Posted on 10/31/2025
Adding the wrong fluid can turn a simple maintenance task into an expensive repair. Modern vehicles rely on specific chemistries for lubrication, cooling, hydraulic pressure, and corrosion protection. When a fluid is contaminated or mixed with an incompatible type, seals swell, passages gum up, and sensors give bad readings. If you recently topped off a reservoir and something feels off, it is smart to sort it out before damage spreads. Why Fluids Are Not Interchangeable Every fluid in your car has a job and a formula to match. Engine oil carries heat and protects moving parts with a specific viscosity and additive pack. Coolant resists freezing and raises the boiling point while guarding against corrosion. Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that must tolerate high heat and absorb moisture without boiling. Transmission and power steering fluids must keep valves and clutches clean while maintaining the correct friction characteristics. Swapping or mixing these chemistri ... read more