The 7 Automotive Fluids Required for All Cars

A vehicle operates best when its fluids are well-maintained and kept at their proper levels. There are seven chief fluids in every vehicle that work together to promote a smoother drive and optimal vehicular performance.  These fluids assist in the main functions of various automotive parts; such as the engine, transmission, and braking systems.  Without these essential fluids, a vehicle will quickly deteriorate and experience complications. This leads to costly repairs, parts replacements, or a totaled vehicle. 

Continue reading to learn about these seven critical solutions and fluids, and how they work together to support a well-operating vehicle.

Emergency Tow Truck 317-247-8484
Emergency Tow Truck 317-247-8484

Motor Oil

The first fluid to mention is motor oil, because it is the most valuable and important. Without motor oil, a car’s engine is running without any lubrication between its moving parts. This can cause high heat and friction, leading to piston damage, valve damage, and more. It is dangerous and can cause severe and irrevocable damage to a vehicle’s engine. Any car with an internal combustion engine requires motor oil to lubricate its moving components.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is another important and vital necessity for any vehicle. A brake line system is a sealed network that applies hydraulic pressure to control a vehicle’s ability to come to a stop.  When pressure is applied to a brake pedal, brake fluid compresses. This causes the hydraulic force to transfer to the brake pads and shoes and produce the required friction necessary to stop. Without brake fluid, a vehicle will have complications with stopping and using the brakes. This is very dangerous. A car must be able to stop!

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is used to assist the driver in turning the car easier. The power steering fluid is pressurized by a small hydraulic pump that is powered by the vehicle’s engine. It releases enough fluids that make the steering mechanism easier to direct and operate. Without power steering fluid, turning a steering wheel would require an abundant amount of effort and force.

Coolant

Coolant is another very important fluid in a vehicle. It is a heat-transfer fluid that controls the temperature levels within your engine. Without it, a car engine would quickly overheat, causing severe damages to the engine and its components. Coolant is generally a half and half formula, containing fifty percent water and fifty percent radiator coolant solution. It works by cycling through the engine as it runs, collecting heat and returning it to the radiator, then into the air.

Transmission Fluid

This fluid is not one commonly checked by car owners, but rather by a mechanic during an annual tune-up or inspection. Transmission fluid is important because it lubricates and cools the inner components of the transmission. This allows everything to engage and work properly. It’s job is very similar to motor oil.

Battery Fluid

Many vehicles today are manufactured with maintenance-free batteries; however, some older models will require a vehicle owner to manually replace the battery fluid on a regular basis. In these type of vehicle batteries, the individual cells need to be filled with the proper type of battery fluid in order for the vehicle to run.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

Although commonly overlooked, a driver could almost not live without windshield wiper fluid! Mud, dirt, water spots, insects, fingerprints, and more can be distracting on a vehicle’s windshield. Windshield wiper fluid is a soapy viscous solution that can be controlled manually by a push of a button inside the car. This button or attachment is generally near the steering wheel. Depending on how often it is used, windshield wiper fluid should be refilled every few months or so.

Emergency Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indiana

If you find yourself stranded and in need of automotive fluids in Indianapolis, trust Zore’s Towing for help anytime! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Will My Car Overheat in Hot Weather?

When the Indiana heat index reaches extremely high temperatures in the summer, many of us start to have concerns about health and safety. As a result, we take certain precautions to ensure we are not at risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other serious heat-related illnesses and conditions.

However, there is one thing we tend to overlook when it comes to protecting ourselves in hot weather, and that is our vehicles. Not only can the hot summer sun and climate affect the performance and safety of your car, it can also put you in a dangerous position if your vehicles breaks down.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about driving in hot weather, including what to do if your car overheats or breaks down on a hot summer day.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484
24 Hour Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

Cars and Hot Weather

A car will overheat if it is operated in excessive sun and high temperatures. As the outside temperatures increase, so does the rate at which your car engine produces and retains heat. As a result, engines can quickly become too hot and stop functioning properly. Also, if your car overheats on a hot summer day, you can be subjected to your own set of health and safety risks, especially if you do not have access to water or air conditioning. This is even more dangerous for children and individuals with existing health conditions.

What To Do if it Happens to You

Operating a vehicle that is overheating is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted.  Instead, if your car or truck overheats, your first step is find a safe spot to pull over immediately. Once you are safely pulled over to the side of the road, turn off your ignition and wait for your car to cool down enough to check the coolant. If your coolant (antifreeze) is low, top it off with the extra bottle you hopefully carry with you at all times. See our blog, “What to Put in Your Summertime Roadside Emergency Kit” to learn what you should have on hand.

If your car cools down enough to start it back up, do so, but without the AC on. The air conditioning uses a lot of energy, so instead, drive with the windows down until you reach your destination. In fact, it helps to put your heat on max; although very uncomfortable, it will pull heat away from your engine and cool it off. If your car will not cool down, contact a local Indianapolis tow truck for assistance. You do not want to be sitting in a hot car in hot weather for too long, as this is extremely dangerous.

Call an Emergency Tow Truck in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484