A Fluid Situation (Check Fluid Levels)
September 15, 2024
There's one fluid in your car you are always careful to keep at a certain level: the fuel. If you don't have fuel, you're not going anywhere. Your vehicle has other fluids which are vitally important to proper and safe operation, too. So, here's a "level" headed approach to those "other" fluids.
Engine oil. This one's probably the most important fluid to maintain at the proper level. Without enough oil, you'll wear out your engine prematurely. Sometimes vehicles have warning lights on the dash that will tell you to get your oil checked. Don't ignore that one; get it checked immediately. Certainly don't go on a long trip at high speeds with your oil level low. Oh, and it's not good to have too much oil in, either. Our pros at TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires can advise you on oil levels and tell if you if you should be concerned about abnormal fluctuations.
Windshield washer fluid. OK, this is one you probably know about. You certainly miss it when it runs out. You find yourself trying to clean your windshield with the wipers but you need a little liquid help. Unless you live in an area that requires you to use an awful lot of windshield washer fluid, one fill-up can often last between oil changes. Modern vehicles have large enough windshield washer fluid reservoirs to keep you going for quite a while.
Engine Coolant. Here's another fluid you need to keep your engine running properly. You need it to keep the engine running at the proper temperature. Plus, you'll need it for heat when the temperature gets chilly outside.
Power Steering Fluid. If you have a vehicle that uses power steering fluid, it's important to keep the correct amount in your system. Without enough of it, you might find steering difficult. Plus, if you’re losing power steering fluid, our experts at TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires can find out why and perhaps prevent a more expensive repair later.
Brake Fluid. You may have heard of hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic refers to the fluid and is one of the key reasons your brakes work. Levels should be checked regularly and, like power steering fluid, if you're losing brake fluid, a technician needs to find out why so you can get the issue repaired and maintain your stopping ability.
If you have regular preventative maintenance performed at TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires, we’ll keep an eye on all of these fluids when you bring your vehicle in for service.
TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires
1735 N Main St
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
248-541-8300
http://www.tlcautocareroyaloak.com
Need Service?
More articles from TLC Auto Care

TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires On Your Serpentine Belt
June 14, 2026
Today we're going to be talking about serpentine belts for our Royal Oak, Michigan, customers. Let's start by talking about the accessories that are driven by the serpentine belt. First is the alternator. That's the device that makes electricity to power the vehicle and recharge the battery. T... More

Flat Tire? Three’s the Charm (Tire Repair)
June 7, 2026
For most drivers, at some point youre going to have a flat tire. Depending on how it was damaged, it may have to be replaced. But sometimes, a repair will do the trick, as long as the puncture isnt on the sidewall and the hole is smaller than inch/6.35mm in diameter. Here are the three common w... More

Fuel Saving Tip: Royal Oak Tune Up
May 31, 2026
Have you ever gone to listen to an orchestra? The musicians take the stage early and tune their instruments. Each individual instrument must be in tune, but the critical thing is for the entire orchestra to be in tune with each other. That's why they tune up together.Now this is no surprise; I'm ... More
