Fluids in your car that you should check frequently

Four fluids in your car that you should check frequently. With the arrival of summer, long trips begin. Some travel to vacation destinations, others to university or a new residence. It’s no secret that before embarking on a long journey, you should check your car, especially its four fluids: oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid.

The reality is that many people don’t know what’s under the hood of their car and wonder: how do I check those levels?

Oil is responsible for protecting and lubricating the engine. It prevents parts from wearing out and the engine from breaking. In addition to regular inspections at the workshop, it is recommended to check the oil level at least once a month. How do you do it? With the engine cold, look for the dipstick, which is usually yellow. Remove it, clean it, insert it again, and remove it to check the oil level. If it’s between the two marks on the dipstick, everything is fine. If you find that it’s below the appropriate level, take it to the workshop to have it checked.

The other essential fluid is coolant, which helps maintain the engine at a moderate temperature. Overheating the engine due to a lack of coolant can melt the pistons and damage it. The coolant is in a reservoir that is usually transparent white and has a hose that connects it to the radiator. The reservoir has two lines indicating the maximum and minimum levels. When you check it and see that it’s below the minimum level, fill it with the recommended coolant as indicated by the manufacturer. If you don’t have any on hand, use distilled water.

On the other hand, windshield washer fluid is responsible for keeping the windows transparent. It is stored in a reservoir, and the cap usually has the symbol of windshield wipers engraved on it. You can buy bottles to refill it at any gas station.

Finally, brake fluid. Its function is to absorb the heat generated during the friction of the brake pads against the brake disc each time the car stops. It’s usually stored in a reservoir with a yellow and black cap, indicating the type of fluid your car model requires: DOT1, DOT2, DOT3, or DOT4. If you notice that it’s below the required amount, add some more of the recommended fluid.

Maintaining the proper fluid levels in your car ensures greater safety. Don’t forget that when something goes wrong and an accident or breakdown occurs on the road, your car insurance is there to support you.

At Univista Insurance, you can find the cheapest car insurance on the market. Four fluids in your car that you should check frequently.

Call us today for a full qualification! 305-508-9575. You can also quote for free here.