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Maintaining Fluids is Not Just for Runners

NAPA Provides Fluid Maintenance Tips to Keep your Vehicle Up and Running

(ATLANTA) April 17, 2007 - Runners know first-hand that staying hydrated is an instrumental part of staying healthy. Just like a human being, your vehicle also needs fluids to survive. Unfortunately, many people fail to maintain their vehicle's fluids on a regular basis, which can ultimately cause expensive damage to their vehicle. To ensure that your vehicle runs at peak performance, NAPA recommends keeping the following fluids and their service intervals top of mind.

According to Kit Johnson, 2007 NAPA Technician of the Year from East Helena, Montana, there are five basic fluids that every car owner should maintenance regularly - coolant, automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, differential fluids for all wheel drive and 4-wheel drive vehicles and brake fluid.

Depending on whether it is extended life or regular, coolant should be flushed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. When new, coolant should be red, green or yellow. When it is old, it will appear diluted or rust-colored. "It's a good idea to have coolant tested for protection breakdown because color isn't always a reliable indicator when it comes to coolant," says Johnson.

Automatic transmission fluid should be a light red color and should be flushed every 30,000 miles. If the transmission fluid turns a dark brown, black or smells burnt, Johnson recommends taking your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. "Automatic transmissions are very expensive to replace," says Johnson. "Regular preventive maintenance is a good idea and will keep you from having to pay for costly repairs."

Clear or red are common colors of healthy power steering fluid. A buzzing sound when you turn the steering wheel at low speeds indicates that your power steering fluid is likely low. "If your power steering fluid turns black, it's a sign that it needs to be changed," says Johnson. "This should be done every 60,000 to 90,000 miles to prolong the life of your power steering system."

Differential fluid for all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive vehicles provides lubrication to gears, bearings, shafts and other internal components. Because heat, pressure and friction can slowly breakdown the additives in the differential fluid, it's a good idea to flush out the vehicle's differential fluids every 60,000 miles.

"Brake fluid is hydroscopic, meaning it attracts water" says Johnson. "Therefore it absorbs water so that water can't rust the brake system. Healthy brake fluid should be clear or have a light purple tint and as it becomes saturated with water, it will begin to turn black. The darker the brake fluid, the more need to flush the system." According to Johnson, copper contamination is a severe issue nowadays. "It's a good idea to have your brake fluid tested for copper content," he says. "Copper sticks to the lining and Anti-lock Braking System modules, so it's best to have a set service schedule to clean this out - at least by the 90,000 mile mark."

While many fluids need to be serviced every 30,000 miles, Johnson's advice to car owners is to read the owners manual and discuss the recommended intervals for fluid service with a trusted mechanic. Consumers can learn more about an appropriate preventive maintenance program for all their vehicles by contacting their local NAPA AutoCare Center or calling 800-LET-NAPA.

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