6 Essential Car Fluids and How to Check Them

When it comes to car maintenance, understanding how and when to check car fluids is essential for ensuring the well-being of your vehicle. Essential car fluids—like brake fluid, transmission fluid, and motor oil—have a wide range of important jobs, from regulating engine temperature to keeping your windshield streak-free. By regularly checking and maintaining these fluids, you can ensure that your car runs smoothly and safely on the road.

This guide from the Bayer Auto Group service team covers when and how to check essential fluids in your car, and why it’s important to do so. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to stop by our service center near Stephenville or ask a tech online. We’re always happy to help!

How to Check Essential Fluids in Your Car

As a responsible car owner, knowing how and when to check car fluids is important. Different makes and models may require different types of fluids to be changed, but there are six essential car fluids that you should pay close attention to. These fluids must be checked regularly and replaced as necessary or per the manufacturer’s recommended intervals to ensure your car’s longevity and optimal performance. Learn how and when to check car fluids, including windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, motor oil, engine coolant, and more below.

Note: Before checking the level of any essential car fluids, wait until the engine has had time to cool for at least 30 minutes before opening the hood! 

Motor Oil

• Purpose of motor oil: Prevents friction between engine parts and regulates engine temperature.
• When to change motor oil: Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six months.
• How to check motor oil: Find the dipstick underneath the hood. Insert it into the oil reservoir and check the level and consistency of the oil.

Brake Fluid

• Purpose of brake fluid: Transfers movement and force from the brake pedal to the braking system.
• How often to replace brake fluid: Every 30,000 miles or two years.
• How to check brake fluid: The fluid level should reach the marking on the side of the clear brake fluid reservoir underneath your car’s hood.

Engine Coolant

• Purpose of engine coolant: Optimizes temperature in your vehicle’s cooling system and engine.
• When to replace engine coolant: Every 50,000 miles.
• How to check engine coolant: The fluid level should reach the marking on the side of the engine coolant reservoir underneath your car’s hood.

Transmission Fluid

• Purpose of transmission fluid: Ensures fast and smooth gear shifts.
• How often to replace transmission fluid: Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
• How to check transmission fluid: Remove and re-insert the transmission fluid dipstick into the reservoir. Pull it out and observe the level of fluid. Check that the fluid is translucent dark red. If you have a sealed transmission, you’ll need to bring your car to a Brownwood-area service center.

Power Steering Fluid

• Purpose of power steering fluid: Ensures proper function of the power steering hydraulic system, which multiplies the force you exert on your steering wheel.
• When to replace power steering fluid: As needed, when your vehicle is difficult to steer, or when the power steering system needs frequent service.
• How to check power steering fluid: Found the reservoir under your car’s hood marked with a sterling wheel or the words ‘power steering fluid’ or it might be a steering wheel symbol. Make sure the fluid reaches the marked level.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

• Purpose of windshield wiper fluid: Increases efficacy of your windshield wipers for clearer glass.
• When to replace windshield wiper fluid: If no fluid comes out of the sprayers on your windshield.
• How to check windshield wiper fluid: Open the hood and find the reservoir with a windshield washer symbol on the cap.

Learn More About Essential Car Fluids with Bayer Auto Group

We hope this guide has helped. But if you have any further questions about how to check essential fluids in your car or other DIY car care topics, call 325-356-2541 to speak with one of our knowledgeable technicians today. Plus, you can take advantage of our service specials to save on your maintenance needs.

Looking to buy high-quality new windshield wiper fluid or brake fluid near Abilene? We’ve got you covered! Get in touch with our parts center to place an order for fluids, accessories, or other automotive maintenance supplies in Comanche today.