeframe is somewhat based on the type of driving you do. For example, if you do a lot of city driving or towing then you would want to consider more frequent changes. - The standard timeframe for replacement is approximately between 30,000 and 60,000 miles driven. |
Remember, engine fluids play an important role in your vehicle longevity. Always consult with your vehicle owner’s manual for recommended timeframes and replacement type of your engine’s fluids. Your vehicle is a complex piece of machinery and in the end, it is important to follow a solid maintenance schedule to keep it running as smoothly and safely as possible.
If you would like to have your vehicle’s fluids checked and replaced, schedule an appointment with us today. Give our auto repair shop in Byram, New Jersey, a call and we will be happy to provide you with our expert advice.
