Your vehicle relies on a handful of fluids to run safely and smoothly. You don’t need to be a mechanic to understand them — here’s a plain-language rundown of the main ones and when they need attention.
The one most people know. Oil lubricates and cools the engine’s moving parts. It breaks down over time and needs regular changing.
Coolant regulates engine temperature and protects against corrosion — and stops the system from freezing in winter. Old coolant turns acidic and can damage the system from the inside, which is why a flush around 100,000 km is worth doing.
This keeps your transmission shifting smoothly and running cool. Dirty, worn fluid is a leading cause of rough shifting and premature failure, so a periodic transmission service is cheap insurance for an expensive part.
Brake fluid transfers the force from your pedal to the brakes themselves. It absorbs moisture over time, which reduces braking performance, so it needs checking and periodic replacement. A soft pedal can be a sign it needs attention.
On vehicles with hydraulic steering, this fluid makes the wheel easy to turn. Low or dirty fluid can cause stiff steering or a whining noise when you turn.
Simple but essential — especially through a slushy Ontario winter. Use a winter-rated fluid so it doesn’t freeze, and keep the reservoir topped up for visibility.
You don’t have to track all of this yourself. When your vehicle is in for service, we check your fluids as part of the job and let you know if anything’s low, dirty, or due — no surprises, just a heads-up so you can plan ahead.
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Honest advice, every time. A+ BBB rated · 20 years in Woodstock.