Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to the longevity and overall health of your car, especially in the winter. If you don’t take good care of your car, chances are you will find yourself bogged down with costly repairs or maybe even stranded on the side of the road.

There are numerous things you can do as a car owner to ensure your vehicle runs well and is in no danger of breaking down on you this winter. Among your regular vehicle maintenance needs is the regular checking of several important fluids.

While it is important to bring your car into your Arlington auto body shop for checkups and more, you should also check the fluids listed below on a regular basis. A large chunk of your car’s maintenance is both preventative and does not require a lot of knowledge about cars. Lifting the hood and checking certain fluids will keep your car running well and your repair costs down. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Here are some essential car fluids to check regularly in your car:

• Engine Oil – Checking your car’s oil and staying on top of your oil changes is one of the best ways to ensure your car continues to run well. Oil is important because it lubricates your engine. If the oil is low and left untouched, the parts in your engine will wear down faster and your engine may even seize up completely.
• Transmission Fluid – Transmission fluid is used to lubricate your transmission, which helps the car shift gears more smoothly. If you do not have enough transmission fluid, it can lead to rough wear and tear on your transmission and costly repairs.
• Coolant – Coolant is used to keep your car from overheating, which can cause major damage and expensive repairs. It is important to check your engine’s coolant levels about once a week to ensure it is at the proper level. There will be a line on your coolant reservoir to indicate what the liquid level should be.
• Brake and Power Steering Fluids – If you notice it is more difficult to steer or if you are having trouble with your brakes, it may be time to check the respective fluids. Even without any problems, it is recommended that you check these fluids every two to three months to ensure they are at their proper levels.

Staying on top of your vehicle’s maintenance is a good way to keep your car running for many years to come. By neglecting the fluids mentioned above and failing to pay attention to any signs your car may be giving you that something isn’t right, you will only be creating more problems down the line. It is especially important to check your car’s fluids in the winter, as the colder temps can wreak havoc on your car’s engine.