Maintenance is a key procedure to extend the life of your car, truck, SUV, or minivan. One common procedure that gets a lot of questions is the fluid flush. Your vehicle has several systems that require some sort of fluid to keep your vehicle operating at its peak. Examples include brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant, but are they all necessary? The short answer is yes, draining and refilling these important reservoirs are vital to the efficiency of your vehicle’s operation and if you live in Spring Hill, Overland Park, or Emporia, you can count on Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Ottawa to get them done right. Below you can find several reasons why this kind of maintenance is important and necessary.
Even an oil change is a fluid flush, which means draining old fluid from a system and then replacing it with new fluid. Why these procedures are important is because over time the fluid gets dirty from dust and debris from just normal operations. Fluid needs to flow to be effective, and as the fluid gets old, it gets sludgy and cannot do the job it is meant to do. The fluid lubricates the different systems in your vehicle, allowing all its parts and components to move freely.
Types of Fluid Flushes
Transmission Flush: One of the most important fluid flushes to have done, the transmission allows shifting between the gear sets of the vehicle. When your vehicle changes gear sets, it takes fuel energy and engine power and converts it into torque, which is distributed between the wheels so you can get from one place to another. When transmission fluid gets old, it begins to coagulate, inhibiting and eventually seizing up the gear sets and it can lead to serious repair costs. It is recommended that you flush your transmission fluid every 50,000 miles.
Engine Coolant: Coolant (antifreeze and water mixture) reduces the heat generated by the engine significantly keeping the intense heat from destroying the engine. Since 2011, vehicles have begun using a 5- or 10-year coolant so the frequency has been reduced, but the fluid should at least be checked about every 30,000-35,000 miles.
Power Steering: Though not as critical as other fluids, it can be affected by engine heat and debris. Bad fluid can damage hoses, pumps, and seals. It is recommended that you have this fluid flushed every 50,000-75,000 miles.
Brake Fluid: In addition to dirt and contaminants, brake fluid can also get water in it due to condensation and this can affect your ability to slow and stop the vehicle. It is recommended that your brake fluid gets flushed every 2-3 years or every 24,000-36,000 miles.
Fuel Injection: Clogged fuel injectors reduce your gas mileage and decrease fuel efficiency. This flush should be done every 30,000-35,000 miles.
Rear Differential: This is important in rear-wheel drive vehicles; lubricants in the rear differential keep all the components moving smoothly, preventing locking, slipping, and rear differential breakdown. Fluid here should be checked every 30,000 miles and changed every 75,000 miles.
If you need any of these fluid flushes, contact us at Victory CDJR of Ottawa and set up an appointment with our Service Center, or schedule it yourself online.
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