The car is a complex mechanism where every detail performs its function, but it is the car that is the most important. working fluids They provide for his livelihood. Many car owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply change the engine oil, forgetting about the dozen other compounds that circulate in the vehicle systems. Ignoring their condition can lead to expensive repairs or even complete breakdown of units.
Modern auto-industry It uses a wide range of chemical compounds, from flammable fuels to electrically conductive electrolytes. Each type of liquid has its own physicochemical properties, service life and operating rules. Understanding exactly what is poured into your car and when it’s time to upgrade is a basic skill for any driver looking to extend the life of their iron horse.
In this article, we will take a look at the complete list of liquids used in the car, review their purpose and discuss the critical points that require your attention. You will learn why you can not save on antifreeze and what will happen if you do not replace the brake fluid in time. Hydrophilic properties of brake fluid lead to boiling of the system during heating, if not to change it every 2-3 years.
Motor Oil: The Heart of the Engine
The internal combustion engine cannot operate without lubrication. Motor oil Not only reduces friction between moving parts, but also removes heat, removes the stain, protects against corrosion and seals the gaps between the piston rings and cylinder walls. The quality of this substance directly affects the power unit resource.
There are three main types of oils: mineral, semisynthetic and synthetic. For modern vehicles, especially with turbochargedIt is recommended to use only synthetic compounds, as they maintain stability of viscosity at extreme temperatures. Mineral oils are suitable only for older engines or specific operating conditions.
Regular check of oil level through probe is a mandatory procedure. However, even if the level is normal, the oil loses its properties over time due to oxidation and accumulation of combustion products. The replacement intervals depend on the manufacturer’s recommendations and driving conditions.
- 🛢️ Basic oil: The basis of the lubricant, determining its origin.
- ⚗️ Additive pack: additives that improve detergent, anticorrosion and foaming properties.
- 🌡️ Viscosity index: an indicator characterizing the change in oil density with a change in temperature.
⚠️ Attention: Never mix oils of different manufacturers or different types (for example, mineral with synthetics) without an urgent need. A chemical reaction between additive packets can lead to precipitation and engine coking.
Cooling fluid and thermoregulation system
The engine operates at high temperatures and is used to avoid overheating. antifreeze (cooling liquid). Unlike water, antifreeze does not freeze at negative temperatures, has a higher boiling point, and contains corrosion inhibitors that protect the radiator and engine shirt.
The basis of most antifreezes is ethylene glycol, which is toxic to humans and animals, but effective for heat exchange. It is important to monitor the color and condition of the liquid: clouding, the appearance of rust or oil film indicates problems in the system. Different classes of antifreezes (G11, G12, G12+, G13) have different chemical bases and are not always compatible with each other.
Replacement of coolant is made less often than oils, usually every 3-5 years or every 60-90 thousand kilometers. However, the level in the expansion tank should be monitored regularly, especially before long trips.
Check the level of antifreeze is carried out only on a cold engine! Opening the cover of the expansion tank on the hot engine will lead to the release of boiling water and burns.
The cooling system also includes water, but the use of ordinary tap water is strictly prohibited due to the content of salts forming scale. In emergency cases, distilled water can be added, but then the concentration of antifreeze should be restored.
Brake fluid and safety hydraulics
The braking system is perhaps the most important safety element in the car. Brake fluid It transfers the force from the pedal to the brake calipers. The main feature of this liquid is hygroscopicity, that is, the ability to absorb moisture from the air.
Over time, the water content in the brake fluid increases. This is critically dangerous, as water reduces the boiling point of the composition. With intensive braking, the liquid can boil, forming gas plugs, which will lead to a complete failure of the brakes ("failure" of the pedal).
Manufacturers recommend changing brake fluid every 2 years or 40-60 thousand kilometers, regardless of its appearance. To check the condition of the liquid in the workshops use a special tester that measures the percentage of moisture.
| Parameter | New liquid. | Critical condition | Action. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture content | Less than 1% | More than 3% | Urgent replacement |
| Boiling point | Above 230°C | Below 165°C | Replacement is mandatory |
| Colour | Transparent, yellowish | Dark, murky | Diagnostics of the system |
⚠️ Attention: Brake fluid aggressively affects the paint coating of the car. If you get on the body immediately wash it with plenty of water, otherwise the paint will soar and peel off.
Transmission oils: manual transmission, automatic transmission and gearboxes
The transmission transfers torque from the engine to the wheels. Depending on the type of transmission (mechanical) ICSW,automatically DISTRIBUTIONvariator CVT Or robot, different types of oils are used. In mechanics, oil performs mainly lubricating and cooling functions.
In automatic boxes, liquid (ATF) also acts as the working body of the hydraulic transformer, transmitting pressure. Therefore, the requirements for its viscosity and frictional properties are extremely high. Many manufacturers claim that the oil in the automatic transmission is poured for the entire service life, but practice shows that its replacement every 60 thousand kilometers significantly prolongs the life of the unit.
Separately, it is worth mentioning oils for gearboxes (especially in all-wheel drive cars). They work in conditions of high compression loads and must have anti-scoring properties.
The myth of “oil for the entire life”
By “lifetime” manufacturers often mean a warranty period or mileage of up to 150-200 thousand. km. After that, the resource of the node without changing the oil drops sharply.
