As a responsible car owner, it is crucial to keep up with regular maintenance for your vehicle. One essential aspect that often gets overlooked is changing filters and fluids. These components are vital in keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently. Let’s discuss the importance of regularly changing your filters and fluids and how it can benefit you in the long run.
Why Are Filters & Fluids Important?
Filters and fluids keep your car’s engine clean and functioning correctly. Over time, these components can become clogged or contaminated, leading to decreased fuel efficiency, reduced performance, or even engine damage. Regularly changing them ensures that your car’s engine receives clean air and oil, allowing it to operate at its best.
Oil Filter
The oil filter may seem minor, but it is crucial in protecting your car’s engine from dirt particles, debris, and other contaminants. Tiny particles can accumulate in the oil filter as you drive, making it less effective over time; this can result in dirty oil circulating through the engine, causing wear and tear on its components. Changing your oil filter every three months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first) ensures that your engine stays clean and healthy.
Air Filter
Like the oil filter, the air filter prevents dust, dirt, pollen, and other pollutants from entering your car’s engine. A clogged air filter restricts airflow into the engine, making it work harder to perform its functions, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and potential damage to the engine’s internal parts. Replacing your air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles is recommended for optimal performance.
Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating all moving parts inside the transmission, ensuring smooth gear shifts and preventing overheating. Over time, this fluid can become contaminated with debris and break down due to high temperatures. Ignoring routine changes for your transmission fluid can result in expensive repairs or even a complete transmission failure. Changing your transmission fluid every 30,000-60,000 miles is recommended, depending on your vehicle’s make and model.
Coolant
The coolant (also known as antifreeze) regulates the temperature of your car’s engine. Without it, your engine would overheat and potentially cause severe damage. Over time, the coolant can become acidic and lose its ability to protect against corrosion and rust in the cooling system. Regularly flushing and replacing the coolant every two years or 30,000 miles will ensure your engine stays cool and protected.
Regularly changing your filters and fluids is crucial for keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently. It not only extends the life of your vehicle but also saves you from costly repairs. As a trusted automotive service provider, Neighborhood Automotive Service & Transmission Repair highly recommends following these maintenance guidelines to keep your car in top shape. Don’t wait until it’s too late – schedule an appointment today for a filter and fluid check!