A car is just a car, but a car that is runs smoothly over a long period, while keeping maintenance costs at minimum is an item to be desired. For an automobile to be the reason for a smile on the owner’s face, then proper maintenance is very important.

The clearest and best way to do this is to stick to a regular and scheduled service period. It is important to understand that in very many ways, prevention is better than cure and this is absolutely true when it comes to cars. Two fluids are of paramount importance as outlined below.

Car fluids

Car fluids function as the bloodline of the car. If these have a problem, then the performance of the car will always have a problem. Every car has tanks that act as reservoirs of distinct and important fluids, which must be kept at a maintained level for peak performance. For this to be achieved, routine check up and maintenance is of paramount importance.

• Oil

A car has several moving parts and as these parts move, a lot of friction is generated, since the parts rub against each other. The friction, if not kept at a minimum, damages and reduces the lifespan of these parts. This brings in the need for oil. Oil is a fluid that acts as a lubricating fluid, reducing friction generated where parts are moving.

A proper oil check requires that you make sure that the car is on level ground and you give it enough time to cool down. Next, check the dipstick, which is found attached to the lid of the oil reservoir under the hood, remove it, and clean it by wiping the long protruding metallic stick with a dry piece of cloth.

Once you have cleaned it, check the oil level marks on the dipstick, whether it is at ‘H” for high and ‘L’ for low. Then, reinsert it into the reservoir and note the level of oil once again. If the level of oil is settling between the two marks, then it is not necessary to add any more. However, if the oil level is below the minimum level, then you need to add some more, to avoid the parts cranking against one another, making the driving experience torturous and will lead to damaging the car.

It is important to note that an oil check must be done on a regular basis and the level of oil should always be maintained at the accepted level.

Factors to consider while adding, changing and refilling oil

Various car engines have instructions from the manufacturer on the qualities of oil to use. It is important to take into account that the viscosity (thickness) matches the requirements of the engine. Car oils come with indications of their viscosity at low temperatures, when the car is idle, and at high temperatures when the car is mobile.

Other than noting the oil quality in relation to the engines requirements, the oil needs to be changed periodically because the more the car functions, the more the oil becomes old, and dirty, leading to it loosing its original viscosity. This makes it necessary to flush out old oil and refill with new oil, and the best person for this job is a mechanic, doing it in his or her garage, using specific draining and cleaning equipment.

• The battery and its fluid

An integral part of the car is the battery and is usually referred to as ‘the heart of the car.’ It is the source of power for the ignition system and every electric device in the car. A variety of batteries are available for selection, and the two most common are classified as low-maintenance and maintenance free.

For maintenance free types, they are sealed and usually do not require changing or refilling of the battery fluids over a long periods. On the other hand, low-maintenance ones need an almost constant check up and replenishing of the battery fluid. The battery fluid is readily available at gas stations and distilled water can be used instead of alkaline.

Just as with the oil, the car battery is itself the reservoir for the battery fluid and it has markings to indicate the levels of the fluid. Checking the level is simplified by the fact that the battery casing is a bit transparent so it becomes easy to read it, just by checking it against the markings.

Chad is a regular writer on car performance and has accumulated wide knowledge on automobiles, and his latest fascination is on fuel injectors.

Print This Page / Download PDF / Email This Page