Here’s the Complete List of Fluids Your Car Needs

Vehicle maintenance is an important aspect of car ownership. But not every driver is fully informed on what it takes to keep your vehicle in working condition. Though it’s easy to take your car to the mechanic when things go wrong, it’s also important to keep up with regular maintenance. Most of the times this includes making sure your engine fluids are full. In this post, we’ll detail the complete list of fluids that every car needs.

What are the main list of fluids for your car?

Detailed below are the six main fluids that your car needs to operate. In addition, we’ll tell you the tell-tale signs of when you might need to refill or replace these liquids.

Engine oil

You always hear mechanics emphasize the importance of oil changes, and for good reason! Engine oil, also called motor oil, has one of the biggest jobs under your hood. This essential fluid is responsible for maintaining and lubricating your engine throughout its use. There are three kinds of engine oil to choose, conventional, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. Check your owner’s manual to see which motor oil is the better choice, but in general, just make sure you are staying up-to-date with your oil changes. Whether you do it yourself or take your vehicle to Mobil 1 Lube Express.

Transmission fluid

In a similar fashion to motor oil, transmission fluid is crucial to your vehicles’ performance. It’s responsible for lubricating your engine and is typically red in color. Some signs that you may be low on transmission fluid include engine noises, leaking, or poor acceleration. Overall, driving with low or dirty transmission fluid can lead to costly transmission issues down the road.

Brake fluid

With safety as a concern, brake fluid is one of the most important fluids to stay on top of. Without it, your vehicle would not be able to decrease speed or come to a complete stop. Yikes! You can usually tell when your brake fluid levels are getting low by the feel of your brakes. If you notice a slight delay when you are stopping at a street light, get to the dealership or mechanic as soon as possible.

Coolant

Engine coolant, also commonly called anti-freeze, plays an important role in regulating your engine through extreme temperature changes. This means protecting your engine from freezing in the winter, and cooling it down in the hot summer. If you live in an area where temperatures shift frequently, coolant will prevent damage to your engine.

Power steering fluid

This powerful liquid ensures you can drive with ease. In short, it is responsible for the handling of your vehicle. A simple way to know your power steering fluid is running on empty is through your actual steering wheel. When you are driving and notice it’s more difficult to turn your wheel, this is a clear indicator you need to replace your power steering fluid.

Windshield wiper fluid

On a rainy day, you’ll be glad that your windshield wipers are working correctly. But what about all the times you drive around with a dirty windscreen? That’s when windshield wiper fluid steps in. This fluid is designed to keep your glass clean from debris and residue. In truth, it’s crucial to have this liquid readily available for safe driving and better visibility.

Overview of the list of fluids for your car

The next time you “check in” on your vehicle, make sure you do more than give it a good wash. In other words, definitely look to see if all your fluids are full. These six essential fluids are basically the backbone to your car and help keep it in healthy condition. In fact, maintaining these liquids on a regular basis is the key to extending your car’s lifespan.

Want to learn more about these list of fluids? Here’s what happens if you skip your next oil change.