We’ve been talking a lot about basic car maintenance this month. Now that spring is officially here and many of us will be driving more often and enjoying the better weather, it is the perfect time to get your car’s needs all squared away.
A good place to start with spring cleaning your car is with the fluids. The big three are your brake fluid, your transmission fluid, and your oil. Here’s why you should have them changed:
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For optimal performance. To keep your car running properly, you need to change your fluids as often as your car’s manufacturer recommends. The fluids in your car are there to lubricate parts and keep them free of excess dirt and debris.
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To prevent major problems. When your fluids get too dirty, they can’t do their job of lubricating and cleaning your car parts. That’s when you’ll start having serious issues:
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Brake fluid – When brake fluid is more saturated with water, your brakes will require more pedal effort and that decreases your stopping power. Old brake fluid is more acidic, which causes it to eat away your brake hoses, seals, and lines. The general rule of thumb is that you should have your brake fluid flushed every two years or 15,000 miles—whichever comes first.
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Engine oil – When your oil becomes dirty it can’t lubricate your engine as effectively and it can clog the oil galleys inside your engine. Once this happens your engine is forced to work harder in order and you lose oil pressure. If the situation gets bad enough, it could lead to mechanical failure. In general, you should have your oil and filter changed every three months or 3,000 miles, depending on which happens first. However, with today’s technology, some cars’ engines are able to withstand more time and mileage before they require an oil change. To be certain, check your owner’s manual.
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Transmission fluid – When your transmission fluid becomes too thick with dirt, it can no longer lubricate your transmission properly. Your transmission will become caked with debris and will cause you to experience erratic shifting or worse—no movement at all. You should change your transmission fluid every 50,000 miles for an automatic. If you have a manual transmission, you can usually go even longer, but 50,000 miles is still a good baseline. Consult your owner’s manual for more specific guidelines.
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At Ward Automotive in Bel Air, MD, we can change your car’s fluids for you!
If you are looking for an autobody shop or an auto mechanic to service your vehicle in Harford County, Maryland, you have come to the right place. Ward Automotive is a division of Bel Air Autobody, Inc, an autobody repair facility with a reputation for quality repair servicing the residents of Harford County for over twenty years.
Our mechanical division called Ward Automotive grew from a need to help our customers receive complete automotive car under one roof. Our seasoned technicians are highly trained, and we possess the latest tools and equipment to service your car right. Why not take your car to the shop that knows your car inside and out?
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