Car fluids are like the lifeblood of your automobile. Maintaining the recommended levels of car fluids such as engine oil, brake oil, and coolants is necessary to keep your car in reliable running condition. 

When your car runs, the damage from friction and heat produced by the moving components can be tremendous. Car fluids help in reducing this damage by lubricating the different moving parts, thereby preventing engine damage. 

Engine Oil

Engine oil helps in keeping the moving parts of your engine lubricated. As mentioned above, the friction and heat generated from the different moving parts inside the engine can cause severe engine damage. Keep in mind that that engine repairs can burn a hole in your pocket, while preventive car care will prove to be far more cost-effective. 

Transmission Fluid

If the transmission of your car is well lubricated, it can help prevent a number of problems from developing. Just like the engine oil, the transmission fluid cools and lubricates the parts inside the transmission, which includes parts such as gears, valves, and clutches. 

If your transmission fluid is bad, you might experience rough shifting, the car might hesitate, or buck, which makes driving difficult, or the car might generate strange noises. 

Brake Fluid

The brake fluid is pressurized and works by providing power to your braking system which, allows you to stop your car as and when required. Over a period of time, brake fluid can get contaminated by water which can lead to the brake lines to become rusted, or there can be damage from leaks. 

This obviously will impact your braking system – you may find that the brake pedal feels spongy, or the brake pedal might display varying degrees of responsiveness. 

Power Steering Fluid

The power steering fluid ensures the seamless functioning of the power steering by keeping it is lubricated. If your power steering fluid is low or if the fluid reservoir is going bad, you will find that steering your car becomes difficult, and your car is not as responsive – it could either be due to a leak in the reservoir or due to low fluid level. 

The car might also generate noises while turning or steering the wheel. This can happen if air gets into the system due to the low level of power steering fluid.

Radiator Fluid

The job of the radiator fluid is to ensure your engine does not overheat. If your engine overheats, your car could stop running. And the last thing you want it to get stranded on a highway or in traffic. Ideally, radiator fluid needs to be checked every 50,000 miles or so – unless there is a leak or any other issue. 

Coolant

The coolant absorbs engine heat and dissipates it via the radiator or via the heat exchanger in the passenger compartment. However, like all other systems and components, sometimes the coolant can accumulate dust and rust particles – when this happens, it needs to be replaced.