Vehicle fluids are just as essential as your tires and engine. Over time, your car's fluids can become contaminated with dirt and outside pollutants, detrimentally impacting your vehicle's performance. This is one reason why it's vital to visit your trusted automotive shop for regular inspections, fluid top-offs, and fluid flushes. Fluid maintenance is usually quick and affordable. It's an easy way to boost the health of your vehicle quickly. Most drivers are aware that engine oil is essential and make a point to get oil changes regularly. However, they forget about the other fluids that work together to power the vehicle efficiently. Below is a short guide with information on essential fluid flush services.
Coolant Flush
Coolant prevents the engine from reaching extreme temperatures by absorbing the heat, recirculating it back to the radiator. It also protects the engine from freezing during cold winter temperatures. Extreme hot and cold temperatures can damage your vehicle, so your coolant should always be checked to ensure the best results. As you drive, old coolant becomes less effective, and debris can build-up inside the reservoir. As you can imagine, this can cause the engine to overheat or freeze during the winter. Merely topping off your fluid doesn't help resolve this issue. A coolant flush will flush all of the old coolant out of the cooling system, including any contaminants. Afterward, new fluid replaces it and restarts your system.
Transmission Flush
Transmission fluid lubricates the metal bearings of your vehicle's manual gearbox and prevents them from grinding down. Shifting gears is a strenuous process for your car; the transmission fluid provides hydraulic pressure combined with friction to help the internal parts work together effectively. The transmission fluid helps your vehicle shift smoothly. Traditionally a bright red color, when the transmission fluid needs to be changed, it will turn dark. In some cases, the fluid will appear black and leave no reminisce of its once red hue. It's important to note the difference between a transmission fluid change and a transmission fluid flush. Changing the transmission fluid only refills it with new fluid. While a flush is more effective, it removes all old fluid and pollutants before refilling it with fresh fluid.
Brake Fluid Flush
The brake fluid transfers the movement you place on your brake pedal down the braking system to adequately slow your vehicle. The brake fluid is a significant component of a complicated braking process. As you drive, the brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air and eventually degrade. Brake fluid that is old and thin can significantly impact your ability to stop your vehicle, rendering the drive exponentially more dangerous. A brake flush involves flushing the dirty brake fluid from within the system and replacing it with clean fluid. A brake fluid flush should occur every two years for most vehicles, but that can change depending on your driving habits.
Fuel injection flush service
The fuel injectors are vital for smooth operation of your vehicle by carrying fuel to the engine. While essential, the fuel injectors are a messy process, and they'll need to be cleaned after some time. The fuel injection flush service involves adding a cleaning additive to flush the system. This removes all dirt, grime, and harmful pollutants that can prevent enough fuel from reaching the engine.
Power Steering Flush
The power steering system uses a hydraulic fluid that helps your steering wheel quickly turn with little effort. It also has anti-corrosion properties that protect the metal components within the power steering system and prevents them from degrading. During a power steering fluid flush, the old fluid is drained and replaced with clean fluid. This service also should be considered every two years.
Vehicle fluid flush in Austin, Texas
If you suspect it's time to have your fluids topped-off or flushed, reach out to one of Austin's Automotive Specialist ten locations. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations on the best time to flush your fluids. Fluid maintenance is quick and straightforward, and you can trust that only the best mechanics in Austin are servicing your vehicle. Our technicians are all ASE Certified and are passionate about preventative maintenance that extends the life of your car.
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