6 Essential Car Fluids and How to Check Them

Checking oil level on dipstick

Did you know that checking essential car fluids is critical to your vehicle’s performance, reliability, and longevity? If you’re not sure when to check car fluids or how to check essential fluids in your car, then you’ve come to the right place! Do you know the difference between windshield wiper fluid and brake fluid? The service team at Pellegrino Chrysler Jeep has put together this guide so you can learn more about your vehicle’s 6 essential car fluids and their importance!

  • Engine oil
  • Brake fluid
  • Engine coolant
  • Transmission fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Windshield wiper fluid

This guide from the Pellegrino Chrysler Jeep service team covers what every driver in Deptford or Monroe Township should know about when and how to check essential fluids in your car, and why it’s important to do so.

How to Check Essential Fluids in Your Car

All six of these essential car fluids should be checked on a regular basis and replaced as needed or at intervals recommended by your manufacturer. Let’s take a closer look at how and when to check car fluids like windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, motor oil, and engine coolant. 

Note: before checking the level of an essential car fluid– except transmission fluid, wait until the engine has had time to cool for at least 30 minutes before opening the hood! 

Motor Oil

  • Purpose of motor oil: Prevents friction between engine parts and regulates engine temperature.
  • When to change motor oil: Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six months.
  • How to check motor oil: Find the dipstick underneath the hood. Insert it into the oil reservoir and check the level and consistency of the oil.

Brake Fluid

  • Purpose of brake fluid: Transfers movement and force from the brake pedal to the braking system.
  • How often to replace brake fluid: Every 30,000 miles or two years. 
  • How to check brake fluid: The fluid level should reach the marking on the side of the clear brake fluid reservoir underneath your car’s hood.

Engine Coolant

  • Purpose of engine coolant: Optimizes temperature in your vehicle’s cooling system and engine.
  • When to replace engine coolant: Every 50,000 miles.
  • How to check engine coolant: The fluid level should reach the marking on the side of the engine coolant reservoir underneath your car’s hood.

Transmission Fluid

  • Purpose of transmission fluid: Ensures fast and smooth gear shifts.
  • How often to replace transmission fluid (for cars with automatic transmission): Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
  • How to check transmission fluid (for cars with automatic transmission): Remove and re-insert the transmission fluid dipstick into the reservoir. Pull it out and observe the level of fluid. Check that the color of the fluid is a translucent dark red color. If you have a sealed transmission, you’ll need to bring your car to a Vorhees Township-area service center.

Power Steering Fluid

  • Purpose of power steering fluid: Ensures proper function of the power steering hydraulic system, which multiplies the force you exert on your steering wheel.
  • When to replace power steering fluid: As needed, when your vehicle is difficult to steer or the power steering system needs frequent service.
  • How to check power steering fluid: Find the reservoir under your car’s hood marked with a steering wheel or the words ‘power steering fluid’ or it might be a steering wheel symbol. Make sure the fluid reaches the marked level.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

  • Purpose of windshield wiper fluid: Increases efficacy of your windshield wipers for clearer glass.
  • When to replace windshield wiper fluid: As needed, when no fluid comes out of the sprayers on your windshield.
  • How to check windshield wiper fluid: Open the hood and find the reservoir with a windshield washer symbol on the cap.

Learn More About Essential Car Fluids with Pellegrino Chrysler Jeep

If you want to know more about how to check essential fluids in your car or have other service and maintenance questions, check out our service parts and tips or contact our service center directly. Be sure to check out our current Mopar Service Coupons when you schedule service online at our Woodbury Heights service center. If you prefer to do your maintenance, our parts department carries genuine Mopar parts, fluids, and accessories. 

More from Pellegrino Chrysler Jeep

  • 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity

    Known for its upscale interior, modern tech, and room for your family and their gear, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is popular among Deptford families. But if you’re planning to take some off-road toys along on your next trip to your favorite outdoor spot in NJ, you may be wondering: “How much can the Grand Cherokee…

  • Jeep Compass Interior

      Any of the 2024 Jeep interior features offer high-tech upgrades, premium materials, and comfort amenities all over the cabin. As much as the exterior is rugged, the interior is posh. Upgrade and enhance every daily commute, weekly errand, and afterschool activity with one of these new vehicles in Deptford. Find out more regarding the…

  • 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Models

      With its undeniable off-road capabilities, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is a pillar of the midsize SUV segment. There are nine different Grand Cherokee models for Deptford drivers and Monroe Township families can choose from. Jeep streamlined the engine lineup for the 2024 model year. All two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee models are powered by the…

Pellegrino Chrysler Jeep 39.8254832, -75.1519387.