Your car’s performance, safety, and reliability depend on your commitment to changing its fluids on time every time. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to know when to come in for fluid services.
The standard fluid service intervals of the past have undergone significant changes and adaptations to accommodate the advancements in automotive technology and the development of longer-lasting fluids, making them more suitable for the maintenance requirements of modern vehicles. Nowadays, carmakers have their own factory-recommended maintenance intervals for every last model in their lineup. So, what works for your hybrid commuter car won’t do for your diesel truck.
To help you make sense of it all, we’ve created this guide on when to change your car’s fluids. Check it out.
Motor Oil
Gone are the days of changing your oil every 3,000 miles. Engine and motor oil technology advancements have extended the interval to around 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Stick to your vehicle’s factory-recommended oil change intervals to ensure the motor oil can properly lubricate, cool, and clean the engine’s internal parts.
Coolant
The coolant used to keep your engine cool and operating at peak efficiency typically lasts between 24 and 36 months. After that, the fluid loses its cooling properties and becomes acidic, putting your hoses, water pump, and aluminum parts at risk of damage. The old coolant cannot properly lubricate the water pump, which could cause it to fail prematurely.
Transmission Fluid
In the past, transmission fluid needed to be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Thanks to fluid and gearbox advancements, the service interval is closer to every 100,000 miles. If your vehicle has a separate front or rear differential, you will usually need to change its fluid simultaneously with your transmission.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid doesn’t have a fixed service interval. Instead, you need to replace this fluid if it gets contaminated or leaks. Your Locust, NC, auto repair tech may also need to refill the power steering reservoir after completing repairs on this system.
Brake Fluid
Aim to change your brake fluid every 24 months to ensure your car maintains its stopping power. This fluid breaks down under normal driving conditions, greatly diminishing its ability to keep your car braking at its best. On top of that, the fluid is hygroscopic or absorbs moisture, which increases brake fade and corrodes the brake lines, ABS control module, and other parts.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Your windshield washer fluid just needs a top-off when it gets low. Keep the reservoir full to clear dirt and debris off your windscreen during your travels. Consider using a de-icer formula during winter to keep freezing conditions from impacting visibility.
Need to Visit the Shop for Automotive Fluid Services?
Whenever your vehicle needs preventative maintenance services, you can count on our Whitley Automotive team to help you. We’re your go-to spot for fluid services, full-service auto repair, and more in Locust, NC.
When you come to us, our service advisors will create a personalized maintenance plan just for your vehicle year, make, and model. You can trust that we will always follow the factory-recommended maintenance intervals from every carmaker.
To get on the schedule, call our team at (704) 888-3560. Or take a peek at our shop at 210 Locust Ave, Locust, NC 28097, before booking your visit. Please let us know how to customize your visit.
