The Importance of Fluid Checks in Wintertime

Fluid checks are important to regular car maintenance. In the wintertime, monitoring your
levels becomes even more critical because being stranded in the freezing temperatures, snow
and icy conditions, and winter storms can be dangerous. Winter safety can mean the
difference between life and death. The fluids in your car perform vital services: coolant,
lubricant, and protectant. It is wise to monitor your fluid levels and maintain your car
according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

Fluids are Coolants

Fluids in the engine, cooling, transmission, and brake systems act as a cooling agent for
these moving parts and systems. When the metal parts rub against each other, they create
friction. This friction produces a great deal of heat. Although the car has a cooling system
that contains antifreeze, the other fluids also provide some heat dissipation. As the fluid
travels through the tubing, it is warmed by the hot metal and the heat is dissipated to the
outside air as it travels through the system. During regular car maintenance, you should
always check to make sure your fluids are clean and at optimal levels. Replenish fluids that
are low and change fluids that are dirty. Be sure to check and change any accompanying
filters when you change your fluids. For instance, if you are changing the oil, you should
also change the oil filter. The oil filter helps to keep debris and dirt from entering and
contaminating the fluid and the surfaces that it coats.

Fluids are Lubricants

When car parts rub against each other, they create friction. Friction not only produces heat;
it produces wear and tear on the parts. This wearing down is accelerated if proper fluid
levels are not maintained. The constant wear can create stress points in the part. The stress
points will lead to a break, fail, or malfunction of the part if the stress is not alleviated. The
fluids provide a slippery coating for the metal surfaces. When the surfaces rub together, the
fluids reduce the amount of friction produced. If the fluids become dirty, it causes the part to
work harder to transport fluid that contains suspended debris particles. As the oil gets
dirtier, the fluid becomes denser, thicker, and harder to transport. Clean fluids will allow the
parts to contact with the least amount of friction being produced.

Fluids are Protectants

The cooling and lubricant effects of the fluids in the car combine to produce a protecting
effect. By cooling the moving, coated internal parts, it helps to reduce the wear on the part.
This helps the part to last longer and can reduce your repair costs over time. If your fluids
are clean, you can ensure that your car can get the most benefits from the fluids, which will
benefit your wallet. Diligence should be maintained in monitoring your fluid levels. Your
driver’s manual will provide information on the maintenance schedules, fluid levels, and
reservoir locations. If you are not comfortable with performing this task yourself, you can
take your car to be serviced by qualified ASE master technicians who can also perform
bumper-to-bumper inspections, maintenance, and car repairs.