Proper Fluids For Your Car

The Westerville Automotive Guide to Proper Fluids

Oct 16th, 2017

If you've walked through the automotive fluids section of your favorite Westerville auto parts store, you'll know how overwhelming the sheer number of products available can be. How can drivers know what's right for their vehicle?

As you know, these fluids all serve a function in making your car run. Your vehicle has specified a particular type of fluid for every system, from the motor to the cooling system, brake fluid and so on. When you realize that not every variation is applicable to your vehicle, the task becomes more difficult.

First let's talk about why there are so many varieties. Starting with motor oil, we see some that match the properties of a particular weight or type of oil with the design needs of the engine. For example, engines with sophisticated valve trains often require a thinner weight of oil.

Some vehicles come from the factory filled with synthetic oil and the recommendation to use it for life. The safe bet for drivers is to always use what the manufacturer recommends. The recommendation is what's been proven to work in function and durability tests. The recommended oil is also a factor in determining oil change interval schedules.

A good quality oil has more additives that are engineered to clean and protect the engine. They cost a bit more, but are worth the extra protection. If you buy budget oil, you might want to consider shortening your oil change interval.

Sometimes fluids are developed specifically to meet the needs of a particular family of engines. An example would be coolant. Because of the different materials used to build the cooling system, the coolant has to be formulated to protect those parts, which vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, from corrosion. We've seen special coolant for General Motors, Volkswagen, Chrysler and others.

The same is true of transmission fluid and brake fluid in recent years. The really good news is that Westerville Automotive has databases that tell us the recommended fluids for your vehicle. This takes all the guess work out of it. If you have some special needs, like a higher mileage engine or want enhanced performance, ask your friendly and knowledgeable Westerville Automotive service advisor for upgrades or additives that'll meet your needs while being consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Of course, your full-service oil change will top off your fluids. But it's a good idea to have some of everything at home in case you need to top something off yourself or to take on a trip. Ask your friendly and knowledgeable Westerville Automotive service advisor or check your owner's manual for fluid specifications.

Give us a call.

What is your VIN number and how do you use it?

Your Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is essentially your car’s fingerprint. In its entirety, it is specific only to your car. Each car has its own unique VIN number, and can be decoded to provide manufacturing and identification information on any vehicle on the road. Date of manufacture, manufacturer, vehicle type, where it was made, and options such as engine and transmission type, whether a car is a two or four door, and a multitude of other specifications can be gleaned from a VIN number. Essentially, a VIN number will tell you exactly what a car is and where it came from, without even having to see the car.

Difference Between Gasoline Grades

At some point while waiting for your tank to fill up, you’ve probably wondered what the difference is between the choices of gasoline at the pump. Typically you see three buttons, with a number between 85 and 98, in ascending order and ascending prices. These numbers are octane ratings, which you probably know; but what is an octane rating, really?

Recognizing Flood Damage When Buying A Vehicle

Unless you are confident in your abilities as an automotive mechanic, there is really only one rule when purchasing a flood damaged vehicle: don’t do it. Unfortunately, sometimes sellers aren’t particularly straight-forward with their used cars. Many will try to hide the fact that it’s been damaged by flood waters at all, or try to convince potential buyers that the car is in fact fine. “It has gone months with no issues” or “technically it is flood damaged but” are two red flags, and while it isn’t impossible for a flood car to be fine, it’s altogether a good idea to stay away.

Child Safety: Keeping Your Car Safe

Part of maintaining your vehicle is keeping its safety devices in good working order, especially when there are kids in the car. Seat belts, window locks, and airbag sensors work together to keep children safe in an automobile. Though safety components are generally very reliable, they do occasionally fail. Westerville Automotive in Westerville is here when they do; here are some things to watch out for.