Winter is finally on its way out and there’s no better time to give your space a deep cleaning. While you’re wiping down floorboards and vacuuming winter’s dirt, don’t forget to give your car a little springtime TLC, too! Learn why it’s important to check (and sometimes change) these five car fluids in order to get the most out of your car this spring.
Want Great Spring Performance? Check These Car Fluids
Motor Oil
Changing your oil on a regular basis is one of the best defenses against common car problems. Oil changes are generally recommended about every 3 months or 3,000 miles, or according to your vehicle manufacturer specifications. Your motor oil has the crucial job of lubricating the moving parts of your engine and keeping things running smoothly, so this isn’t a fluid to neglect. Change this old, gunky car fluid at the end of winter so your engine purrs like a kitten all spring.
Coolant
The transition to spring marks the beginning of months of hot weather. Naturally, this is a good time to check and top off your engine’s coolant, the fluid responsible for keeping your engine from overheating. Coolant generally needs to be checked about every 30,000 miles, since certain additives in the fluid expire over time. Getting your coolant checked every spring can help make sure your engine stays cool in the spring and summer heat.
Windshield Wiper Fluid
How many times did your wiper fluid come to the rescue when winter pelted your windshield with dirt and slush? Make sure it's ready to do the same come spring. Driving with a dirty windshield is distracting and even dangerous, and having a full wiper fluid tank is crucial to keeping your view crystal clear. Your owner’s manual will give you easy step-by-step instructions for refilling your wiper fluid. Can't find your owner's manual? Get your owner's manual online for free.
Brake Fluid
Your vehicle’s brake fluid becomes less effective over time as it absorbs moisture from the environment. This can make your brakes less reactive, requiring more force to bring your vehicle to a complete stop. Get your brake fluid inspected during your automotive spring cleaning to make sure your brakes are in tip-top shape. After all, there's no such thing as safe driving if your brakes aren't at their best.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed often, but it shouldn’t be ignored. This fluid works as a lubricant and coolant, and it’s important for getting the optimal performance from your vehicle’s transmission. Different vehicle manufacturers recommend that the transmission fluid is flushed and replaced at specified maintenance intervals. Check your vehicle’s maintenance schedule to stay on top of transmission fluid changes and flushes.
Unplug your vacuum and put the laundry on hold. Start your automotive spring cleaning off on the right foot with a simple oil change at your local Tires Plus and take a moment for yourself! Our technicians will take care of your vehicle from bumper to bumper. They’ll top off important fluids (like your wiper fluid) and make sure your car is ready to spring into the season ahead!
