Jul 4, 2025

If you want to avoid a roadside breakdown on a busy day, always keep your car’s fluids in good shape. With regular fluid checks and timely flushes, you’ll ensure your Ford’s engine, cooling system, transmission, brakes, and differentials all perform properly over the long run. To help with this, you can set up an easy-to-follow fluid servicing schedule at your local Ford dealership.

Coolant

Your engine generates a lot of heat, which needs to be controlled with a healthy radiator and fresh coolant. Your coolant is likely to last from 30,000 to 50,000 miles, meaning you’ll need to flush it once every two to four years. Make sure to check its condition monthly; you’ll find the coolant in the transparent coolant reservoir.

Motor Oil

Friction must also be always kept under control inside your engine. Motor oil does this by lubricating each moving part while also cleaning the system and helping to combat heat. Check your motor oil once a month using the dipstick, and you’ll typically need to change it twice a year.

Brake Fluid

Whenever you use your brakes, the brake fluid carries the stopping signal from the brake pedal to the calipers. If your brake fluid leaks or degrades, you’ll find it harder to stop your car. It’s therefore vital to check your brake fluid monthly and have it flushed every 30,000 miles or so.

Transmission Fluid

Inspect your transmission fluid once a month using the dipstick. This fluid ensures your car keeps shifting smoothly. Transmission fluid is long-lasting and typically only needs to be refreshed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles in modern automatic vehicles. 

Differential Fluid

The differentials allow your car to corner smoothly. These relatively simple gear systems are located in the center of each wheel axle and require differential fluid to stay lubricated. Differential fluid lasts from 30,000 to 60,000 miles and should be checked monthly as well, something many drivers forget to do.

Power Steering Fluid

Your steering will stay smooth and effortless as long as you keep the power steering fluid fresh. Power steering fluid requires flushing every 30,000 to 60,000 miles and should be checked once a month.

Windshield Wiper Fluid 

Let’s not forget the windshield wiper fluid, which keeps your vision clear in sudden downpours. Once a month or after prolonged use of the wipers, check and top up this fluid.

Have Your Car Serviced at Your Ford Dealership

Our knowledgeable, dedicated technicians can keep your Ford in tip-top shape with regular services. By keeping a close eye on each fluid, we can let you know in advance when it’s next likely to need a flush.

Visit Randy Wise Ford in Ortonville, MI, for comprehensive vehicle services.