Back to all

The Tuffy Fort Mill Guide to Proper Fluids for Your Vehicle

November 19, 2023

The automotive professionals at Tuffy Fort Mill would like to give Fort Mill drivers an update on some of the things happening in automotive fluids. You know, vehicles are becoming more sophisticated every day.  Fluids such as, oil, coolant and transmission fluid are becoming more specialized at about the same pace.

The Fort Mill do-it-yourselfer has to be pretty careful so that they do not actually harm their vehicle with the wrong type of fluid. That is why so many SC ] owners rely on the advice of their friendly and knowledgeable Tuffy Fort Mill service advisor to not only get the correct family of fluids, but to suggest the formulation that is best for their vehicle and their driving habits in the Fort Mill area.

Let's start with engine oil. Fort Mill drivers who have been paying attention will have noticed a number of new oil weights on the SC scene in the last several years. Modern engines are built to much tighter tolerances and have very complicated valve trains. The oil must be thin enough to lubricate complicated parts when the engine is cold. The weight of an oil is expressed in terms like 20-W-50 or 5-W-30. The vehicle manufacturers recommend the weight of oil for each vehicle they make. The recommendation is based on engine design. Your Fort Mill service center will know what weight your vehicle manufacturer recommends - and it's important to follow those recommendations. Your service advisor at Tuffy Fort Mill can also offer suggestions for special formulations and can tell you all about conventional and synthetic oils.

Antifreeze, or engine coolant, is another area that has become more complicated. For a long time, vehicle manufacturers only recommended a couple of different types of coolant. Now, several different formulations are needed because of the high-tech materials that vehicle manufacturers are using to build the cooling system. Using the wrong type of coolant in your vehicle can actually void your warranty, so it's important to get that right.

Transmission fluid is becoming specialized for Fort Mill vehicles as well. New transmission designs have particular requirements that require specific formulations. Recently, new, somewhat confusing, standards for brake fluid have also been released.

Not too long ago, there was a good chance that all of the vehicles at your house would use many of the same fluids. However, as automotive technology advances, the array of basic automotive fluids SC drivers need will grow. And, some of the formulations will cost a little more for Fort Mill drivers. Fortunately, Tuffy Fort Mill will continue to update their training to keep pace with technology so that you'll get the right fluids your vehicle needs. It's all part of the commitment we make to your driving peace of mind.

 Tuffy Fort Mill
9909 Charlotte Highway
Fort Mill, SC 29715
803-802-2466
http://www.tuffyftmill.com

More articles from Tuffy Fort Mill

Suspension Service at Tuffy Fort Mill in Fort Mill

May 5, 2024

During an inspection at Tuffy Fort Mill in Fort Mill, your friendly and knowledgeable automotive service technician will check for worn, broken or missing parts. Here's a quick rundown of suspension system components: There are the springs which hold the weight of your vehicle. There are several... More

A Door No One Can Step Through (Fuel Door Repair and Maintenance)

April 28, 2024

Your vehicle has lots of doors including that one usually near the back on the vehicle's side. That's the fuel door, something you use every time you gas up. These endure hundreds of open-and-close cycles, usually without any problems. But when they act up, it can be a major inconvenience for ... More

Another Couple of Years: Making Your Vehicle Last With Help From Tuffy Fort Mill

April 21, 2024

A while back, the Cash for Clunkers program was all over the SC news. Fort Mill people could trade in their old vehicle for a new one that got better gas mileage and receive a government rebate. A lot of Fort Mill motorists had so-called clunkers that they wanted to keep. They're good commuters,... More