Correct fluid levels are essential to keeping your Ram, Ford, or Chevrolet diesel pickup on the road. Luckily, checking your coolant, oil, brake, and transmission fluid is easy to do, and will save you from a variety of issues down the road. Here’s what you should know about keeping the fluid levels in your truck maintained, from Diesel Pickup Specialists, Inc in Inman, KS.

Most drivers just get in and drive, which is fine...some come in when the light on the dash goes off which is really important and then there are some truck drivers that wait until that dash light that came on - goes off and wonder why it is missing ***THEN COME IN!  The question we get is, "what do you think happened"?  Makes us wonder why we didn't write this article sooner!!!   Fluids are the key to success!  Seriously, your engine can't live without fluids.

Oil and Transmission Fluid.  The oil should be checked with the engine turned off, while the transmission fluid should be checked with the truck running at operating temperature. If either is too low (or too high), significant damage will occur. Don’t lose an entire engine over a quart of oil that could’ve been added easily and costs so much less than the service repair bill on that ticket!  Oil and transmission fluid are both checked by using the dipstick which in the newer diesel trucks is sometimes not sticking right up there easy when you open that hood *just in case you want to do that yourself!

Coolant. Coolant keeps your engine and transmission at the correct temperature which is really important on a diesel truck, especially if you like to transport or tow heavy loads. Coolant leaks can expel a lot of coolant in a short amount of time, and be hard to detect, since the liquid evaporates quickly and the system is under pressure. Checking your coolant is easy to do - just make sure if you pull the radiator cap off, you do it once the engine is cold.  *If you see puddles of liquid under your truck and it isn't water...call the shop and let us know promptly so we can give you some input as to what your problem could be.

Brake Fluid. Brake system leaks are the opposite of cooling system leaks - they can take months become apparent. Once levels reach a point where air is allowed into the system, your brakes won’t work like they’re supposed to, and you can’t just put more fluid in to fix the problem. Once air bubbles are allowed into the lines, the whole system must be bled. Luckily, brake fluid is easy to check - just pull the cap off the reservoir and take a look. If you notice a leak, no matter how small, be sure to have it fixed immediately.  Best case scenario you come in for regular vehicle maintenance and we check your brakes for you.  Worst case scenario you hit the brakes and bad noises ensue.  REALLY Bad Case....you hit the brakes and little to nothing happens!!!

Also be sure to consult your manual for specifics on procedures and fluid types. We always check your fluid levels when you come in for maintenance, but it never hurts to check them in between.

No matter your repair or maintenance needs, our technicians have you covered. For the best diesel service shop in Inman, KS, call or stop by Diesel Pickup Specialists, Inc today.

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Thank you for visiting Diesel Pickup Specialists, Inc in Inman, KS. Count on our automotive repair technicians to keep your truck on the roads longer and safer.

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