The 5 Most Important Car Fluids to Check

Your vehicle’s life, safety, and performance all rely on important car fluids to check at regular intervals. These fluids keep vital parts in proper operating condition, avoid engine overheating, and facilitate road safety. Without the occasional car fluid inspection, engine failure, transmission failure, non-response brakes, or even hazardous road use may occur without it.

For car motorists in Melbourne, particularly in Eltham, Briar Hill, and Montmorency, car maintenance fluids are even more important because of unpredictable weather conditions and city driving requirements. What we are discussing in this article are the five most vital car fluids to inspect, how they impact your car’s performance, and what may happen if you neglect them.

Don’t forget to explore our comprehensive and specialised services for your car in the most reliable auto mechanic in Eltham, Magic Tune.

Why Checking Car Fluids is Essential?

A vehicle fluid checklist is the foundation of good car maintenance. All the fluids are vital to safeguard the mechanical and electrical parts of your vehicle. When levels become too low or when fluids get dirty, the catastrophic issues ensue, usually at an expensive repair cost.

Ignoring vehicle fluid checks can result in:
✔ Overheating due to a lack of coolant
✔ Engine wear from dirty or low oil levels
✔ Sluggish or unresponsive brakes due to old brake fluid
✔ Transmission failure due to insufficient lubrication
✔ Hard steering caused by low power steering fluid

Regular auto fluid checks help prevent these issues, ensuring your vehicle remains reliable and safe.

Check the Engine Oil – The Lifeblood of Your Car

Why It’s Important?

One of the most important car fluids to check is engine oil. Engine oil lubricates and insulates the engine’s moving parts from friction and excessive heat build-up. In the absence of oil, moving parts of the engine rub against one another and cause extensive wear and engine damage.

Problems Caused by Low or Dirty Oil

• Increased engine wear and overheating
• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Risk of complete engine failure

How to Check Engine Oil?

1. Park the car on level ground and wait for the engine to cool.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it.
3. Remove it again and check the oil level against the markings.
4. If it’s low or dark in colour, top it up or replace it.

✔ Recommended check frequency: Every 5,000–10,000 km.

If you experience engine issues due to neglected oil changes, an auto mechanic in Eltham can inspect and service your car to prevent further damage.

Check the Coolant (Antifreeze) – Prevents Overheating

Why It’s Important?

Coolant controls engine temperature, and the engine isn’t too warm in summer and cold in winter. It kills corrosion in the cooling system, as well.

What Happens If You Ignore It?

• Overheating, leading to warped engine components
• Corroded radiator and cooling system parts
• Engine shutdown due to excessive heat

How to Perform a Coolant Check?

1. Ensure the engine is cool before opening the radiator cap.
2. Check the coolant reservoir—levels should be between the “Min” and “Max” marks.
3. If levels are low, top it up with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.

✔ Recommended check frequency: Every 10,000–15,000 km or before long trips.

For cooling system inspections and servicing, an auto mechanic in Briar Hill can help identify and fix potential leaks or blockages.

Check the Brake Fluid – Ensures Safe Braking

Why It’s Important?

Brake fluid is a fluid hydraulic that moves pressure from your brake pedal to your brakes to allow you to safely stop. Without servicing brake fluid on time, your brake system fails and you and others using the roads are endangered.

What Happens If Brake Fluid is Low or Contaminated?

• Soft or spongy brake pedal response
• Increased stopping distance
• Brake failure in extreme cases

How to Check Brake Fluid?

1. Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the hood.
2. Ensure the fluid level is within the recommended range.
3. If it’s low or dark in colour, have it replaced.

✔ Recommended check frequency: Every 20,000 km or at least once a year.

For more signs of brake problems, read our in-depth car noise detection guide to identify early warning signs before they become major issues.

Check the Transmission Fluid – Keeps Gear Shifting Smooth

Why It’s Important?

Transmission fluid greases the gears, keeps it from overheating, and makes smooth shifting possible. Not checking transmission fluid can result in transmission failure, which is among the most costly car repairs.

Problems Caused by Old or Low Transmission Fluid

• Slipping gears or delayed gear shifts
• Increased heat buildup leading to transmission wear
• Complete transmission failure

How to Perform a Transmission Fluid Check?

1. Warm up the car and let the engine run.
2. Locate the transmission dipstick (for automatic cars).
3. Pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert, and check fluid levels and colour.

✔ Recommended check frequency: Every 30,000–60,000 km.

For expert fluid checks and servicing, visit an auto mechanic in Montmorency to ensure your transmission stays in top shape.

Check the Power Steering Fluid – Provides Effortless Steering

Why It’s Important?

Power steering fluid makes turning the steering wheel easy. Low fluid levels make steering hard, noisy, or not turn at all.

Dangers of Low-Power Steering Fluid

• Increased difficulty turning the wheel
• Damage to the steering pump
• Loud whining or squeaking noises

How to Check Power Steering Fluid?

1. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir, marked with a steering wheel icon.
2. Check if the fluid level is between the “Min” and “Max” marks.
3. If low, top it up with the recommended power steering fluid.

✔ Recommended check frequency: Every 6 months or as needed.

What Happens If You Don’t Check Car Fluids?

Ignoring the monitoring of the important car fluids to check can result in significant mechanical failures, including:

❌ Total engine failure:

Neglected engine oil causes friction buildup and irreversible engine damage.

❌ Brake failure:

Ignoring brake fluid increases stopping distance and potential for accident.

❌ Transmission damage:

Filthy or low transmission fluid causes costly repair or total replacement of the transmission.

❌ Overheating issues:

Insufficient coolant will cause engine temperatures to increase, and the vehicle will stall.

Daily checks of automobile fluids keep all necessary car liquids to check at optimal levels to avoid costly breakdowns and enhance overall driving safety.

How to Perform a Full Vehicle Fluid Check

1. Park on a Flat Surface: Make sure the engine is turned off and cool.
2. Locate Each Fluid Reservoir: Use your vehicle manual for guidance.
3. Inspect Levels & Quality: Look for discolouration, low levels, or contamination.
4. Top Up When Necessary: Always use the recommended fluid type.
5. Schedule Professional Inspections: If unsure, visit an auto mechanic for a full auto fluid check.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

Performing routine car fluid checks is a simple yet essential part of maintaining a vehicle. By keeping your car maintenance fluids at the right levels, you:

✔ Improve fuel efficiency
✔ Extend your car’s lifespan
✔ Prevent costly repairs
✔ Enhance safety on the road

To have your valuable car liquids checked, book a car service by the best auto mechanic in Eltham, MagicTune.

More expert advice at your fingertips, explore our car maintenance tips keep your car in top condition all year round.

It keeps your car on the road, economical on petrol, and safe no matter how many kilometres you travel: over Melbourne city streets or twisting country roads.