A vehicle can only be in good working condition if it maintains all its necessary automotive fluids that all cars and trucks require. Several systems within a car require and rely on certain fluids to keep them operating smoothly, such as the engine, brake system, power steering system, and the transmission. Regular scheduled maintenance is vital for all cars and trucks, and fluid re-fills are one of the most important parts of factory service.
Continue reading to learn about the various automotive fluids your vehicle requires, and what to do if you find yourself stranded and in need of a fluid refill.
Motor Oil
Motor oil is one of the basic, primary fluids that all vehicle’s need to operate safely, or at all. Motor oil is intended to lubricate the moving parts inside a car engine’s crankcase. Without it, an engine will quickly overheat, causing the vehicle to break down. This is because all the moving parts within a car engine creates friction, which produces heat. The lubrication reduces this friction, which in return, prevents overheating.
Motor oil protects an engine’s pistons, valves, and all its other moving parts. It is possible to change the oil on your own, but the procedure is much easier facilitated by a professional mechanic with the proper training, equipment, and tools. They offer this service for a very reasonable and affordable price. Have your oil changed every 6 months or 5,000 miles, more or less depending on how much you drive.
Brake Fluid
The ability to stop a vehicle is just as important as the ability to make it go. Just like motor oil, brake fluid is also one of the most important fluids for any vehicle. A car’s brake system uses hydraulic pressure to make a vehicle come to a stop. When a brake pedal is pushed, the brake line system compresses the brake fluid, which then allows the hydraulic force to be transferred to the brake pads and rotors where the friction is made that stops a vehicle.
If there is a leak in this system, or no brake fluid at all, a vehicle loses its capacity to stop upon request. Brake fluid must be re-filled on a regular basis. The general rule is to have your vehicle inspected for all fluid changes and replacements, as well as other factory services, every 3 to 6 months depending on how much you drive and the age of the car or truck.
Radiator Fluid
Radiator fluid, also known as coolant or anti-freeze, is extremely important for your car or truck. It is a heat-transfer liquid that prevents a motor from overheating. It does this by cycling through an engine and collecting heat as it flows; and then returns the collected heat to the radiator, which is then filtered and released through the exhaust and muffler. A car is not operational if it overheats.
Operating a car without coolant can cause irreversible damages to the engine and other parts of the vehicle, as well as, put passengers and drivers in danger. Adding anti-freeze to your engine is simple and can be done on your own. Simply locate the radiator cap, unscrew, and our in store-bought pre-mixed coolant. Be sure to have your car’s radiator flushed annually by a professional mechanic.
Here are the additional automotive fluids that all vehicles require for safe and smooth operation:
⚙ Transmission Fluid
⚙ Power Steering Fluid
⚙ Battery Fluid
⚙ Windshield Wiper Fluid
⚙ Differential Fluid
⚙ Clutch Master Cylinder Fluid
⚙ Manual Transmission Fluid
⚙ Transfer Case Fluid (4WD Vehicles)
When Your Stranded With No Automotive Fluids
If your car breaks down because you are out of motor oil, coolant, or some other important automotive fluid, your best bet is to contact a local, 24 hour towing company that offers roadside assistance services. Such services almost always include fluid and fuel fill-ups, as well as, lockouts, jump starts, and tows to a nearby mechanic. You never want to continue driving a vehicle that is overheating, or breaking down in any way. Always pull over and contact a towing operator as soon as it is safe on the road to do so.
Where to Get 24 Hour Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis
Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for affordable Indianapolis towing and roadside assistance services if your car breaks down unexpectedly. Our licensed and insured wrecker operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services throughout all of Central Indiana, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide a wide range of municipal services, roadside wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Request a free estimate, anytime.