Have you ever popped the hood of your vehicle to see what’s underneath? If you don’t know much about cars, you probably won’t be able to identify much of what you see under the hood. Every time a mechanic at a Denver car repair shop services your vehicle, he checks on a number of things, including the levels of certain fluids. Here are some of the fluids that keep your car running smoothly:
Oil
Oil is one of the most important fluids that you will find underneath your car’s hood. What does it do? It acts as a lubricant in the engine and prevents overheating caused by the friction of two moving parts rubbing against each other. Most mechanics recommend that you get your oil changed every 3,000 miles, but you may be able to extend this to 5,000 miles if you don’t do much driving. Check the owner’s manual in your vehicle to see what your car’s manufacturer suggests.
Coolant
After you’ve popped the hood, you may notice a clear tank with markings that let you know whether the fluid inside is too low. This is the coolant tank, which contains a mixture of glycol and water known as coolant. Like oil, coolant also works to prevent the engine from overheating, so it plays an equally important role in keeping your car running smoothly. However, unlike oil, you don’t have to replace coolant every 3,000-5,000 miles. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing coolant every 30,000 miles, but it’s important to check the owner’s manual to see what your car’s manufacturer suggests. Learn about how to check a vehicle’s coolant/antifreeze.
Windshield Wiper Cleaner
While this fluid won’t necessarily impact your vehicle’s ability to run, it will affect how well you are able to see the road ahead of you. The windshield wiper fluid is located underneath the hood towards the back of the engine. You should be able to see the level of fluid inside the tank so you can add more as needed. There’s no time limit that you should wait before having a mechanic add more—it depends solely on how much of the fluid you use to clean your windshield.
Brake Fluid
The tank containing the brake fluid is also located towards the back of the engine underneath your car’s hood. This fluid is used to move the different parts of the car’s brake system, which means if you don’t have it, you won’t be able to stop your vehicle by applying pressure to the brake. It’s recommended that you have your brake fluid changed about every 45,000 miles, but if a mechanic believes you should do it sooner than that, take his advice to avoid serious safety issues on the road.
Let the experts at Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center check your car’s fluids to ensure your vehicle will continue to run smoothly. You can request an auto repair appointment with Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center online, or you can also text us. We have same day services available on most work and we also offer our customers access to a convenient, free shuttle.