The Cheat Sheet

Coolant or antifreeze? Oil or lube? Do you know what your fluids are? Truth is, many people are unsure about which fluids go where and what exactly they do which could be detremental if one ever gets stranded. It is always good to know the difference in your fluids because knowledge can make all the difference in emergency situations.

Oil: Motor oil is derived from crude oil and mixed with specially formulated additives to lubricate the engine and reduce friction of the moving parts. Which brand to use? It depends on buyer preference, price set, performance standard, and engine size. The various types of motor oil can be difficult to maneuver and choose, which is why we recommend asking a automotive specialist based on your vehicle.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF): Obviously, automatic and manual transmission are different so they require different lubrication as well. With an automatic, the fluid level will rarely be low as this is a sealed system requiring little maintenance. If your fluid is low, you may have a leak in the system or a crack somewhere. Clean and "healthy" ATF should be very dark almost black. If you see stains in your driveway of a reddish color, call an automotive specialist as soon as possible. A manual transmission is a little more labor intensive and requires additional autmotive knowledge.

Coolant: AKA Antifreeze. Many people confuse the two for seperate things, but they are both used to cool the engine compartment. Most common colors of coolant are green and red, but can vary based on manufacturer. Coolant works to keep the engine from overheating with a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant. This specially formulated fluid keeps heat from the engine and transfers it to the radiator to prevent the engine from overheating. Coolant is extremely toxic to humans and animals alike. If you plan on keeping your own supply around, keep it in a secured and locked cabinet.

Power Steering Fluid: This fluid makes manuevering the vehicle much easier. If this is low, you will notice right away as your steering wheel will be difficult to bring back to "center" after a turn. The fluid is usually red and can sometimes be interchanged with ATF.

Brake Fluid: A vital part of stopping your car, the brake fluid transfers pressure from the internal pedal to the external pads. You will know when you need to fill your brake fluid because your pedal will begin to get "mushy" and sink closer to the floor than normal.

We advise our customers to have these fluids checked and filled by a automotive repair professional as some of these fluids are toxic and need to be recycled and handled properly. If you are experiencing any of these problems, call today to make an appointment at 559-292-2028.