What are the Three Fluids in a Car?
3 Answers
The three fluids in a car refer to the radiator fluid, windshield washer fluid, and battery fluid. Here are the relevant details: 1. Radiator Fluid: During high-temperature seasons, you can add antifreeze concentrate to the radiator fluid to relatively increase its boiling point, reduce evaporation, and enhance engine cooling. For long-distance or extended driving, always monitor the temperature gauge readings. 2. Windshield Washer Fluid: It is advisable to add a small amount of windshield cleaner to the washer fluid. 3. Battery Fluid: In hot summer regions, some batteries may require water replenishment. When the battery fluid is low, simply add distilled water.
I remember when I was first learning to drive, the old-timers always emphasized the three-fluid check: coolant, windshield washer fluid, and battery water. Coolant is the lifeblood of the engine—running low can lead to overheating, which is no joke. Never mix different colored fluids (red, green, or blue). Windshield washer fluid might seem insignificant, but driving without it in the rain feels like driving blindfolded. Remember to switch to the antifreeze type in winter, or you’ll end up with frozen spray nozzles—pretty embarrassing. Nowadays, battery water is only for old cars, where you use a syringe to add distilled water. New cars come with sealed batteries. Last week, I helped a neighbor top up the battery water in his vintage car—slowly dripping it in with a syringe for half an hour. The old mechanic said keeping the fluid level 3mm above the lead plates is the safest bet.
When repairing the car, the mechanic taught me to recognize the three fluids: the coolant manages engine heat dissipation—if it's low, the temperature gauge will spike red; the windshield washer fluid tank is under the hood, and in summer, add cleaning-type fluid to prevent nozzle freezing; the most easily forgotten is the battery electrolyte—older batteries require distilled water top-ups. Last month, my car had abnormal water temperature, and upon opening the hood, I found the coolant reservoir nearly empty—topping up half a bottle fixed it. Nowadays, new cars have mostly phased out battery water, but the first two fluids must be checked monthly, especially before long trips—just unscrew the caps to check, and keeping fluid levels between MIN/MAX is safest.
