What does the five oils and three fluids in a car mean?
3 Answers
Five oils refer to: gasoline, engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, and power steering fluid; three fluids refer to: coolant, windshield washer fluid, and battery fluid. Collectively, they are called the five oils and three fluids. Here is some relevant information: 1. Gasoline, the main fuel for cars. 2. Engine oil, which lubricates and cools the engine, playing a protective role. It must be replenished in time when insufficient. 3. Transmission oil, which lubricates and cools the transmission, is generally recommended to be replaced every 60,000 kilometers. 4. Brake fluid, best replaced once a year or every 20,000 kilometers, as old brake fluid absorbs too much moisture, lowering its boiling point, which may cause vapor lock under intense or frequent braking, leading to brake failure. 5. Power steering fluid, check the oil level on the dipstick under the cap to ensure it is normal. Try not to hold the steering wheel at full lock for too long to avoid excessive pressure that may cause pipe joint leaks.
I first learned about the 'five oils and three fluids' when I just bought my car, from an experienced neighbor driver. The five oils refer to engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and fuel; the three fluids are coolant, washer fluid, and battery fluid. As a daily driver, I take a quick look at them every week. For example, low engine oil can accelerate engine wear—I once neglected to top it up in time and ended up spending a lot on major repairs. Coolant is responsible for heat dissipation, especially important during long summer trips; insufficient coolant can cause engine overheating. Washer fluid is for the windshield wipers—it helps quickly clean a dirty windshield, improving driving safety. Battery fluid is less common in newer cars these days, but older vehicles still require attention. Overall, these fluids are crucial for the car's lifespan and safety. Regular checks by beginners can prevent major issues, and I recommend checking fluid levels every time you refuel.
Throughout my years of driving, the 'five oils and three fluids' have been fundamental maintenance points. The five oils include engine oil for lubricating the engine, transmission oil for protecting the gear system, brake fluid to ensure stopping distance, power steering fluid for easier steering, and fuel to provide power. The three fluids are coolant to prevent overheating, windshield washer fluid to clean dirt, and battery fluid to maintain electrical power. Neglecting them can have serious consequences: for example, insufficient brake fluid reduces braking efficiency, increasing the risk of accidents in rainy weather; a lack of coolant can lead to engine overheating, resulting in costly repairs. I make it a habit to check them every 5,000 kilometers, using simple tools to measure fluid levels. Some cars with more auxiliary systems also require attention to the replacement cycle of power steering fluid. Overall, these eight fluids are the lifelines of a car. Developing a habit of regular maintenance can help avoid many pitfalls. When sharing this with friends, I always emphasize that it's a matter of life and death.
