Fluids are what keep your vehicle running. They are needed to carry out all of the processes that combine to allow your car to run smoothly and efficiently. You can think of these fluids like water for the human body. Necessary for function, and if left untended or ignored, the results can be devastating. Consistent maintenance is what keeps a vehicle performing at its optimal level. Just like your own body, without regular maintenance some serious problems will start to develop. Some of which are irreversible. There are some fluids that are critical for your car’s operation, and they need to be tended to on a consistent basis to avoid massive mechanic bills, or a complete vehicular break down. Some examples of these crucial fluids are:
Oil
Coolants
Transmission fluid
Brake fluid
Oil
Oil is the most essential fluid to your vehicle’s performance. It is definitely the most recognized of all vehicular fluids, and the one that requires the most attention. Oil is what keeps the moving parts in your engine lubricated, so they are able to operate without friction. Without it, the metal components in your engine would constantly be scraping against each other, causing the engine to overheat and eventually seize up. This is why your oil needs to be changed regularly. Old oil gets dirty and viscous, failing to protect your engine from getting too hot and component damage. Over time dirt and debris accumulate in the oil, compromising its effectiveness and performance. If left too long, it can begin to turn into sludge which can result in permanent damage and potentially having to replace the engine. The general consensus is that oil should be changed every 5000 kms or so, depending on driving conditions. If driving in extreme conditions on a regular basis, it is suggested to have more frequent oil changes. Consult your car owner’s manual more specific maintenance schedules and advice.
Coolants
Several coolants are used to help regulate running temperatures. They are helpful to prevent overheating in the hot weather, and to prevent the engine from freezing and seizing up in cold temperatures. Examples of coolants are anti-freeze, radiator fluid, and air conditioning coolant. All coolants should be kept and regulated levels for optimal performance.
Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid in your vehicle serves to keep the transmission lubricated, and your vehicle moving properly. It also acts as a coolant for the transmission. Transmission fluid should be checked regularly for both quantity and quality. If levels are low, a top up may be needed to keep the transmission operating effectively. Also, if there is dirt and debris floating around in it, it is time to have the transmission fluid changed.
Brake Fluid
Similar to transmission fluid, brake fluid should also be checked consistently for quantity and quality. The brake fluid uses a pressurized system to add power to the act of braking. Insufficient levels or quality of the brake fluid may lead to less responsivity and slower stopping times.
Power Steering Fluid
This hydraulic fluid is used to make steering and handling and effortless process for drivers. It provides extra power on turns and other maneuvers. If you have ever driven a car without power steering, you can appreciate just how much force power steering fluid provides you with. When fluid levels get low, or the fluid needs to be changed you will likely be able to tell by the sounds the car makes during turns, or the increasing effort you have to expend to make it happen.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
For efficient and affordable oil changes and regular coolant inspection, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is your one stop solution. With over 20 years experience in the automotive industry, the expert technicians at Valvoline can provide your vehicle with all the maintenance it needs to continue running at an optimal level.
A lot of car owners don’t think about different types of oil when going for an oil change. But, the truth is, various types of oil do different things for your engine.
One major distinction between oil types is: Regular oil vs. Synthetic oil.
What’s the difference?
The major difference between synthetic and regular oil is the enhanced protection and performance synthetic motor oil provides for your vehicle.
But, the differences don’t stop there. In fact, about the only thing the same about regular oil and synthetic oil, is that they both originate in the ground.
Beyond that, the two substances are vastly different.
Most people don’t think of high quality when they hear the word synthetic. Usually it means fake or low quality. However, this is not true when it comes to oil. When talking about oil, synthetic typically refers to a superior product.
The word synthetic means fabricated or manufactured, which is exactly what synthetic oil is.
How is synthetic oil made?
Manufacturing synthetic oil is a complex and intensive process. Synthetic oil is refined and broken down to a molecular level. Through a distillation process, the impurities in the oil are extracted and the molecules are then customized to meet the specific needs of today’s car engines.
When synthetic oil is tailored to particular engine needs like this, it helps afford a higher level of performance and also better protection for your engine.
Other useful additives are then combined with the oil to produce a synthetic blend.
Benefits of Synthetic Motor Oil
There are plenty of advantages to be gained for your vehicle by using synthetic oil. Some of these benefits include:
Reduced engine wear
Cleaner engine
Better performance in extreme temperatures
Protection of engine components
Lasts longer
Reduced Engine Wear
The metal parts of your engine are in continual contact with one another. Without oil, the friction created by this contact would destroy your engine very quickly. So, it stands to reason, that higher quality oil would provide added lubrication.
Regular oils break down more quickly, leaving your engine exposed to damaged if not changed promptly when it is time for an oil change.
Synthetic oils provide longer lasting protection against engine wear.
Cleaner Engine
Synthetic oil also helps keep your engine cleaner and running more smoothly. Synthetic oils run at a higher level of efficiently, keeping your engine cleaner and your oil less contaminated with dirt and debris.
Conventional oils become polluted much more quickly, and can eventually start to form sludge if left unchanged for too long.
Synthetic oils begin with fewer impurities that combat debris build up and sludge formation.
A cleaner oil leads to a cleaner engine, which leads to improved fuel economy.
Extreme Temperatures
Synthetic motor oil performs better in very low temperatures, as well as very high temperatures.
Conventional oils do not adapt to polarizing weather conditions in the same way. Conventional oil takes longer to begin flowing through your engine. This is magnified in cold temperatures, meaning you must wait longer for adequate engine protection.
Synthetic oil also performs better in high temperatures. In the summer your engine can get very hot. Synthetic oil provides extra protection against your engine overheating.
Conventional oils will break down and evaporate more quickly in extreme heat.
Protects Engine Components
Synthetic oil provides better protection for your engines working components, like the pistons and other continually moving metal parts.
Cars being manufactured these days tend to have smaller engines to improve fuel economy. This involves adding a specialized turbo charger to increase engine power. These turbo chargers cause the engine to operate at higher temperatures.
Conventional oil is less effective for this type of engine because they break down faster due to high heat, and tend to leave behind deposits and debris.
This does not mean synthetic oil is not compatible with older vehicles, all engines can benefit from synthetic oil.
Lasts Longer
Not only is synthetic oil more effective and efficient, it also lasts longer. This means you will need to change it less frequently without having to worry about engine damage.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
Valvoline Express Care is a professional automotive service provider in the Brampton area. Valvoline specializes in oil changes and can handle any other type of maintenance you may need for your automobile.
There are a variety of options to choose from when having your oil changed with Valvoline. You will have a couple different selections of synthetic oils to choose from to keep your vehicle protected and performing at optimal efficiency.
