We’re all looking for ways around the high gas prices. Did you know that changing your car’s fluids may actually help you get more miles per gallon?
Let’s talk about what car fluids you can change, when to change them and how they function to keep your car running smoothly year-round.
Transmission Fluid
Dirty transmission fluid directly impacts the vehicle’s engine efficiency, which can significantly impact your gas mileage. Have a professional Texas auto technician change your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Using the lowest viscosity possible will improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
Brake Fluid
A technician should replace the brake fluid about every 45,000 miles or every three years. Replacing old brake fluid with new fluid helps your brakes work more efficiently, which may help improve your fuel mileage and, more importantly, help you stay safer.
Coolant
If your vehicle takes silicate coolants, you should change them every 30,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. You can go 100,000 miles or five years between changes if it takes extended drain coolant. Have the system professionally cleaned every five years to get the most efficient use of your radiator and water pump.
Power Steering Fluid
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of car maintenance: changing the power steering fluid. You should check it regularly and add fluid as necessary. A technician should drain the entire system and replace the fluid after 75,000 miles or two years have passed. Electricity often drives the power steering system in newer vehicles making them more efficient.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant
Hot Texas temperatures strain your car’s air conditioning system, and the air conditioning refrigerant helps ensure it cools efficiently. You will hear a clicking sound if it is not working right. Regardless if you hear the sound or not, a technician should change the refrigerant at least every two years
Engine Oil
If you drive an older model vehicle, you may still need to change your engine oil about every 3,500 miles. Many newer models can go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes. As new oil moves through the car’s engine, it lubricates better, so you may see up to a 2% increase in your vehicle’s gas mileage.
Windshield Wiper Fluid
You should change your windshield wiper fluid whenever it gets low or when the seasons change. You do not want to be driving and unable to see where you are going. Therefore, checking the level at least twice a month helps keep you and other vehicle occupants safer. You should also have your wiper blades changed every three to six months.
Differential Fluid
The differential fluid in your car’s axles helps ensure that your car changes gears efficiently. It should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. It is challenging to ensure that you get all the old fluid out, which is essential to your vehicle operating efficiently, so an expert should perform this service.
Check Car Fluids at Kwik Kar Near You
Get your car fluids checked and changed at Kwik Kar Auto Services is easy. Contact your nearest location to have a Texas auto technician expertly perform this service. Auto services in Texas should be entrusted to the Kwik Kar experts.
