Each fluid in your car serves as liquid armor, protecting the engine, transmission, differentials, and other vital parts from wear and tear. When you keep your car’s fluids topped up and fresh, your car will continue to run smoothly and efficiently. Here’s a guide to fluid checks and servicing with the help of your local VW dealership.
Motor Oil
As with all your car’s fluids, it’s best to check your motor oil once a month. You can do this using the dipstick when the engine’s turned off and the car’s parked on a level surface. If your oil is low, top it up.
If it’s dirty, consider replacing it. You’ll typically need to flush your motor oil twice a year; it’s advisable to do so even if the oil still seems in good shape.
Coolant
With degraded or contaminated coolant, your engine could overheat surprisingly quickly. Coolant should also be checked monthly and doesn’t require a dipstick. Just pop the hood and find the coolant reservoir, which is typically transparent.
Make sure the level is good according to the reservoir markers. And flush the coolant if it’s ever brown, which indicates internal radiator rust. Coolant normally lasts for about two years.
Brake Fluid
The primary purpose of brake fluid is to maintain hydraulic pressure inside the brake lines and transmit the stopping signal to the calipers. Here, you’ll also find a transparent or semi-transparent reservoir to check the fluid’s level and condition. You can expect your brake fluid to last two years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid
The fluid in your gearbox is more durable and should last from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. You’ll still need to check your transmission fluid often. This involves a dipstick and should be done when your car is in neutral or park after briefly cycling through each gear.
Differential Fluid
A less complex gear system exists inside each of your car’s differentials. The fluid here can be checked by removing the filler plug on the differential housing. This can be trickier than the other fluids, and you might want to ask a technician for help. Differential fluid tends to last from 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Visit Your VW Dealership for Professional Fluid Checks and Flushes
Your power steering fluid and windshield wiper fluid also require diligent attention. A convenient way to stay on top of all your fluid flushes is with a routine fluid servicing schedule. We can help to ensure each component of your car remains in tip-top shape at all times.
Even one missed fluid inspection or change can cause automotive problems. Let’s make sure that never happens to you. Schedule your service appointment online and visit SouthWest Volkswagen in Weatherford, TX, today to arrange an optimal vehicle servicing schedule to fit your busy timetable.
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