What are the fluids in your car? Viking Automotive wants you to have some information about these fluids to help you to understand what they all do.
Engine Oil
Engine oil is what works so hard to keep your car’s engine clean, cool, and running with as little friction as possible. Oil is brown in color and greasy. As it works, it gets darker and thicker. Checking your own oil in between oil changes helps you to keep tabs on oil levels and on how clean the oil is that’s circulating through the engine.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid does all the same things that engine oil does, but it takes care of the transmission. These are separate systems, so you’ll never have engine oil and transmission fluid coming in contact with each other at all. Transmission fluid is greasy, too, and it starts out red in color. As it gets older and dirtier, it gets darker brown.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is also called coolant. It’s usually bright yellow or green, and it runs through the cooling system to draw heat out of the engine as it runs. If your cooling system develops any issues or leaks, you’ll see antifreeze under your car. You’ll also quickly see that your car’s engine runs hotter than it has been running.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is that crucial hydraulic fluid that keeps your brakes working. It’s brown and oily, but it doesn’t get dark like engine oil does after it’s been working for a while. You’re more likely to feel a difference in your car’s brakes if you have a brake fluid leak than you are to see brake fluid. If you do feel a change in your brakes, don’t ignore it. Get your car’s brakes inspected to be on the safe side.
Power Steering Fluid
Another system in your car that relies on hydraulics is the power steering system. Without power steering fluid, it’s infinitely more difficult to steer your car. You’ll know right away if you’ve got a problem with your power steering fluid.
Windshield Wiper Fluid
The fluid that is most likely to be mistaken for water is windshield wiper fluid. This fluid tends to get overlooked, but it’s vital for keeping your windshield clean. If you’re not able to see, you’re not able to drive safely.
If you suspect that you’re seeing a fluid leak, don’t wait. Give us a call at Viking Automotive in Houston, TX today. We’ll take a closer look at what’s going on and let you know what your car needs.
