While winter presents unique challenges for your vehicle's maintenance, the warmer weather as we head into summer doesn't mean you can simply sit back and relax, having made it through the cold.
It's almost the exact opposite, in fact, as spring represents the perfect opportunity to make sure your car's fluids are up to dealing with increasing temperatures following the rigours of winter, so at the end of what is arguably the toughest season for your car's fluids, here's a guide to the essentials that require special attention as we head into summer.
Before you start
- Look in the owners’ manual before adding fluids - whether that’s in the glovebox or online. It will provide a guide to all the cap icons in the engine, to matching the right fluid to the correct part of the engine.
- When checking fluids, make sure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface. You won’t get an accurate reading on an incline.
- Check fluids at engine operating temperature, particularly when it’s very cold. Run the motor for a while, then turn it off and do your tests.
1. Engine Oil
Literally your engine's lifeblood. As temperatures drop, oil tends to thicken, making it harder to properly lubricate all the moving parts, so conversely, as winter releases its grip and temperatures rise, the oil will thin out, which causes it to break down faster.
Thinned or degraded oil will see an increase in friction and heat inside your engine, while higher temperatures also accelerate oxidation and sludge build up. Changing your oil according to the manufacturer’s directions is an important part of caring for a car, as is choosing the right oil and make sure it’s maintained at the optimal level.
2. Coolant
Coolant is a mix of water and antifreeze, combined in specific proportions that can vary by vehicle - it’s important to get it right, so check the manual. In winter, the coolant lowers the engine’s freezing point, which prevents the radiator from freezing up and potentially cracking.
Again, conversely, in summer it raises the liquid's boiling point, protecting the engine from overheating. Cold temperatures makes hoses and clamps of your coolant system contract, which can cause minor leaks, so spring is the perfect time to check this.
Making sure the coolant level is correct will safeguard your engine through the summer months and beyond, but be sure to check and top up the coolant level using the expansion tank, as the system operates under pressure and opening the radiator cap can cause hot coolant to fly out.
3. Transmission fluid
Like your engine, the transmission is full of moving parts and needs proper lubrication to keep everything running smoothly. And, like the oil used to lubricate the engine, transmission fluid can thicken in cold weather and thin out (and degrade) in summer, affecting gear changes and overall performance.
In an older car, check the fluid level and condition regularly, and if necessary, consider flushing and replacing it according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. However, if you have a newer car, it may well have a sealed transmissions which need professional servicing. Check your owners’ manual for more information on your transmission.
4. Brake and power steering fluid
Brake and power steering fluids are both hydroscopic, meaning they absorb water from the atmosphere, which can reduce their effectiveness, so replacing brake fluid every two years is recommended. Check that the brake fluid is at the right level, between the maximum and minimum marks, and flush the system if it's discoloured or contaminated.
Thickened power steering fluid will cause your steering to become heavier, and you might notice it gets lighter as the car - and the weather - warms up. Check the fluid level and condition, and top up or replace it as needed, but remember that while brake and power steering might seem the same, they are in fact, quite different and you should always use the correct fluid recommended for your car.
6. Battery electrolyte
Winter is very hard on car batteries because cold temperatures slow down internal chemical reactions and thicken engine oil, which requires significantly more power to start the engine, while hot weather actually causes internal breakdown by evaporating battery fluid and accelerating corrosion, meaning that checking your battery in spring is particularly important.
Most modern vehicles have sealed batteries, so no maintenance is usually required, but for some older cars, batteries need to be topped up with distilled water. If the battery does require water, it will have removable caps on top.
Checking in spring makes for an easier summer
Having the right fluids, at the right levels, in your vehicle, reduces the risk of a breakdown – and the last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road in either unpredictable spring weather, or the heat of summer.
Regularly inspecting and maintaining these essential fluids will help ensure your vehicle performs reliably, keeping you safe on the roads. If you're unsure about any aspect of fluid maintenance, consult with a qualified mechanic or refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for guidance.