[Car Knowledge] What does the phrase "five oils and three waters" that we often hear about actually mean?

🚗Five oils (5 types of oils)

1. Engine Oil

• Function : Lubricate engine parts, cool, clean, reduce wear and prevent rust.
• Location : The dipstick is located in the engine compartment and usually has an orange or yellow handle.
• Check/Replace :
  • It is recommended to replace it every 5,000-10,000 kilometers or 6-12 months (depending on the model and oil used).
  • Use the dipstick to check the oil level and quality regularly (if it is dark or has an odor, change it).

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2. Transmission Oil/Automatic Transmission Fluid, ATF

• Function : Lubricate the inside of the automatic or manual transmission to ensure smooth gear shifting and cooling.
• Location : Automatic transmission cars have an independent oil dipstick, while manual transmission cars require removing the bottom screws for inspection.
• Check/Replace :
  • Generally, it should be replaced every 40,000-60,000 kilometers (according to the owner's manual).
  • The oil should be red and transparent. If it has an odor or turns black, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

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3. Brake Fluid

• Function : Transmit brake pressure to make the brake system operate sensitively.
• Location : There is a transparent/translucent brake oil bottle in the engine compartment, marked with MIN/MAX.
• Check/Replace :
  • Replace every 2 years or approximately 40,000 km.
  • The oil level should not be less than MIN. If the oil becomes darker or turbid, it should be changed.

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4. Power Steering Fluid

• Function : Provide pressure to the hydraulic power steering system to make steering easier.
• Location : There is a steering oil bottle in the engine compartment. Some new cars have been converted to electronic type and do not require refueling.
• Check/Replace :
  • Check the oil level regularly and add oil if it is below the mark.
  • Replace the oil if it changes color or contains impurities.

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5. Differential Oil/Suspension Oil

• effect :
  • Differential oil : lubricates the front/rear differential gears (especially rear-wheel drive/four-wheel drive vehicles).
  • Shock absorber oil : in the shock absorber cylinder, responsible for absorbing shock and stabilizing the vehicle body.
• Location :
  • The differential oil needs to be checked by removing the screws at the differential position under the vehicle.
  • Shock absorber oil is a sealed structure and usually does not need to be refilled, the entire bottle can only be replaced.
• Check/Replace :
  • The differential oil should be changed approximately every 40,000-60,000 kilometers.
  • If you find oil leakage, unusual noise or obvious shock absorber failure, replace the entire shock absorber.

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💧Three types of water

1. Radiator Coolant

• Function : Cool the engine to prevent overheating or freezing.
• Location : There is a water tank and coolant sub-jug (marked with MIN/MAX lines) in the engine compartment.
• Check/Replace :
  • Check the water level of the auxiliary water tank regularly and add water if it is insufficient (use special coolant, not clean water).
  • Generally, it is replaced every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers.

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2. Battery Water

• Function : Maintain the chemical reaction of lead-acid batteries and prevent the plates from being exposed and sulfided.
• Location : Traditional wet lead-acid batteries have a separate water filling port.
• Check/Replace :
  • Check the water level regularly and add purified (distilled) water when it is low.
  • New maintenance-free batteries do not require watering.

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3. Windscreen Washer Fluid

• Function : Clean the windshield to ensure a clear driving view.
• Location : Glass kettle in the engine compartment, usually marked with a water spray.
• Check/Replace :
  • Refill immediately when water level is low.
  • You can use special glass water or clean water with a small amount of detergent.

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⭐Summary