Whew!! The Holiday season has come, done what it does and left. Now we are all adjusting back into our routines; looking for our own personal fluidity, in our lives. However it's not just us that want things to move smoothly, but also those ever needy vehicles we own, bringing us from place to place.
Each fluid is essential to the system it's in, and even the levels sitting low can cause greater damage as time goes on. Below we have some info on two of those fluids, we might not think about all the time in the winter.
GAS[FUEL]
Often the fuel for the vehicle gets overlooked as only being useful to get it from "Point A" to " Point B". Truthfully that is the main function of this specific fluid; however, the level of gas in your tank does matter, more than just enough to get there. You see low fuel consistently in a vehicle could mean more strain on the fuel pump as it has to push itself harder to siphon the fuel from the tank into the pump. Additionally the fuel pump can pull dirt or debri from the bottom that could cause damage to the fuel pump or even the engine system. Low Fuel levels can also cause condensation and lead to the potential of fuel lines freezing up. A couple things that you can do to avoid any issues to your fuel system include: remember to fill up your gas before your low fuel light shows up, always trying to at the very least keep more than a quarter tank of gas in your system and always remember to close your gas cap. A faulty or loose gas cap can lead to a lack of proper pressure in the fuel delivery system, which can damage your fuel pump, and your fuel economy.
Coolant
Coolant does exactly what it says, it cools multiple components, and fluids throughout the vehicle. When low on coolant the worst of issues can begin to occur, from overheating of the engine, to the cracking or breakage of other components including but not limited to your Radiator or Water pump. That time of damage can go from a small ticket repair, to almost like a completely new investment. Coolant is easy to spot, and believe it or not, even easier to smell. The Coolant from our vehicles typically has a sweet smell, almost syrup-like. The cooling system in a vehicle is pressurized, so even a leak that's not visible to the naked eye, can alert you by its scent. The team here at Minnesota Automotive however has the tools, and expertise to pinpoint that leaks location and repair and low cost, and great convenience to you.
Of course always check your oil and when it comes to those other fluids, be sure to reach out to your friends here at Minnesota Automotive, if you have any questions. Our team's combined knowledge is here to help keep you and your vehicle; fluid!
Sources:
https://www.uti.edu/blog/industry-relationships/everything-about-motor-oil#:~:text=A%20car%20needs%20oil%20primarily,trapped%20in%20the%20oil%20filter.
https://services.us.totalenergies.com/uses-and-benefits-of-engine-oil
https://www.mobil.com/en/sap/personal-vehicles/car/understanding-engine-oil/why-engine-oil-matters-to-you-and-your-vehicle#:~:text=What%20makes%20engine%20oil%20so,helpful%20to%20know%20the%20differences.
https://www.progressive.com/lifelanes/importance-of-oil-changes/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20primary%20role%20of%20motor,will%20seep%20into%20your%20engine.
https://www.andersonhonda.net/the-dangers-of-driving-with-low-oil-level#:~:text=When%20your%20car%20is%20low,potential%20breakdowns%20or%20even%20fires.
https://www.lawrencechevy.com/blog/The-Dangers-of-Driving-with-Low-Oil-Level#:~:text=If%20you%20insist%20on%20driving,cost%20you%20plenty%20of%20money.
https://www.progressive.com/lifelanes/driving-on-empty/
https://www.octane.uk.com/what-happens-if-fuel-is-left-untreated#:~:text=What%20happens%20if%20left%20untreated?&text=Build%2Dup%20of%20water%20can,splits%20on%20the%20storage%20tank.
https://www.capitalone.com/cars/learn/finding-the-right-car/3-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-run-your-cars-gas-tank-to-almost-empty/2456