All vehicles use different types of fluids that are essential for it to operate and run smoothly. There are times when your vehicle may begin to run low and require being topped off or even flushed and replaced with fresh fluid. For those who don’t know much about the different types of fluids used inside vehicles, Denton Towing Company will share the different types of fluid each vehicles uses.

What Are All the Fluids in a Car?

Motor Oil – There are two most essential types of fluid used in every vehicle. One is motor oil. Motor oil’s job it to lubricate all of the internal moving parts of your vehicle’s engine crankcase. It is important to make sure your vehicle motor oil is filled. Without the lubrication from the motor oil, the high friction will cause over heating of your engine. Some moving parts such as valves, pistons, and other various parts can break or become severely damaged.
Brake Fluid – The second most essential fluid a vehicle needs is the brake fluid and for obvious reasons. The braking system uses a fully-sealed network of hydraulic pressure which is used to bring your vehicle to a stop or slow it down. As the driver puts pressure on the brake pedal, the fluid compresses which is when the hydraulic transfers the force to activate the shoes or the brake pads to slow or stop the vehicle.
Coolant – Every vehicle uses coolant, which is a mixture of half water and half radiator coolant to help keep your vehicle from overheating. When a vehicle has overheating problems, it is often due to low or no coolant. The coolant should always be regularly checked to make sure your vehicle never overheats. If your vehicle is low in coolant, it is most likely due to a leak or break in the coolant tank or the on the rubber hoses. The coolant naturally recycles itself so if you’re low or out of coolant, it is most likely due to a leak.
Transmission Fluid – Transmission fluid doesn’t require that it be refilled often unless there is a leak. However, after 50,000 miles, it is recommended you flush your transmission fluid and refill it with fresh fluid. The transmission works independently from the rest of the vehicle’s engine. The transmission oil helps to keep your transmission’s moving parts lubricated and cool just like motor oil.
Power Steering Fluid – Power steering was first developed in the early 1950’s and became perfected and standardize by the 60’s and 70’s. For those who have never known what it was like to be without power steering, you may not know what it feels like to be without it. When you’re low on power steering, which is again usually due to a leak, your car will become very difficult to turn. Once this occurs, it is best to take your vehicle to the mechanic to find the leak and repair and refill your power steering fluid.
Battery Fluid – Depending on the type of battery your vehicle uses, some batteries use battery fluid. Especially older vehicles that use the older model batteries, often they need the battery fluid checked. There are individual cells to a battery. If your vehicle seems to be having a problem, start by checking your battery fluid if you have that type of battery.
Windshield Wiper Fluid – The last fluid that most people know about is the windshield wiper fluid. Windshield wiper fluid is one of the easiest and probably one of the most frequently filled fluids in a vehicle.

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These are the essential fluids that vehicles use in daily operation that need to be checked and refilled as necessary. If you find your vehicle has broken down and you’re low on one of these fluids, contact Denton Towing Company. We provide roadside assistance services including fuel or fluid deliveries.