Routine Vehicle Fluid Maintenance and Auto Service at Serra Honda Grandville
There are various auto fluids that run through your vehicle that help to facilitate your its efficiency, performance, and functionality. These fluids all need to be routinely inspected, maintained, flushed, and changed to help extend the life of your vehicle and keep it running smoothly. Below we've outlined exactly what these fluids do within your vehicle and when you should be routinely maintaining them! If you have any questions about the health of your oil, washer fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, or transmission fluid, please don't hesitate to contact our team of knowledgeable service experts. We're happy to help!
 
Oil Changes
The oil in your engine plays an integral role in keeping your car, truck, SUV, or crossover operating as it should. Regular oil changes are extremely important to the well being of your car because the oil is responsible for transferring excess heat away from the engine, lubricating moving parts, keeping engine component surfaces clean by absorbing loose particles, and protecting the engine from wear. Routine oil changes allow each of these actions to take place without complication, extending the life of your auto investment for years to come.
  • When to Change? Every 3,000-5,000 miles is the suggested routine oil change interval; however, depending on your driving habits or the use of synthetic oil in your vehicle, the required interval between oil changes may be shorter or longer. Reference your owner's manual for the factory suggestion specific to your vehicle make, model, and year, or simply reach out the expert service team at Serra Honda Grandville for advice.

Washer Fluid
Although this might seem like one of the simplest of the auto fluids listed, it plays a very important role in your safety behind the wheel. Your vehicle's washer fluid works with your wiper blades to clear your windshield of any dirt, grime, etc., that may prevent you from being able to clearly see the road in front of you. It's stored in a tank under your hood, and can be easily refilled anytime. When refilling your washer fluid be aware that there are two different kinds: one version is concentrated, and requires dilution with water 50/50, while the other version is an already diluted solution that is ready for use. Whichever version you choose to use, be sure that it is designed to perform in the climate you will be driving in; this information will be listed on the label.
  • When to Refill? There is no default interval that you should refill your washer fluid because it simply depends on how often you use your washer fluid. If you use it more often, you'll want to check its level and top it off more often. Some vehicles come equipped with a sensor to alert you when the fluid is low, while others do not. To find out if your car, truck, or SUV has this feature, you can check your owner's manual. Whenever you service your vehicle at Serra Honda Grandville, we're happy to top off your washer fluid so you're prepared for any situation.

Coolant
Coolant is a vehicle fluid that is also known as antifreeze. Your vehicle's coolant utilizes chemical additives to keep your engine from freezing or overheating, while also working to protect the aluminum parts within the engine. Avoiding routine coolant flushes and inspections could lead to the freezing or overheating of your engine, which could result in serious and costly engine damage.
  • When to Flush? The expert service technicians at Serra Honda Grandville suggest flushing your vehicle's coolant every 24,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. Again, you can reference your vehicle owner's manual for the recommended service interval specific to your vehicle.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is a hydraulic and hygroscopic fluid that lies in your vehicle's brake lines. What does that mean? The brake fluid lies in the brake lines and when pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the brake fluid then transfers that pressure to the brake caliper, causing the rotors to compress and slow down the vehicle. An important fact to know about your brake fluid is that it has a boiling point, and too much heat can cause air bubbles in the fluid and brake lines, which can result in a soft or unresponsive brake pedal. Overtime, brake fluid can also absorb moisture, leading to corrosion in the brake system, which is expensive to repair! So, it's important to have your brake fluid inspected often!
  • When to Inspect? While the recommended maintenance interval for your vehicle's brake fluid is often debated, our rule of thumb is every 30,000 miles. Some owner's manuals may suggest longer intervals based on your vehicle make, model, and year, however we'll gladly inspect your brake system and brake fluid for you at any time. Your safety is our #1 priority, so we're here to ensure everything is working properly!
Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid is a highly pressurized hydraulic fluid that transmits power to your vehicle's steering rack, allowing your front wheels to turn easily. When turning the steering wheel, the pressurized power steering fluid is directed to the side you're turning towards. Power steering fluid also lubricates the power steering pump and gear unit, minimizes friction in the power steering system, and reduces temperature in the steering system.
  • When to Change? While the required maintenance of your vehicle's power steering fluid isn't as often as the other fluids in your vehicle, it's important to be aware of some signs that indicate your power steering fluid needs to be serviced. If you feel creaking in the steering wheel, hear growling or moaning noises when you turn, see a leak, or have trouble turning the steering wheel, bring your vehicle into our Grandville area Service Center right away!
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant for all the moving parts inside your vehicle's transmission. Allowing your transmission to run smoothly is just one job of this auto fluid. It also helps to prevent corrosion, acts as a coolant, transmits power from the transmission to the engine, protects the transmission against wear, cleans the transmission, and conditions the gaskets. Since there are many different types of transmissions installed in the various vehicles on the road today, there are also a variety of transmission fluids suited to each. Our service technicians are extremely knowledgeable in the fluid needs of all makes/models, so they can help you find the right one for your vehicle. Come see us today!
  • When to Service? Our auto technicians recommend servicing your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. If you ever feel gear slipping, hear strange noises like transmission grinding, notice the fluid is brown or black, or have problems shifting gears, bring your vehicle into our service center right away to have your vehicle inspected!

Schedule Your Vehicle Fluid Service or Routine Maintenance at Serra Honda in Grandville, MI 
We understand that purchasing a vehicle is a big investment, so we want to help you maintain your vehicle to keep it running at its best. Our team of certified service experts are here to take care of your regular fluid maintenance and service. Our friendly technicians will gladly handle any auto service you might have, including inspecting and changing your auto fluids. They're also happy to answer any questions you might have. Serra Honda Grandville is proud to provide a unique and personalized service experience for our neighbors in Grandville, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Hudsonville, Holland, Byron Center, Kentwood, and all of West Michigan! Visit our excellent Service Center or Express Service Lane at 4260 Kenowa Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a call at 616-580-1826.

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Oil Changes
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