Oil and Fluid Maintenance

Today's cars are the best they've ever been, but they're still not maintenance-free wonder machines. Cars also need frequent TLC, and its an auto's six different fluids that need the most attention.

Fluids play a huge role in almost every facet of your car, including fuel economy and longevity. Keeping them at the proper level will help your car last longer and drive better, something we can all get behind.

Oil is your car's most important fluid. Engines components spin thousands of times a minute, and it's oil that keeps everything moving smoothly. Oil level is one thing, but its condition is equally important. Oil level and quality should be checked regularly and changed as and when needed.

With all the combustion and friction that happens in an engine, it produces a lot of heat. Coolant works to keep everything cool, by absorbing engine heat and dissipating it through the radiator. Maintaining the correct coolant level prevents overheating. Coolant levels need be checked less frequently than oil but at least every 50,000 miles.

Power steering systems are hydraulic, using pressurized fluid to make turning the wheel effortless (though some newer models now rely on electric steering). There's no set time-frame on when power steering fluid needs to be replaced, but you should have it checked regularly.

Over time brake fluid can become contaminated by water, which can make brake lines rust. Leaks can also form, leading to a spongy pedal feel or irregular brake performance. Brake fluid level and quality should be regularly checked and flushed.

Transmission fluid serves a similar purpose as oil in the engine: it lubricates and cools the components inside your transmission. Transmissions contain gears, clutches (even in automatics), and valves which must move smoothly to provide seamless shifts. While some transmissions come with "lifetime" fluid that should never need replacement, bad transmission fluid can cause rough shifting, strange noises and uncontrolled surging that make driving difficult. If you experience any transmission issues, have a professional mechanic inspect the fluid condition.

Windshield washer fluid doesn't have any effect on your car's performance, but it's still vital to safe driving. After all, if you can't see where you're going, you won't get very far. Have it checked whenever your car is in for service of any kind.