Regular vehicle maintenance is a key component to keeping your car or fleet running at peak efficiency and avoiding costly repairs and breakdowns. An essential part of car maintenance is to check the different fluids under your vehicle’s hood.
Here’s what you need to know about checking and maintaining proper fluid levels in your car or fleet vehicle:
When To Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids
Throughout the life of your car, different parts will need to be checked and maintained. We recommend checking your vehicle’s fluids once a month to ensure that they are clean and at the correct level. You can easily do this at home, but you can also have your friendly fleet management team from Butler Automotive Management check the fluids and top them off as needed.
Don’t have time to maintain your car? We do, and we come to you! Schedule a service whether you’re a busy pro on the go or have a whole fleet to maintain!
Which Fluids Should I Check?
Some of the fluids that need to be checked and maintained include:
Engine Oil
Motor oil is needed to add lubrication to your vehicle’s engine in order to help reduce wear and friction. Depending on how often you drive and the type of oil your engine uses, your engine will require an oil change every 5,000-10,000 miles.
To check your engine oil, you can pull the dipstick from the reservoir and wipe the oil from the stick with a clean rage. Then, dip it back into the oil and examine the oil level. If your oil is low or looks dirty, it’s time to schedule an oil change!
If you have any questions about the fluid levels in your fleet vehicles, give BAM a call! We’re here to help: 813-992-4662!
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid or hydraulic fluid is necessary to move the components of your brake system. Without it, your vehicle wouldn’t be able to stop when you push the brakes. You may also hear a squealing noise when you push on the breaks. Trust us, no one wants busted brakes!
The brake fluid is housed in the master cylinder reservoir, which is usually translucent and has a line that shows you where your fluid level is. If your brake fluid is near the minimum line, it is a sign that it needs to be changed and refilled. Typically you will need the brake fluid replaced every 45,000 miles, but it may be more if your car gets used a lot for work.
Transmission Fluid
In the way that engine oil lubricated the engine, transmission fluid helps lubricate the moving parts in your transmission. This viscous fluid serves as a coolant that allows power to be transmitted from the engine to the transmission. We recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000-60,000 miles.
You can check the transmission fluid by checking the dipstick which should have markings that indicate whether it is low or full. If the fluid is low, smells burnt, or is dark brown in color, it is time to replace it. Some newer vehicles don’t have a transmission dipstick, so calling in an expert technician from BAM to check your transmission fluid is a great choice!
Attention Fleet Managers: Feeling overwhelmed by fleet maintenance? Read this! 7 Tips for Handling Your Fleet Maintenance
Other Car Fluids You NEED to Check
Some other fluids in your vehicle that keep it running efficiently and should be checked regularly are:
- Power steering fluid
- Coolant/antifreeze
- Windshield wiper fluid
Let the Pros at BAM Fleet Maintain Your Vehicles
Avoid a breakdown…don’t let your car’s maintenance go another day! If you live in Tampa Bay, call the pros at Butler Automotive Management to create a streamlined maintenance schedule based on your car or fleet’s specific needs.
The best part? With our mobile car services, we come to you! Plus, we keep detailed maintenance records so you don’t have to! Keep your car on the road and focus on the business at hand with BAM! Schedule an appointment or call us for a fleet management quote today: 813-992-4662!
