Understanding Car Fluid Levels: What Every Car Owner Should Know

Understanding Car Fluid Levels: What Every Car Owner Should Know

2025-04-12

Owning a vehicle in Dubai means dealing with extreme temperatures, busy roads, and long commutes. Amid all this, regular vehicle maintenance becomes critical. One often overlooked aspect of car care is checking and maintaining car fluid levels. These fluids are the lifeblood of your car, responsible for cooling, lubricating, cleaning, and powering various systems in your vehicle.

Whether you drive a luxury car, SUV, or economy vehicle, knowing the importance of fluid levels can help you avoid costly repairs and breakdowns. At Grand City Auto Service in Dubai, we’ve seen countless cases where simple fluid top-ups could have saved customers thousands of dirhams in repairs.

Let’s explore the essential car fluids every car owner in Dubai should keep an eye on:


1. Engine Oil: The Heartbeat of Your Vehicle

Why it matters:
Engine oil keeps your engine’s internal parts lubricated, reducing wear and tear. In the hot climate of Dubai, engine oil tends to degrade faster, making timely oil changes even more essential.

Signs you need attention:

  • Engine noise or knocking

  • Dirty or dark oil on the dipstick

  • Oil warning light on the dashboard

How often to check/change:
Check every 2 weeks and change every 5,000 to 10,000 km based on your car’s needs.


2. Coolant/Antifreeze: Vital for Dubai’s Heat

Why it matters:
Coolant prevents the engine from overheating—a common risk in Dubai’s scorching summers. It also protects engine components from corrosion.

What to watch for:

  • Rising engine temperature

  • Sweet smell under the hood

  • Puddles of green or orange fluid under the car

When to change:
Typically every 40,000 to 60,000 km, or as per manufacturer guidelines.


3. Brake Fluid: Safety First

Why it matters:
Your brakes rely on hydraulic pressure, which brake fluid provides. Contaminated or low brake fluid can lead to poor braking performance, which can be dangerous in Dubai’s fast-paced driving conditions.

Signs of trouble:

  • Soft or spongy brake pedal

  • Warning light on dashboard

  • Increased stopping distance

Change interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 km.


4. Transmission Fluid: Smooth Gear Shifts

Why it matters:
Whether you're driving in city traffic or cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road, your transmission needs proper lubrication. Transmission fluid cools and lubricates gears, ensuring smooth shifts.

Warning signs:

  • Gear slipping

  • Delayed gear engagement

  • Grinding noises

When to check/change:
Check monthly; change every 60,000 to 100,000 km depending on your driving habits.


5. Power Steering Fluid: Easy Handling

Why it matters:
Power steering fluid helps reduce steering effort, especially during tight turns or while parking. A low level can make your steering wheel feel heavy and unresponsive.

Watch for:

  • Difficulty in steering

  • Groaning noises while turning

  • Leaking fluid under the engine bay

Maintenance tip:
Inspect monthly; flush and refill every 50,000 km.


6. Windshield Washer Fluid: Clear Visibility

Why it matters:
Dubai’s dusty roads and sandy winds can quickly cover your windshield in grime. Washer fluid helps keep it clean, ensuring safe visibility.

Common issues:

  • No fluid spray

  • Dirty windshield

  • Nozzle blockages

How to maintain:
Top up monthly with a good-quality washer fluid that resists streaking and dust buildup.


7. Differential & Axle Fluids: Often Ignored but Important

Why it matters:
These fluids are essential for cars with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. They help lubricate the gears and protect against wear and overheating.

When to service:
Every 60,000 to 100,000 km or during major servicing.


How Grand City Auto Service in Dubai Can Help

At Grand City Auto Service, we offer complete car fluid inspection and top-up services as part of our car maintenance packages. We cater to all types of vehicles—whether you drive a luxury SUV, economy car, or performance sedan.

Our popular services include:

We use only premium-grade oils and fluids that match OEM standards to ensure maximum performance and reliability for Dubai’s demanding roads.


Why Checking Car Fluids is Even More Important in Dubai

The high temperatures and stop-and-go traffic of Dubai place extra stress on your car’s engine and systems. If you frequently drive in areas like Deira, Business Bay, or Marina, your vehicle may experience quicker fluid degradation.

Skipping routine fluid checks can result in:

  • Engine overheating

  • Brake failure

  • Gearbox malfunction

  • Lower fuel efficiency

  • Expensive repairs


Conclusion

Understanding and maintaining proper car fluid levels isn’t just for car enthusiasts—it’s essential for every driver in Dubai. These fluids play a critical role in ensuring safety, performance, and longevity. At Grand City Auto Service, we help car owners stay ahead of potential issues with proactive fluid checks and timely replacements.

If you want peace of mind and long-term car health, schedule a fluid check with our experts today. Regular servicing keeps your vehicle running smoothly—saving you time, money, and stress.



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