Last week, this blog focused on the importance of maintaining fresh coolant/antifreeze in your car, truck or SUV with the approach of winter. Yes, we have some time yet, but it is coming. This week, this blog will focus on the other essential fluids you need to maintain your vehicle with the approach of another blustery McHenry County winter.

What ‘other’ fluids are we discussing? There are several additional fluids in your car, truck or SUV, including:

Engine oil

Engine oil is critical to the reliable operation and durability of your car, truck or SUV’s engine. Engine oil provides lubrication between moving parts thereby dramatically reducing the heat those parts would otherwise create. The amount of heat that friction would cause would be catastrophic to your vehicle’s engine. Engine oil also carries away particles and fibers that could cause damage between moving parts.

Many cars, trucks or SUVs run the same viscosity engine oil year-round, even if it’s a multi-viscosity oil. Some, however, should change to a winter-grade engine oil in a month or so. A winter-grade oil will not thicken as much in cold weather. A 5W30 oil will flow well in cold weather but still has the properties to stand up to the heat created by the engine whether in the middle of a McHenry County summer or winter.

It’s important to remember to change your car, truck or SUV engine oil on schedule. See your Owner’s Manual for the oil-change schedule prescribed for your particular vehicle.

Transmission Fluid

Just as engine oil lubricates parts, and carries away debris in the engine, transmission fluid does much the same job. With a transmission, however, the fluid is an integral part of the mechanical operation of the transmission. Transmission fluid doesn’t require changing with the same frequency as the engine oil.

In some cases, cars, trucks or SUVs may come with “lifetime” transmission fluid that you don’t need to change. However, you should check your transmission fluid from time to time to make sure it’s full, doesn’t have any leaks and doesn’t appear brown and burnt. If you notice problems with the transmission shifting or going into gear, have it checked out promptly. Waiting may give the problem time to spread.

Windshield Washer Solvent

Windshield Washer Solvent isn’t critical the operation of the engine or transmission but it’s equally critical to the safe operation of your car, truck or SUV. Windshield Washer Solvent helps provide a clear view as you drive. That clear view is particularly challenged during the winter with rain, snow, ice and road salt combining at times to cloud your view.

Frequently check your Windshield Washer Solvent reservoir to ensure that you have enough fluid so that you won’t run out in mid trip.

Power Steering Fluid

Power Steering Fluid doesn’t require replacement unless, possibly, there’s a problem with the power steering. But, you want to make sure that the reservoir is filled to capacity with the power steering fluid that is right for your car.

Brake Fluid

This is also a fluid that doesn’t have a prescribed schedule for changing. In fact, if it’s in good shape, you don’t really need to change it at all. But, you do want to make sure that the reservoir is kept full to the Fill Line. Don’t overfill the reservoir but make sure it’s properly filled. Remember, it’s only your ability to stop at risk.

Keep after the fluids in your car, truck or SUV and you’ll take a big step towards helping it through a trouble-free McHenry County winter.