Back to all

The Tuffy Fort Wayne - Coldwater Guide to Proper Fluids for Your Vehicle

September 5, 2016

The automotive professionals at Tuffy Fort Wayne - Coldwater would like to give Fort Wayne drivers an update on some of the things happening in automotive fluids. You know, vehicles are becoming more sophisticated every day.  Fluids such as, oil, coolant and transmission fluid are becoming more specialized at about the same pace.

The Fort Wayne do-it-yourselfer has to be pretty careful so that they do not actually harm their vehicle with the wrong type of fluid. That is why so many Indiana ] owners rely on the advice of their friendly and knowledgeable Tuffy Fort Wayne - Coldwater service advisor to not only get the correct family of fluids, but to suggest the formulation that is best for their vehicle and their driving habits in the Fort Wayne area.

Let's start with engine oil. Fort Wayne drivers who have been paying attention will have noticed a number of new oil weights on the Indiana scene in the last several years. Modern engines are built to much tighter tolerances and have very complicated valve trains. The oil must be thin enough to lubricate complicated parts when the engine is cold. The weight of an oil is expressed in terms like 20-W-50 or 5-W-30. The vehicle manufacturers recommend the weight of oil for each vehicle they make. The recommendation is based on engine design. Your Fort Wayne service center will know what weight your vehicle manufacturer recommends - and it's important to follow those recommendations. Your service advisor at Tuffy Fort Wayne - Coldwater can also offer suggestions for special formulations and can tell you all about conventional and synthetic oils.

Antifreeze, or engine coolant, is another area that has become more complicated. For a long time, vehicle manufacturers only recommended a couple of different types of coolant. Now, several different formulations are needed because of the high-tech materials that vehicle manufacturers are using to build the cooling system. Using the wrong type of coolant in your vehicle can actually void your warranty, so it's important to get that right.

Transmission fluid is becoming specialized for Fort Wayne vehicles as well. New transmission designs have particular requirements that require specific formulations. Recently, new, somewhat confusing, standards for brake fluid have also been released.

Not too long ago, there was a good chance that all of the vehicles at your house would use many of the same fluids. However, as automotive technology advances, the array of basic automotive fluids Indiana drivers need will grow. And, some of the formulations will cost a little more for Fort Wayne drivers. Fortunately, Tuffy Fort Wayne - Coldwater will continue to update their training to keep pace with technology so that you'll get the right fluids your vehicle needs. It's all part of the commitment we make to your driving peace of mind.

 Tuffy Fort Wayne - Coldwater
4501 Coldwater Rd.
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825
260.483.2236

More articles from Tuffy Fort Wayne Coldwater Rd

Losing Your Cool (AC Condenser Replacement)

March 15, 2026

Its always more comfortable in your vehicle when you can control temperature and humidity in the cabin. Air conditioning, which is standard on most newer vehicles, is a vital part of that comfort, and a key component of that system is the condenser. The condenser converts the refrigerant gas into... More

Power Steering Pump Replacement

March 8, 2026

When youre driving and you hear a squeal or groan when you turn, it may be a sign your power steering pump is on its last legs. The same is true if you feel your steering is slipping or doesnt respond to your hands like it used to. Precise, responsive steering is, of course, important when it ... More

Don?t Be Hosed (Radiator Hose Replacement)

March 1, 2026

If you are like most drivers, you dont worry too much about what shape your radiator hoses are in. But they are a vital part of your coolant system, helping carry engine coolant from the hot engine to where it is cooled off in the radiator. When the cooling system has a problem, you will likel... More