Servicing your engine's fluids is crucial to keep your car running smoothly. To learn which fluids should top your preventive maintenance checklist, read this post by Jim Ackney in Edmonton.

Every time you insert your key into the ignition to start your car, several fluids begin to circulate within the engine to protect countless moving parts. Without proper fluid levels, your engine would be subjected to heat, friction, contaminants, rolling resistance, among other hurdles. That's why it's essential to check your car's fluids when the time for preventive maintenance is due. To learn the importance and functions of the main fluids under your car's hood, keep reading this post by Jim Ackney in Edmonton.

Keep your engine operating at its best by using the most effective synthetic oil in Edmonton for its preventive maintenance. Call Jim Ackney at (780) 476-0545, or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order on high-quality lubricants for your vehicle, like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil.

Here Are The Main Fluids to Check During Your Vehicle's Preventive Maintenance

Synthetic Engine Oil

As we'll be covering the most important fluids for your engine, we have to go over the lifeblood of the machine first. Synthetic oil runs through your engine, providing lubrication to all the moving parts to protect them from premature wear caused by friction. This fluid also contributes to cleaning your machine by picking up grimy deposits and contaminants such as soot, sludge, tar, combustion particles, and other debris. Plus, synthetic oil keeps your engine running at operating temperature by absorbing heat, which helps the cooling system prevent your vehicle from overheating. After several miles of use, synthetic oil breaks down due to contamination and becomes less effective; that's why you should replace it approximately every 7,000 to 15,000 miles; however, this varies depending on how much you use your car and other factors. To ensure how often you should replace your synthetic oil, refer to your owner's manual.

Antifreeze

Considering that local temperatures can be as low as 8°F, your vehicle needs antifreeze to keep the engine from freezing. Now, it's worth mentioning that antifreeze is based on ethylene glycol-based liquid, a chemical that drops the freezing point of water. Consequently, it helps to hold the correct operating temperature in your engine. Plus, antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitors that impede rust and scale deposits from building up inside the machine. Like engine oil, antifreeze breaks down over time; hence, it needs to be replaced occasionally. A good rule of thumb to replace this fluid is around every three years or 100,000; however, the best way to determine when to service your antifreeze is by checking your vehicle's maintenance intervals inside your owner's manual.

Learn about the benefits of using the most effective synthetic oil in Edmonton for your vehicle's preventive maintenance by speaking to an expert at Jim Ackney. To explore the full line of AMSOIL products, browse the online store or call (780) 476-0545.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid and engine oil are very similar; both are built to provide lubrication, must be replaced occasionally, and are indispensable for your engine. Still, there are significant differences. The transmission system is closed, meaning that it's not exposed to combustion particles or external contaminants; so, unlike engine oil, transmission fluid doesn't pick up soot or carbon deposits. Now, the purpose of the transmission is to transfer the power coming from the engine to the wheels by moving dozens of gears of different sizes. As previously mentioned, contact between moving metal pieces creates friction and heat; consequently, rapid wear, engine failure, and overheating. That's why transmission fluid needs to be topped up at all times. When it comes to transmission fluid changes, it generally needs a replacement every 30,000 to 60,000 miles; however, you should check your owner's manual to corroborate. An advantage of transmission oil is that it takes longer for it to break down; the reason for this is that, as mentioned earlier, this fluid works inside a sealed system; hence, it's not as exposed to damaging particles as coolant or engine oil.

Brake Fluid

Last but not least, brake fluid is super important in terms of safety. When you step on your brake pedal to stop your car, brake fluid gets pressurized to apply a hydraulic force against the wheels disc rotors, which causes increased friction that decelerates the wheels to a safe and complete stop. As it operates for a long time, brake fluid starts to absorb humidity and gets moisture contaminated. Whereas clean brake fluid works effectively at high temperatures, water boils and creates air bubbles; given this fact, brake fluid lowers its heat tolerance and becomes ineffective once it gathers humidity. That's why servicing this fluid is super important; hence, you should replace it every 30,000 miles approximately.

Keep your car running strong by giving it high-quality lubricants, like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. Call Jim Ackney at (780) 476-0545, or browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order on the most effective synthetic oil in Edmonton.