For many car owners, the idea of vehicle maintenance begins and ends with the occasional oil change. However, the truth is that your car relies on a variety of fluids to keep it running smoothly and safely. Understanding the importance of fluid maintenance in your vehicle is essential if you want to preserve its performance, extend its life, and avoid costly repairs down the line.

In this blog post, we'll deep-dive into the world of automotive fluids, discussing not just oil, but engine maintenance service, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid exchange. We'll cover the recommended intervals for these services and highlight the risks of neglecting them. Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or a new driver, this information is vital for anyone who wants to keep their car in prime condition.

Oil Service - The Lifeblood of Your Engine

Often referred to as the lifeblood of the engine, motor oil serves several critical functions—it lubricates moving parts, helps to cool the engine, and can help to clean and protect the engine’s internals against corrosion.

Recommended Interval: Most manufacturers recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but this can vary depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and the type of oil it uses. Always refer to your owner's manual for the specific interval.

Dangers of Neglect: Skipping oil changes can lead to a buildup of sludge and debris that can clog the engine’s internals, reduce its efficiency, and eventually cause serious damage.

Transmission Fluid - Gear Shifting Smoothness

Transmission fluid is the key player for your transmission, ensuring that gear shifts occur smoothly and without damage to the gears themselves. It also serves to cool and lubricate the moving parts within the transmission.

Recommended Interval: A general rule of thumb is to check and replace transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but again, check your vehicle's manual for the best advice.

Dangers of Neglect: Old, dirty transmission fluid can lead to jerky shifting, gear slipping, and can severely damage your transmission requiring an expensive replacement.

Brake Fluid - Stopping Power

This hydraulic fluid transfers the force of your foot on the brake pedal to the brake pads. Over time it can absorb moisture, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to reduced braking effectiveness.

Recommended Interval: Most manufacturers suggest replacing brake fluid every two years or 24,000 miles.

Dangers of Neglect: Neglecting brake fluid can lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure resulting in brake failure or significantly reduced braking power—clear risks to safety.

Power Steering Fluid - Effortless Steering

Power steering fluid helps you easily and accurately control your car by transmitting power in the steering system.

Recommended Interval: Check your power steering fluid level regularly and expect to change it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Dangers of Neglect: Power steering fluid neglect can lead to stiff steering, squealing noises when turning, and over time, failure of the power steering pump.

Coolant Service

A cooling system flush is an important part of the regular maintenance on your vehicle. This process can help to make sure that your engine keeps running smoothly for years. 

Recommended Interval: Plan on getting a coolant flush every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Dangers of Neglect: Scale and rust partciles will build up in the cooling system over time, which can lead to clogged passage, potentially damaging your heater core or overheating your engine.

Fuel Injector/Intake Carbon

A fuel injector regulates the injection of fuel into an engine's internal combustion chamber where it is converted into power for your vehicle.

Recommended Interval: The average vehicle should receive fuel injection services every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

Dangers of Neglect: A dirty fuel injector will start by causing your engine to vibrate. Over time, it will prevent the engine from receiving the right fuel supply and gradually destroy your engine.

Conclusion

Maintaining the various fluids in your vehicle at the proper intervals is a crucial part of car ownership that often gets overlooked. It ensures your vehicle runs reliably, performs optimally, and remains safe under all driving conditions. To avoid expensive and possibly dangerous outcomes, adhere to the manufacturer-recommended service intervals, and when in doubt, consult with a trusted automotive technician.

Remember, regular fluid maintenance not only keeps your car happy and healthy but also contributes to the safety and well-being of everyone on the road. Stay informed, stay safe, and drive smoothly. We are currently offering $20 all fluid services. We use only high quality BG products, which include a lifetime warranty on parts if completed at the recommended intervals. Stay on top of your vehicle maintenance and enjoy a smooth riding ride for hundreds of thousands of miles!