Understanding the main types of engine fluids plays a crucial role in maintaining your vehicle properly. To learn more on the matter, read this post by Coast to Coast Synthetics in Goliad.
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle in good working condition, several fluids and liquids come into play; however, this post by Coast to Coast Synthetics will focus on the most important lubricants for your engine. So, if you are interested in learning about the purpose and care requirements of each main fluid circulating under your car's hood, read below.
Main Fluids For Maintaining Your Vehicle in Top Shape
Engine Oil
Similarly to when blood circulates through a person's veins, engine oil gets pumped around an engine to lubricate most parts in constant motion; for that reason, experts often refer to this fluid as "the lifeblood of a machine." Engine oil mainly serves to prevent friction-related damage in your car. For example, each time you put your key in the ignition to start your car, the pistons, bearings, valves, and other components initiate a rough motion that creates friction. To that end, engine oil gets pumped throughout the engine to cover all these fast-moving pieces with a lubricating film that reduces friction and allows a smooth engine movement.
Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that engine oil does much more than keeping components lubricated; for example, it prevents your car from overheating. Typically, engine oil has heat-absorbing additives that aid the cooling system to keep the engine's operational temperature; to that end, the oil holds heat while it circulates, and when it gets thin and near boiling, it cools down in the oil cooler inside the radiator.
Simultaneously, engine oil also keeps the machine clean. To that end, oil has cleaning properties that allow it to remove buildup contaminants, sludge, and even carbon particles. On the whole, engine oil is vital to keep your engine healthy; therefore, checking its levels at least once a month plays a crucial role in maintaining your vehicle in mint shape.
Speak with the experts at Coast to Coast Synthetics about the benefits of maintaining your vehicle with the most efficient synthetic oil in Goliad. To place an order on the highest quality oils and lubricants, call (361) 550-9073 or browse AMSOIL's online store.
Transmission Fluid
The transmission system's primary function is to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. To that end, many moving gears come into play within this system to provide your wheels with speed and rotational force. As stated above, moving pieces can produce dry and damaging friction by rubbing each other; hence, the transmission system needs proper lubricant to work smoothly. To that end, the transmission fluid performs as a protective lubricant that prevents wear within the transmission system.
To keep good care of your car's transmission, make sure to check the level and condition of its fluid once each month by following your owner's manual indications. Also, consider that transmission fluid needs a change every 60,000 to 10,000 miles; thus, make sure to keep up with its change intervals to run your car with optimal lubrication.
Coolant
Your vehicle releases a significant amount of heat when it burns fuel; as a matter of fact, your engine increases its temperature by approximately up to 4,500 °F at each combustion cycle. Now, it's worth mentioning that only a third part of the total combustion energy becomes mechanical power to move your vehicle; meanwhile, the rest of it turns to heat within the engine block. Now, while the exhaust system dissipates some heat, around 33.33% of it gets absorbed by coolant. After considering that, it is pretty clear why having low coolant levels leads to most overheating instances. On the whole, coolant is vital to keep your engine's temperature at safe and operating limits.
In terms of its other functions, coolant also helps to reduce oxidation within the engine. After all, you can find several metals throughout the motor, for example, aluminum, cast iron, lead solder, and many other compounds that can become corrosive after some time. Fortunately, coolant contains corrosive inhibitors that keep your engine's metals in good shape. On the whole, low corrosion leads to an extended engine life expectancy; therefore, coolant is an important requirement to keep your engine running for longer.
When it comes to ensuring safety while driving, your vehicle’s brakes must always work efficiently; to that end, brake fluid is vital. For starters, each time you stop your car, brake fluid is pressurized and sent to the brake caliper assembly to apply hydraulic forces that squeeze against the wheel’s disc rotor surface. As a result, the friction increases, and the wheel decelerates to an efficient stop.
Unlike other engine liquids, brake fluid tends to absorb moisture over time; thus, its boiling point can change and cause problems. While fresh brake fluid has a high boiling point that allows it to perform at high temperatures, moisture-contaminated brake fluid lowers its heat tolerance, meaning that it produces gas bubbles that affect its performance. Luckily, you can avoid this issue by changing your vehicle’s brake fluid once every two years approximately.
Browse AMSOIL's online store to find top-performing products for your engine, like AMSOIL's Signature Series 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil. If you want your vehicle to operate at its best for the longest, call Coast to Coast Synthetics at (361) 550-9073 and learn about the benefits of maintaining your vehicle with the most efficient synthetic oil in Goliad.