6 Essential Vehicle Fluids to Have Checked Before You Hit the Road for the Holidays

Don’t let your trip to Grandma’s for the holidays get ruined by a breakdown. Your car needs regular maintenance to keep running at peak performance. One of the most important aspects is changing out your vehicle’s fluids periodically. As the weather changes from warm to cold, it’s especially important to have your car’s fluids evaluated by a knowledgeable mechanic.

Here are the six most important fluids your auto technician will be looking at:

1. Brake fluid

Brake fluid (also known as hydraulic fluid) makes sure that all the components of your braking system can move as they should.

It has to do its job under both high temperatures and pressure.

If it’s too low or you don’t have any, your car won’t stop when you engage your brakes, which can be a dangerous situation.

2. Antifreeze

Protecting your engine from corrosion.
Aids in heat transfer.
Prevents scale from building up inside the engine.
Raises the boiling point of engine coolant so that your car doesn’t overheat.
Prevents water from freezing.

3. Power Steering fluid

Power steering fluid is the “power” behind your power steering.

Got that?

Basically, your power steering fluid transmits power to your power steering, allowing the steering wheel to move easily.

Without this fluid, you wouldn’t be able to turn the wheel and control where your car goes.

4. Transmission fluid

This important liquid provides lubrication for all the moving parts that make up your vehicle’s transmission.

It also acts as a coolant and a way to transmit power from the engine to the transmission.

5. Differential fluid

This oil lubricates the gears that transfer power from your car’s drive shaft to the wheel axles.

Its job is to make sure that your car can go around corners smoothly and without any issues.

6. Transfer Case fluid

If you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, it’s important that you always have enough transfer case fluid.

The transfer case helps transfer power to the right axles as your car encounters various kinds of road conditions.

The fluid keeps the gears running smoothly and also maintains the temperature so things don’t get too hot.

Don’t risk a holiday breakdown

Neglecting your vehicle’s maintenance can cost you a lot more than just the inconvenience of a missed turkey dinner at Aunt Sue’s.

It can cost you a lot of money in repairs, as well.

At Conrad’s, we’re happy to help you keep your car safely on the road.

Have your essential fluids checked by one of our expert auto technicians before you hit the road this holiday season.

Visit a Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care Location near you today!

Schedule Appointment

Find Tires