5 types of solutions in cars that drivers need to check and replace periodically
In addition to fuel, cars also have solutions that help maintain the operation of the engine, gearbox, brake system... over time, these solutions need to be replenished and replaced periodically.
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| Car engine coolant needs to be checked and replaced periodically. |
Normally, after a period of use, the fluids in the car often become depleted, degraded and need to be replaced. However, not all drivers know the time and method of checking and replacing, causing the car to operate unstably and often have problems with the engine system, power steering or obstruct the driver's vision.
In addition to fuel, cars also have solutions that help maintain the operation of the engine, gearbox, brake system... |
According to experts' advice, depending on the conditions and time of use of the car, drivers should regularly check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid or even windshield washer fluid... to promptly replenish and replace to help the car operate stably.
Engine oil
Engine oil plays an important role in maintaining the operation of the engine system. This solution has the effect of lubricating, reducing friction and cleaning the internal parts of the engine. Every time the engine operates, the combustion process of the air-fuel mixture will create a lot of soot, dirt... the additives in the engine oil will clean the surface of the parts and remain in the oil. Therefore, after a period of use, engine oil often changes color, degrades, reducing its lubricating ability.
Pull out the dipstick with the yellow handle, located on the engine to check the oil level and color. |
For new cars used for the first time, experts recommend changing the engine oil after the first 1,000 km to remove metal shavings and dirt left in the engine after machining. Then, replace the engine oil after the car has run about 5,000 km. In addition, depending on the conditions of use, drivers should regularly check the dipstick to know the condition and oil level in the engine.
If the oil turns thick black or thick coffee color, it is a sign that it needs to be changed. |
Normally, the dipstick has a yellow handle, located on the engine, when opening the hood of the car, it will be easy to find. On all dipsticks, there are two notches max and min, the oil level must be within this level to ensure the engine works well. According to the experience of car users, the most accurate way to check engine oil is when the engine is cold, the oil level is not lower than "min" and when the engine is hot, the oil must not be higher than "max". In addition, observe the color of the oil on the dipstick tip. If the oil is still honey yellow or amber, it is a good sign. If the oil turns thick black or thick coffee color, it is a sign that the engine oil needs to be changed.
Coolant
As the name suggests, “coolant” plays a role in cooling the engine during operation. The process of burning the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinder will release a large amount of heat, part of which is converted into work, the remaining part is released into the air and contact parts such as cylinders, pistons, engine body... Coolant will transfer heat from the engine body to the radiator.
The coolant tank is usually located in the engine compartment. |
If the amount of coolant is not guaranteed, it will cause unpredictable consequences for the car engine. Therefore, drivers should regularly monitor the coolant level to add or replace to ensure the cooling process for the engine.
The coolant tank is usually located in the engine compartment, under the hood. When checking with the naked eye, make sure the coolant level in the auxiliary tank is always between the "Full" and "Low" positions, some cars are marked "Min", "Max". If the coolant level is below the "Low" level, more must be added. In addition, according to the manufacturer's recommendation, car users need to replace the engine coolant after 40,000 km to avoid changing the chemical composition of this solution. According to experts, coolant should be mixed in a ratio of 60% coolant to 40% distilled water. When checking and replacing coolant, let the engine cool down, then open the coolant radiator cap to avoid burns.
Make sure the coolant level in the sub-tank is always between the “Full” and “Low” positions. |
Brake fluid
Most car models today use a hydraulic brake system. In which, brake fluid plays a role in transmitting force from the brake pedal through a high-pressure pump containing oil (piston caliper) to the four wheels.
Similar to other solutions in cars, over time, brake fluid will wear out, contain dirt during the transmission process or be contaminated with water... leading to reduced efficiency and accuracy when the driver brakes, affecting safety. Therefore, drivers need to regularly check the brake fluid. This solution usually has a separate tank and is divided into "Min" and "Max" levels to identify the remaining oil level in the tank.
Brake fluid should be replaced after 40,000 km or 2-3 years of vehicle use. |
In addition, brake fluid is usually transparent in color, after a period of use, dirt will cause the oil solution to turn light yellow or moss green. Normally, according to the recommendations of car manufacturers, brake fluid should be replaced after 40,000 km or 2-3 years of using the car.
Windshield cleaner
Windshield washer fluid helps clean the windshield surface, ensuring visibility for the driver. In reality, there are many cases where the driver presses the switch but the windshield washer fluid does not spray, because the reservoir is empty. Some cars will have a warning light on the center dashboard when the windshield washer fluid is not at the specified level for the driver to recognize.
Be sure to check and add windshield washer fluid to ensure the windshield is always cleaned when necessary. |
During use, you should pay attention to checking and adding windshield washer fluid to ensure that the windshield is always cleaned when necessary. Many car users often use plain water mixed with a little dishwashing liquid to save money. However, the manufacturer recommends using a specialized windshield washer fluid to help clean the glass surface without affecting the life of the wiper blade.
Power steering fluid
Some current car models use a hydraulic power steering system, helping the driver to steer more lightly when the car is moving. The hydraulic power steering system consists of basic components such as a hydraulic pump, distribution valve, cylinder and oil pipes.
In particular, power steering fluid plays an important role in ensuring the operation of this system. If the fluid level is not guaranteed, it will affect the power transmission process, the steering wheel becomes heavier or makes noise when steering.
Similar to brake fluid, power steering fluid will also become dirty and degrade after a period of use and need to be replaced. The power steering fluid reservoir is usually made of plastic or metal and is located in the engine compartment. With a plastic reservoir, the driver can easily see the oil level and color of the oil in the reservoir. Meanwhile, metal power steering fluid reservoirs all have a dipstick similar to engine oil, helping the driver check the remaining oil level in the reservoir.
In addition, during the inspection, if the power steering fluid is found to be brown or black, the fluid is contaminated. The vehicle should be taken to a garage for inspection and replacement. In addition, the vehicle owner's manual should be read carefully to know when the power steering fluid needs to be replaced in the vehicle.