Metric Wrench’s BMW, Mercedes and Audi Blog featuring all of the latest information from around the automotive industry, the latest industry news, view expert opinions, or just join discussions about your BMW, Mercedes or Audi with other enthusiasts from around the world.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

What Fluids Will Keep Your Vehicles Healthy?

Just like we need water to keep hydrated and healthy, high-tech fluids help to keep vehicles healthy. So lets review a few fluids that are important for your vehicle.


A vehicle requires effective vital fluids to keep its moving parts working efficiently, reliably and safely and ignoring them could cost you dearly.


The list of fluids for your vehicle include gasoline, motor oil, anti-freeze, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, specific lubricants for manual gearboxes, the transfer cases in four-wheel-drive vehicles and the differential in rear-drive vehicles, plus power steering fluid.


All are specially designed high-tech chemical cocktails, so the appropriate type and grade should be used and, because they will break down with time and usage, needing to be replaced at the intervals specified in a vehicle’s owner’s manual.


Most of us don’t think much about how our BMW or Mercedes runs, but the correct octane rating is key to engine operation and poor quality fuel may not contain the additives required to meet seasonal requirements and keep fuel injection systems functioning properly.


Motor oil is your engine’s lifeblood. It not only lubricates, reducing wear, but performs the task of keeping combustion contaminants, metal fragments and dirt etc. in suspension to be carried to the filter or removed when the oil is changed.


Another reason not to ignore oil changes is that its chemical structure and the ingredients added to it begin to break down with time, and it loses effectiveness.


Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals. Transmission fluid performs a number of functions. It lubricates, transmits drive in the torque converter, acts as a hydraulic pressure medium and as a coolant.


Anti-freeze not only acts as a coolant, allowing today’s engines to run at higher temperatures than ever before, but it has lubricating and anti-corrosion properties that help water pumps and radiators live longer more productive lives. Because these additives can weaken with time anti-freeze should be replaced every two years.


Brake fluid is again something that most of us hardly think about, but transmits hydraulic pressure to and also lubricates brake components. It also has to deal with extremely high temperatures and resist contamination by moisture. It must be checked regularly.


Power steering fluid levels should also be looked at frequently and changed according to the manufacturers recommendations.


Windshield washer fluid needs to be of a good quality and meet temperature requirements for the location that you live. Keep the reservoir full so it’s always available when required.

Take good care of your car so that it can take care of you. If you have problems or just want someone to the fluids in your car for you, visit Metric Wrench Billings today to have a certified technician check it out for you. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your vehicle solutions today!