Many car owners ignore their different car fluids that can create a lot of trouble during MOT Dorrington. MOT is the annual test that cars more than three years old have to pass to get their licenses authorised. This is done every year and helps in ensuring each vehicle is following the regulations and emission levels.
The vitality of vehicle maintenance is enormous and helps in increasing the longevity of your car. Fluids come with their lifespan, after which they should be replaced to increase engine efficiency. Most cars have dirty engine fuel, low coolant, and also contaminated front washer fluid. This might seem minor, but they can cause a lot of hassle later. Here is a list to find the top car fluids that should be checked before your MOT test.
Engine Oil
Engine oil is one of the most crucial vehicle fluids that should never be neglected as the smooth functioning of your engine solely depends on it. Under the car hood, there is a dipstick that has markings of ‘min’ and ‘max. Make sure the fluid does not reach below or above the two markings. Driving with no or less oil can hamper your engine for good.
Opt for an engine oil change after covering 3,000 miles every time, and for synthetic engine oil, it would be 5,000 miles. Before checking the engine oil, let the engine cool down and make sure it is standing on a levelled ground. This ensures you get an accurate measurement. Engine oil, when it turns yellow or amber, is a sign that the oil is not in a usable state anymore. If there is a burnt gasoline odour coming from the engine, change the oil immediately.
Transmission Fluid
This is another important fluid that helps by lubricating and cooling the different parts of the transmission, including the clutch, valves, and gear. You can face difficulties with shifting and surging when there is not enough transmission fluid. Many car owners believe in the myth that there is some transmission fluid that requires no replacement ever. However, no such fluid exists and eventually, with time, like all other fluids, needs to be changed.
With new cars, you do not have to change the transmission fluid before completing 10,000 miles. When checking the transmission fluid, ensure the vehicle is parked neutral and your engine is still running; this helps with accurate measurement.
Coolant
Coolant is mostly used up during the summer times when coolant (antifreeze) helps in keeping the car engine cool. It also plays a major role during winter by keeping the engine from freezing even when the temperature drops below zero. Coolant also plays another vital role by protecting the engine from deposits, corrosion, and foam.
Every year, at least twice, make sure you check the antifreeze or coolant as it starts deteriorating with time. Even if you think the engine cooling system is working completely fine, check it for acidity, freezing alongside boiling protection, also look for any signs of leak or rust. This is an important car fluid that should not be neglected.
Brake Fluid
Stepping on the brake pedal, the brake plunger gets activated. The pressure then pushes the brake fluid from the reservoir to the brake lines; this helps in slowing down your vehicle. As the brake pads start wearing out, the brake fluid goes down. Falling below the minimum level, make sure you top it up with fluid. Get the brakes checked to ensure they are in perfectly fine condition.
Check your power steering along with the brakes. It is important to understand how important your car windshield washer is, along with your brake fluid. When compared to other fluids, windshield fluid is often neglected. Consult the car manual to find out the specific amount needed for different fluid types. Therefore, these are the top fluids that require your attention not just before MOT Martin but at intervals of minimum of 6 months.
