All Fluid Level Checks & Connections

There are multiple different types of fluids in your car, truck, or SUV that allow it to run properly. It is important to know a little bit about these so that you can check your vehicle’s fluids and stay on top of regular maintenance.

There are six major fluids in your vehicle that need to be checked on a regular basis. Check out more about these fluids below and when they need to be checked and replaced.

• Engine Oil – Oil is one of the most well-known fluids in your car. You likely know that you need to get an oil change regularly to keep your engine running as it should. Your oil should be changed every 3,000 – 5,000 miles, depending on the type of oil and your model of vehicle. You can check your oil to see if it needs to be changed. Under the hood of your vehicle, you can find a cap that says “engine oil” or has an oil image. To check your oil, pull out the engine oil dipstick and wipe it off with a towel or rag. Then, reinsert the dipstick all the way and pull it out again. This will show you both the level of the oil and the color. The dipstick will be marked with minimum and maximum levels so that you know if you need to add oil. Your oil is yellow/amber when it is new, but it will be a black color when it needs to be changed.
• Coolant – Coolant or antifreeze works to absorb the heat in your engine and dissipate that heat so that your engine does not overheat. This is very important because an engine overheating can lead to a lot of damage. Your engine coolant only has to be checked about every 50,000 miles, and you should never check this fluid when the engine is hot because it can spray out dangerously. Wait for the engine to cool, find the “coolant” or “antifreeze” label, and see if this fluid is filled completely. You should always use the same type of coolant that your owner’s manual recommends.
• Power Steering Fluid – Power steering is what makes it easy to turn the wheel of your car. Look for the power steering cap or dipstick and check this fluid like you would check your engine oil. There will be markings on the dipstick to show you if you have enough fluid or you are low in fluid. Top your fluid off if it needs it.
• Windshield Wiper Fluid – Visibility is essential when you are driving, you do not want a dirty windshield to impair your vision as you drive. That is why it is essential to keep your windshield wiper fluid full to help you keep your sight line clear. Windshield wiper fluid can be easily purchased at a gas station or auto store. It is often blue/green or orange/red in color. Under your hood, you can find a cap that likely says “washer fluid” and has a picture of a windshield on it. Check this every so often, and fill it up until it is full.
• Transmission Fluid – Transmission fluid works similarly to the oil in your vehicle, except it is keeping the transmission cool and lubricated. However, this fluid is not as well known because it is a lot longer lasting than engine oil. For many vehicles, your transmission fluid is supposed to last the whole vehicle’s lifetime. However, that doesn’t mean it may not need replaced at some point because of some issue with your vehicle. It is not something that needs to be regularly checked, but if you are having trouble shifting or experiencing strange noises when you do so, you may need this fluid checked. Some vehicles have a dipstick to check transmission fluid, but other vehicles required a mechanic to check your transmission fluid for you. With this fluid, it might be best to contact a professional for help.
• Brake Fluid – You know your brakes are not something you want to go without. Brake fluid helps to connect the pedal to the brakes. Brake fluid can become contaminated or leak, so it does need to be checked and replaced occasionally. You can check this like other fluids, make sure it is up to the maximum fill. If it is not, add more brake fluid in. Also, brake fluid should never be cloudy or dark in color, if it is, it needs to be replaced.

All of these fluids are important for your vehicle, so it is necessary to check them regularly and fill/replace them when needed. There are certain fluids that may make more sense to leave to the professionals, but you can always schedule a service appointment at Seacoast Mazda to get your oil changed or your fluid levels checked.

As you are checking your vehicle fluids every once in a while, there are a few other things you can add to your list to check in your vehicle. When checking fluids, you can also inspect hoses for any sign of cracks or missing pieces. You can also take a look at your battery cables to make sure they are securely attached and there are no signs of corrosion. Also, as you check your windshield wiper fluid, it can be a good time to check your wipers themselves to be sure they don’t need to be replaced.

Regular checks and maintenance of your vehicle can help your vehicle stay in top shape, and it can give you more peace of mind. The more you know about your vehicle systems and how they work, the better car owner you can be, but as always, our experts at Seacoast Mazda are here to help you stay on top of things!

Fluid Level Checks and Replacements at Seacoast Mazda

Whether you need an oil change or new transmission fluid, our expert service staff at Seacoast Mazda can help you out. We work effectively and efficiently to get your vehicle fixed up and ready to get back on the road for you.

Reach out to us at Seacoast Mazda or schedule a service appointment online to make sure your fluids are checked and replaced if necessary.