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FLUIDS & LEAKS: When to Change, and where is that coming from? #TuesdayTechTip

Writer: Graham SauserGraham Sauser

It's Tuesday, so that means it's time for our weekly #TechTip!


Spring is right around the corner, now is a great time to do some spring checks before firing the engine for the first drive of 2022. Tune in every Tuesday for another tech tip!




FLUIDS: There is a great debate on what to do with a car going into winter storage. Change the fluids in the fall or the spring? We have always subscribed to the fall fluid change mentality, especially the oil and filter.


Our Rally Director Graham says "I change the oil in my engines a week or two before storage and make sure to drive at least half an hour to get that fresh oil dispersed through the engine. Not only does this take one thing off your spring to-do list, but it also means your engine and all its internal components are sitting in fresh oil all winter, as oil is used it collects acid and other contaminants from the combustion process, you don't want your engine bearings, etc, sitting in this used oil all winter."


Even if you prefer to wait till spring, make sure you change your oil and filter before the driving season!


When doing your spring prep make sure to check all the other important fluids: Coolant, transmission fluid, rear diff lube, power steering, brake & clutch fluids, etc. When was the last time you changed your coolant or flushed your brake system? DOT3/4 fluids are "hygroscopic" meaning they attract and retain moisture. This can cause internal system corrosion, and lower the boiling point of the fluid, making it less effective in hard or frequent braking. Make sure you keep an eye on all those important fluids!





LEAKS: If you stored your car all winter, take a peek at her parking spot for signs of leaks! We British car enthusiasts lovingly say "If there's no oil under em', there's no oil in em!" Still, leaks are a sign something isn't quite right. If you are having a hard time identifying a leak, leave a piece of cardboard covered with a paper towel under the car, based on the location and fluid color you should be able to identify the culprit. Remember, it doesn't take much for a small leak to become a big problem! Losing all your brake fluid while on the highway is terrifying, (ask us how we know)



We will see you next week for another #TechTip!


 
 
 

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