5 Fluids for Your Car and What They Do

Mar 3, 2016

car-oil A car is a complex machine that’s more than just metal and wheels. The various systems that make up a car’s internal functions rely on precise applications of heat, electricity, and various fluids. Many of an automobile’s most common problems result from poor fluid maintenance, so knowing what each kind of car fluid is and how it works can save you a lot of trouble and money. Here are some of the essentials.

1. Motor Oil

This is the most important fluid in your car next to gasoline. Motor oil lubricates various parts of the engine to keep them from wearing down due to friction and high heat. Remember, an internal combustion engine works by igniting fuel, so there’s a lot of energy working on the many valves, pistons, and other moving parts in the block. Changing your car’s oil as recommended keeps everything running smoothly, literally.

2. Coolant

While the oil keeps the engine from seizing, the coolant fluid helps distribute the engine’s high heat so the oil and solid components don’t burn or otherwise overheat. Coolant cycles through the engine and into the radiator, which ejects excess heat into the air. The average coolant is half water and half radiator fluid, through a higher concentration of radiator fluid will be necessary in colder conditions to prevent freezing.

3. Brake Fluid

A car’s brakes work with the application of hydraulic pressure. Pressing down on the brake pedal causes brake fluid to shift its compression to the pads and shoes of the brakes. In properly working brakes, this pressure is as sudden and firm as the driver wishes, but if the brake fluid deteriorates or leaks from the complex tubing system, the pads may not be able to translate the necessary degree of pressure. This is why malfunctioning brakes feel slow to respond or unable to bring the car to a complete stop soon enough.

4. Windshield Wiper Fluid

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the thick, often blue liquid that sprays out of your wipers on command is simple soap and water. Different windshield wiper fluid formulations add specialty products like methanol, which is a chemical good at breaking down biological matter (think smashed bugs and other natural messes). Others may also include an antifreeze agent similar to your coolant fluid, which is a great convenience in cold weather when snow and ice can form on the windshield.

5. Transmission and Power Steering Fluids

These two fluids aren’t the same thing but they require a similar degree of maintenance. Both transmission fluid (which keeps your transmission cool and lubricated) and power steering fluid (which uses hydraulic pressure to assist in turning) exist in closed systems. This means that they don’t need to be replenished unless they break down or leak. Still, both are very important to your car’s functioning, so they should be checked at the same time as your motor oil and coolant.

Knowing your car’s fluids can help you identify maintenance needs. Regular care should prevent major malfunctions from occurring and is very affordable, especially compared to major repairs.

Image from Pixabay licensed under CC BY 2.0