When To Get Fluids Changed on the GMC Acadia

Many people know that changing their vehicle’s fluids is part of routine maintenance. But you might wonder what those fluids are and how often they need to be changed in your GMC Acadia. Read on to learn the purpose of your vehicle’s fluids, how to know when they need to be changed, and a general schedule for fluid changes.

What Are the Vehicle Fluids You May Need To Get Changed?

There are several important fluids in your GMC Acadia that help it run smoothly, safely, and comfortably. Found in your engine, transmission, brakes, and other components, the fluids are an essential part of a well-functioning vehicle. These fluids include:

• Engine oil: Engine oil has the important job of lubricating the moving parts inside of your engine.
• Transmission fluid: This keeps the various parts of your Acadia’s transmission lubricated and works as a hydraulic fluid.
• Coolant: Coolant protects your engine from temperature extremes and helps keep it clean by preventing corrosion and the buildup of deposits.
• Brake fluid: This is vital for safe driving. Using hydraulic pressure, brake fluid helps slow or stop your car when you press the brake pedal.
• Power steering fluid: This is essential in the system that helps you turn the steering wheel more easily.
• Windshield washer fluid: This fluid sprays onto your windshield to help the wiper blades clean dust and debris away.

Why It’s Important To Get Your Vehicle Fluids Changed

If your vehicle fluids levels become too low or are too old, they may not be as effective as they should be. Here are the consequences of not checking the various fluids:

Engine Oil

Without enough engine oil, your engine parts can’t move smoothly and may get hot from excessive friction. You might smell burning oil or hear loud sounds from under the hood, or your engine could overheat. We offer oil changes with quick, convenient service at our Meadowland dealership.

Transmission Fluid

Without sufficient fluid, your transmission may not function as it should. For example, your vehicle might have difficulty changing gears or might change gears roughly. You may also hear unusual noises while you drive or notice a delay after pressing the accelerator before your GMC Acadia speeds up.

Coolant

Signs of low coolant levels include overheating, hot air from the air-conditioning vents, smoke from the engine or exhaust pipe, knocking sounds, and automatic vehicle shutoff.

Brake Fluid

When your brake fluid is low, you might notice that your brake pedal seems soft, and you have to push harder to apply the brakes.

Power Steering Fluid

If you don’t have enough power steering fluid, it can be difficult to turn the steering wheel. You might even hear noises when turning the wheel.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Without windshield washer fluid, it can be difficult to clean your windshield while you drive. This can make driving frustrating or impair your ability to see if you’ve been driving on dusty roads.

When To Get Your GMC Acadia’s Fluid Changed

Typically, the mechanic will check some of your GMC Acadia’s fluids at your recommended routine maintenance visits every 7,500-15,000 miles. This type of service visit includes checks on your windshield washer fluid and coolant levels, and a check or change on your oil. After 45,000 miles, all-wheel-drive vehicles may need a transfer case fluid change. Your Acadia’s coolant should typically be replaced every 150,000 miles or three years.

Your transmission fluid change may depend on how you use your vehicle. Under normal driving conditions, it’s best to get a change at around 90,000 miles. “Normal” is based on an estimated 12,000-15,000 miles per year of driving in relatively flat local and highway settings. “Severe” driving conditions are when your vehicle is subject to extreme hot or cold temperatures, long-distance driving, challenging terrain, frequent hills, towing, and off-road use. In this case, your transmission fluid should be changed after 25,000-50,000 miles and will typically be checked at around 45,000 miles.

These recommendations might change based on your Acadia’s model year. It’s always a good idea to check your manual for the specifics, or come in and speak to one of our mechanics.

Signs That Your GMC Acadia’s Fluids May Need To Be Changed Earlier

It’s important to pay attention to signs that you may need to change your fluids earlier than at the typical service intervals. You can check many of your vehicle fluids at home, but, for your safety, you should read your manual before checking the levels in your GMC Acadia.

Engine Oil

You can check your engine oil level by looking at the oil dipstick under the hood. Take the dipstick out and wipe it off, then dip it in the oil again. You’ll see marks on the dipstick that indicate the oil fill level, and you’ll want to top off the oil if it’s getting low. If the engine oil is getting low faster than expected, having your GMC Acadia serviced is a good idea. There could be a problem with leaking or burning oil. Also, check the oil color — it should be yellowish, not brown or black.

Transmission Fluid

Follow the same process as checking your engine oil, and check the dipstick in the transmission fluid.

Coolant

To check your coolant levels, open the radiator cap and look inside. You can see the fluid level and check its proximity to the low-level marker.

Brake Fluid

Remove the fluid cap and look at the fluid level. The top of the fluid should be close to the cap, not farther than about a half inch. The fluid shouldn’t be black.

Power Steering Fluid

Look for the cap labeled steering fluid. You can usually see the fluid level and the minimum and maximum fill marks through the side of the reservoir.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Look for the cap topped with an image of a windshield wiper. Unscrew the cap, and you can see the fluid level by looking inside.

We hope this information about vehicle fluids has been valuable to you. If you’re in the Meadowland, New York, area, we’re ready to help you check your levels and refill or change any fluids you need. We can also help you with routine maintenance or any other services your vehicle requires here in Meadowland. Just let us know what we can do for you.

Photo Credit: A Mechanic Opening the Oil Filler Cap of a Car Engine by Fatih Erden is licensed with Pexels License

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