maintenance

Mar 11, 2025

The Hidden World of Vehicle Fluids

The Hidden World of Vehicle Fluids

Beyond Oil: A Comprehensive Fluid Maintenance Guide

Most drivers know about oil changes, but your vehicle relies on a complex network of fluids that are equally crucial to its performance and longevity. At Sullivan Tire, we've made it our mission to educate drivers about the critical role these often-overlooked liquids play in your vehicle's health.

The Fluid Lineup: More Than Just Oil

Transmission Fluid

  • Hydraulic Function: ATF acts as a hydraulic fluid that enables smooth gear shifts by transmitting power within the transmission.
  • Cleaning: The fluid carries away contaminants and debris, reducing the risk of component damage.
  • Lubricates moving parts
  • Helps cool the transmission
  • Prevents wear and tear
  • Recommended change: Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles

Coolant/Antifreeze 

  • Regulates engine temperature
  • Prevents freezing in winter
  • Protects against corrosion
  • Recommended change: Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years

Power Steering Fluid

  • Ensures smooth steering (Transmitting Power: It carries the force from your steering pump to the parts that actually turn your wheels, making it much easier to steer)
  • Prevents premature wear of steering components (Lubrication: It keeps the components inside the power steering system running smoothly, reducing wear and tear)
  • Recommended check: During every oil change
  • Replacement: As recommended by manufacturer

Brake Fluid

  • Transfers hydraulic pressure in braking system
  • Critical for safe stopping
  • High levels of copper in the brake fluid can indicate degradation of corrosion inhibiters within the fluid
  • Absorbs moisture over time
  • Recommended change: Every 2 years or 24,000 miles

Differential Fluid 

  • Lubricates gear system
  • Reduces friction in drive components
  • Recommended change: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles

The Sullivan Tire Fluid Health Approach

We don't just check fluids – we perform comprehensive diagnostics that examine:

  • Fluid color and consistency
  • Contamination levels
  • Specific gravity
  • Potential system issues

Why Professional Fluid Maintenance Matters

DIY fluid checks can miss critical warning signs. Our certified technicians use advanced diagnostic tools to:

  • Detect early signs of system wear
  • Prevent costly repairs
  • Extend your vehicle's operational life

The Sullivan Tire Commitment

Your vehicle is more than a machine – it's an investment. Our fluid maintenance services are designed to protect that investment, ensuring peak performance and reliability.

Schedule your comprehensive fluid health check today and experience the Sullivan Tire difference!