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There are several areas of auto maintenance that are frequently neglected by drivers. One of those important maintenance areas is fluid maintenance. Regularly maintaining your car fluid is an essential part of routine auto maintenance because your engine depends on several different fluids to run smoothly. The fluids in your car help to carry fuel, lubricate parts, cool the engine, and help with emission reduction. Things you want to know about fluid maintenance for your car include:

Fluid Maintenance Basics and Checking Levels

There are three types of fluids in your car: oil, hydraulic fluids, and coolant. You should regularly check the levels of all the fluids in your car. It is important to make sure the fluids in the transmission, brakes, and power steering systems are always full. If you notice these fluid levels get too low, it might be a sign of a leak or damage because these are closed-circuit hydraulic systems. Thus, these systems might need repairs when fluid levels are low. 

Schedule Oil Changes to Reduce Engine Wear

The oil in your engine is what reduces friction by lubricating moving parts, and this keeps everything smoothly. The oil changes will ensure each auto part is well lubricated which reduces the wear of cylinder walls that can lead to severe engine wear. By scheduling regular oil changes every few months, you can reduce wear and prevent catastrophic engine damage.  

Watching Coolant, Transmission, Brake, and Power Steering Fluid

Other fluids in your car are also vital to its performance. In some areas, it is a good idea to change coolant and transmission fluids seasonally. This will ensure the best performance for cold and hot weather. It is as vital as oil changes in areas with extremely cold winters when fuels and hydraulic fluids can turn into a gel as temperatures rapidly drop.

Know the Signs of Oil and Fluid Problems Before They Cause Damage

While some fluids might not need to be changed as much as your oil, you should know when there is a problem. Thus, it is important to know the signs of potential fluid problems, such as the smell of antifreeze and warmer engine temperatures when your car is low on coolant. Transmission fluid problems may be accompanied by trouble shifting gears. If you have problems with brake fluid, you will notice the pedal becoming loose and your brakes getting weaker.

Ignoring fluid repairs could cause irreversible damage to your engine. Contact an oil change service for help dealing with the fluid changes and other maintenance services that needs to be done.