Blog / News

Your Vehicle Needs Fluids

Mechanic performing oil change, checking underneath vehicle with funnel for draining oil in auto repair shop

To word it most simply, without the many fluids that exist in your vehicle, it wouldn't stand a chance of running. Without exaggerating, your vehicle likely wouldn't roll an inch without engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and other fluids necessary for regular function.

You should check motor oil, also called engine oil, about every 3,000 miles. However, your vehicle may require an oil change to 5,000 miles, or even longer. Checking your owner's manual to learn more.

Transmission fluid helps the gears in your transmission shift like they're supposed to. Check it every month, replace it no later than every 100,000 miles.

Coolant is also called antifreeze, and is found in the radiator, a contraption that houses a larger fan to cool the vehicle off.

If brakes aren't functioning well, check the brake fluid, you should replace it every two years. Need help determining what fluids you need, when, and why? Contact us, Orchid Isle Auto Center.

Posted in:

Related Posts

Is Front-Wheel or Rear-Wheel Drive Best for Your Needs?

Today's cars are made much differently than those earlier models. Back then, Rear-wheel drive was the only way that manufacturers built drivetrains, but it's completely changed now. RWD is actually used more for power, so vehicles that have a need for turbo speed such as American muscle cars will tend to have RWD. Front-wheel drive developed out of a need for fuel-efficient commuter vehicles, which is why most sedans and compact cars have FWD. In some cases, they may have AWD, which is better for power and dealing with icy road conditions. Newer models are coming out with transitioning drivetrains under xDrive, which is a way to combine fuel efficiency with power by changing the drivetrain setup on the fly. No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, you can find a ton of inventory available at Orchid Isle Auto Center. They have the best service department and a variety of vehicles perfect for whatever you're looking for. Visit Our Service Center Today!

Higher Cold Cranking Amps May Protect You from a Dead Battery

If you're stopping by Orchid Isle Auto Center for a new battery in the fall or early winter, you may want to pay special attention to a new battery's cold cranking amps rating. This rating illustrates how many amps a new battery can cope with in extremely cold temperatures. Why is this important? When Jack Frost comes calling in the dead of winter, it means that your car is in for some extra heavy-duty work. As the temperature drops so does a battery's overall capacity, and at the same time, the amps required for a starter motor to get enough juice to turn over the motor increases. A battery with higher CCAs means that you may be less likely to find yourself with a dead battery in the middle of winter. Avoid being stranded this winter in Hilo. Our service experts would happy to recommend a high CCA battery or simply ensure that your current battery ready for the cold.

Choosing the Best Oil for Your Motor

At your next oil change appointment at Orchid Isle Auto Center, you might want to think carefully about the kind of oil you are using in your vehicle's motor. With both conventional and synthetic oils available, it helps to understand the difference so you can choose the very best oil to keep your motor in top condition. Basically, conventional oil is regular, naturally occurring oil. It comes from the earth, and it is suitable for most older motors and for driving in easy conditions. Motor oil that is formulated by scientists from specially chosen chemicals is called synthetic oil. Synthetic oil, because it has been designed specifically with motors in mind, offers the best quality performance and motor lubrication possible. Most newly manufactured motors are made to only be used with synthetic oil, so be sure to read your owner's manual carefully. For more information about motor oil and deciding which kind is right for you, give our service department a visit today!