How often do I need to get my car’s fluids changed?

While it’s not too difficult to stay on top of oil changes, it’s easy to forget about your car’s other fluids like transmission, brake, power steering and differential fluid. To keep your car running its best, these fluids also need to be serviced on a regular basis.

Routine Car Fluid Maintenance Schedule

Here is a list (from most to least frequent) of the fluid flushes or refills you should get to keep your vehicle running its best. Please note that the suggested time frames and mileages are only general recommendations, and actual service intervals will depend on your vehicle, climate and driving style. Consult your owner’s manual for your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service intervals.

Cooling System Flush & Fill (2 years/30,000 miles)

A healthy cooling system protects your vehicle's engine from dangerous overheating. A cooling system flush removes rust, scale, sludge and corrosion deposits from the entire cooling system, not just the radiator. Our service includes up to 2 gallons of new coolant.

Signs you need a cooling system flush:

• Your engine is overheating.
• Your engine temperature gauge is high.
• You hear a grinding or knocking sound coming from your engine.
• You can smell a sweet odor coming from underneath the car hood.

Transmission Fluid Exchange (2 years/30,000 miles)

Bad or worn transmission fluid loses its ability to properly protect internal transmission components. A complete transmission flush removes nearly all fluid from the system, not just the fluid in the pan, and replaces it with fresh, clean fluid.

Signs you need a transmission fluid exchange:

• Your vehicle is having a hard time shifting between gears or its gears are slipping.
• You hear your engine rev when you accelerate, but your vehicle doesn’t go any faster.
• You hear a loud whining or roaring noise when cornering.
• Your vehicle can’t go into reverse gear.
• You see a clear, pink or brownish liquid puddling underneath your vehicle.
• You smell a mild burning odor.

Brake Fluid Exchange (2 years/30,000 miles)

Exchanging the fluid in the brake system helps extend the life of the brake system parts, including the master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, ABS components, and hoses. The service includes removal and safe disposal of old fluid and replacement with new fluid.

Signs you need a brake fluid exchange:

• Your brakes feel spongy, soft or bouncy when you press the brake pedal.
• Your brakes take longer to come to a complete stop than they did in the past.
• Your ABS dashboard light is on.
• You hear unusual noises or smell strange odors when braking.

Differential Fluid Exchange (2 years/30,000 miles)

A Differential Fluid Exchange removes moisture and dirt from the differential system. This helps to provide fresh lubrication to the bearings, clutch pack and gears that help keep the differentials operating smoothly and make cornering easier.

Signs you need a differential fluid exchange:

• You hear strange whining, whirring or howling sounds.
• You feel extra vibrations while driving.
• You smell a strong burning smell coming from your gearbox.

Fuel System Cleaning (as needed)

Engines thrive on clean fuel. A fuel system cleaning from Big O Tires can help restore engine performance, lower emissions, extend engine life and improve fuel economy. The service cleans and lubricates the intake manifold/runner, fuel injectors or carburetor, valves, combustion chambers and throttle body, and also removes carbon deposits and water from the fuel system.

If you are experiencing any of the following, you might need a fuel system cleaning:

• Your vehicle is getting decreased gas mileage, idling roughly or difficult to start.
• You feel a lag between pushing the pedal and acceleration

Power Steering Fluid Exchange (as needed)

Restore quiet, smooth, uniform steering control. Power Steering treatment reduces wear and heat, which can reduce steering control and lead to premature failure of the power steering unit. Removes contaminants, deposits, abrasive metal shavings and debris from power steering fluid system.

Signs you need a power steering fluid exchange:

• You have difficulty turning your steering wheel.
• Your steering wheel is making unusual noises when you turn it.
• You see a puddle of red liquid pooling beneath your vehicle.

At Big O Tires, we’ll let you know when it’s time for vehicle-recommended fluid service and walk you through your options. Click below to schedule an appointment at your local store.