Auto Parts - End-of-Summer Fluid Checks That Prevent Fall Breakdowns - New - Blog

No one likes to think about the end of summer, but as fall gets closer, it’s the perfect time for a car tune-up. Accumulated summer heat and heavy driving can degrade your vehicle's fluids, meaning fall is when any neglect can show up as an unexpected breakdown. Moreover, the first freeze can expose fluid that’s past its prime.

Before the temperature grows brisk and the leaves start to fall, check your engine oil, coolant/antifreeze, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.

Engine Oil

While your vehicle may have kept you moving on all your summer road trips, the high temperatures, stop-and-go traffic, and dust from dry, rural roads accelerate oil breakdown. If oil is neglected for too long, it can increase the risk of engine wear and tear, as well as reduce fuel efficiency.

After many warm months, now’s the time to check your oil’s colour and level using the dipstick under the hood. Oil that is dark in colour or low signals an oil change and top-up is needed. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend an oil service every 5,000 to 15,000 km depending on the oil type and vehicle.

Always check your owner’s manual for exact service intervals.

Coolant/Antifreeze

Between plenty of stop-and-go traffic and an A/C system that worked overtime all summer long, your engine’s cooling system was pushed to the limit. Your vehicle is at a higher risk of overheating if engine coolant levels are too low or the fluid is degraded.

Overheating can show up as a temperature gauge that creeps toward the red zone, steam rising from under the hood, or a heater that suddenly blows lukewarm air instead of warm. Catching these issues early, or preventing them with a fluid check, can save you from a roadside breakdown or costly engine repair.

Always make sure the engine is cool before checking the coolant. A hot cooling system is pressurized and can cause burns if opened.

To check your coolant’s level and condition, locate the translucent coolant reservoir under the hood. Coolant that is rusty or sludgy in colour is degraded and needs to be replaced. If the fluid levels are below the “min/low” mark, it’s time for a top-up.

Large temperature swings from summer heat to fall cold snaps place a lot of stress on your cooling system. Make sure it’s resilient no matter what the seasons throw your way with coolant that is in great condition and at the right level.

Transmission Fluid

Checking your transmission fluid is a typical step in a routine vehicle tune-up. High temperatures, as well as heavy loads from towing an RV or boat, degrade fluid condition over time. Since transmission fluid is essential in lubricating moving parts, cooling the transmission system, and providing hydraulic pressure so your car can shift gears, any degradation or drop in fluid levels can be a recipe for a breakdown.

Most vehicles have a dipstick to check your transmission fluid with, but refer to your owner’s manual first to confirm.

Place your vehicle in Park and block the wheels. Turn on the engine and ensure it’s warm before beginning. Your engine must be running for this test. Also wear a pair of nitrile gloves to help protect your hands.

The engine bay will be hot, so be very careful. If you’re unsure at all about this procedure, take your car to a NAPA AUTOPRO service centre for inspection.

Locate the dipstick, usually found at the back of the engine, wipe it clean, and slowly re-insert it fully before pulling it out again to check the fluid colour and level.

·         Bright red or pink? Fluid is healthy.

·         Dark, brown, or black? Change your transmission fluid.

However, if the colour is normal but the levels are low, you may have a leak, which requires professional inspection to pinpoint the source and repair.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, but this process accelerates during heavy summer driving and high heat. Most people don’t think about a brake fluid change as a regular part of a vehicle tune-up, but it’s recommended that brake fluid be replaced every two years, or at the interval your owner’s manual suggests.

Don’t neglect this fluid change. Leaving degraded brake fluid for too long lowers its boiling point, which can cause a spongy brake pedal and reduced stopping power. It also increases the risk of corrosion to brake components like lines, calipers, and the master cylinder. This can be a serious safety hazard, especially when travelling at highway speeds.

What Else Is Included in a Tune-Up?

The good news is that a fluid check only takes a few minutes for each fluid. However, they’re just one part of a complete vehicle tune-up. A full tune-up usually includes replacing the engine and cabin air filters, inspecting spark plugs and belts, and checking brake and tire condition. Most vehicles benefit from routine maintenance, even without obvious warning signs, since small issues are much easier and cheaper to catch early.

Don't let summer wear and tear cause unexpected issues once fall arrives. Take the time to check all essential vehicle fluids for smooth, safe, and stress-free autumn adventures before the cold weather arrives.

For questions about your vehicle's fluids, visit your local NAPA Auto Parts store to speak with an automotive expert or browse our full selection of vehicle maintenance essentials at www.NAPACanada.com.

Meta description: Summer heat and heavy driving wear down key fluids. Check these four fluids now to prevent breakdowns as fall temperatures set in.