When replacing transmission fluids, it is important to strictly observe the tolerances of the car manufacturer. Using the wrong oil in automatic transmission can lead to jerks when switching and rapid wear of frictions.
Glass liquids and hydraulic systems
The simplest but most necessary liquid is windshield-washer. In summer, you can use water with the addition of detergent, but in winter the use of a special "freezing" based on isopropyl alcohol is mandatory. Frozen liquid in the tank can damage the pump and pipes.
Some vehicles use hydraulic power steering (GURG). It is used for a special oil, often reddish in color, similar to ATF. In electrical amplifiers (EUR) no liquid is used. Also in cars with active suspension or convertibles can be used special hydraulic fluids for the operation of the mechanisms.
Do not forget about the liquid for air conditioning. Although it circulates in a closed circuit and does not require a scheduled replacement, it is necessary to refuel it with the oil for the compressor when repairing the system.
- ❄️ Winter washer: It must withstand temperatures up to -30°C and below.
- 🧼 Summer concentrate: It effectively removes insects and road dust.
- 🛢️ GUR Oil: It requires replacement less often than motor, but it is necessary to monitor its level.
⚠️ Attention: Never pour pure ethyl alcohol or aggressive solvents into the washing tank - they can damage rubber seals of nozzles and pumps, as well as spoil wipers.
Fuel: gasoline, diesel and gas
Fuel is the source of energy for the engine. Quality. petrol or diesel critically affects the work of nozzles, catalysts and particulate filters. Modern engines are very sensitive to octane number and sulfur content.
For diesel cars in winter, it is extremely important to use winter or Arctic diesel, or the addition of depressor additives that prevent the paraffinization of fuel at low temperatures. A frozen thin cleaning filter will immobilize the car.
Owners of cars with gas equipment (HBO) should remember about condensation in a gas gearbox. Although a gas (propane-butane or methane) is not a liquid in a tank at at atmospheric pressure, in the system it passes into a liquid phase, and the presence of a liquid fraction requires regular drainage of condensate from the reducer.
☑️ Checking fluids before winter
Using fuel with a lower octane number than the manufacturer recommends can cause detonation that will destroy the piston group. Savings on fuel often lead to major engine repairs.
Electrolyte and specialized formulations
Vehicles with conventional lead-acid batteries (not AGM or gel) sometimes require level and density control. electrolyte. It is a solution of sulfuric acid in distilled water. When the battery boils, the water boils out, and the level drops - then it is necessary to add the distillate, not the acid.
There are also specialized maintenance fluids: lubricants for locks, sprays for contact processing (in particular, greases for locks).WD-40 and analogues), carburetor cleaners. Although they do not circulate in systems all the time, their presence in the garage arsenal is necessary to keep the car in good condition.
Some modern cars are equipped with systems. AdBlue (For diesel engines with Euro 6 environmental class). This is a solution of urea, which is poured into a separate tank and sprayed into the exhaust system to neutralize harmful gases. The flow of this liquid must be controlled, otherwise the car may not start.
Regular visual inspection of all technical fluids is the cheapest way to prevent major breakdowns. Spend 5 minutes a week inspecting the underhood space.
Summary table of replacement and maintenance
To systematize the information, we give the main intervals of replacement. Remember that these numbers are averaged and may vary for your particular car. Always check with servicebook.
| Fluid | Replacement interval (km) | Replacement interval (time) | Critical sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor oil | 10 000 - 15 000 | 1 year | Darkening, engine noise |
| Antifreeze | 60 000 - 90 000 | 3-5 years | Rusty, overheating. |
| Brake fluid | 40 000 - 60 000 | 2 years | Soft pedal, moisture >3% |
| Automatic transmission oil | 60 000 - 80 000 | 4-5 years | Sniffles, smell of burns |
Proper maintenance of the vehicle’s liquid systems is the key to its reliability. Do not save on quality consumables and observe routine work.
Can antifreezes be mixed in different colors?
The color of antifreeze is not a guarantee of its chemical composition. Different manufacturers can color the same formula liquids in different colors, and vice versa. Only antifreezes of the same class (e.g. G12+ with G12+) can be mixed, but even then it is better to avoid mixing different brands. If the level has fallen critically, and there is no need at hand, it is better to add distilled water and replace the entire volume.
Why does it smell like gasoline after filling up?
The smell of gasoline in the cabin or under the hood immediately after refueling may indicate a malfunction of the fuel vapor capture system (adsorber) or a loose closure of the tank cover. It could also be a crack in the fuel line. If the smell does not pass after 10-15 minutes of movement, you need to contact the service, as the vapor of gasoline is toxic and fire dangerous.
How often should I change the fluid in the GUR?
Many manufacturers do not regulate the replacement of fluid in the power steering, considering it resourceful. However, mechanics recommend changing it every 60-80 thousand kilometers or when the hum of the pump GUR, darkening of the liquid and the appearance of metal shavings in it. It will prolong the life of the pump and the reike.
What to do if the “freeze” freezes?
If the liquid in the tank still turned into ice, the car should be driven into a warm garage or parking lot and left for several hours. Trying to heat a tank with boiling water or open fire is dangerous - the plastic can burst. After defrosting, it is better to drain and pour a higher quality concentrate with a lower freezing point.