Welcome to another article on the Inoxform blog, a company specializing in the manufacture of components for the automotive sector. In today’s article we will talk about the fluid systems that can be found in a vehicle, their functions and how they work.
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How many fluid systems can we find in a car?
In a vehicle we can find different types of fluid systems. Some take care of engine cooling, others lubricate engine components and others help the wheels turn. Let’s look at the most important fluid systems you can find in a vehicle.
What kind of fluid systems can we find in a car?
Transmission oil
The transmission oil is responsible for lubricating components of the car transmission, so that they function properly. Some types also have other utilities though, such as cleaning metal surfaces or coolant functions.
There are several types of transmission fluids, and we will choose one or the other depending on the type of transmission our car is carrying. We can find manual transmissions or automatic transmissions.
The transmission must be kept at an adequate temperature, so we will need a hose to transfer the transmission fluid from the transmission to the transmission coolant. The cooled liquid is then returned to the transmission. These types of hoses are called transmission oil cooler hoses and are usually made of rubber and metal to preserve them, although sooner or later we will have to replace them.
Engine oil
Engine oil performs not only one but several functions. It is responsible both for lubricating the internal components of the engine for proper operation as well as protecting the components from corrosion. It also cools the engine while it is running, helps in removing impurities and acts as a gap filler.
Engine oil usually consists of two large components: first, the base, which removes heat and lubricates the different parts of the engine; on the other hand, additives (in smaller quantities) control the viscosity of the oil and protect the engine parts against deterioration.
Brake fluid
As you can imagine, one of the most important aspects in the safety of a car is that the brake system works properly. To do this, the brake fluid must be in perfect condition and be able to circulate to the brake cylinders on the wheels thanks to a brake hose.
What is the function of the brake hose? When the driver of the car presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is generated by the brake fluid. Brake hoses act as a link between the brake line, which is rigid and usually made of steel, and the wheel brake.
For that reason, brake hoses must be in good condition, or they may start to deteriorate over time and leak. For this, it is best to have top quality brake hoses. These hoses are usually made of EPDM rubber, nitrile rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene.
Coolant fluid
Coolant (also called antifreeze) is the main heat absorber for the different parts of the engine to prevent it from overheating.
The radiator is in charge of removing excess heat from the coolant before it returns to the engine. In this way, the engine will not overheat and will be able to work without any problem.
So that the coolant can go from one part to another, we will need flexible hoses, mostly made of rubber, although they usually have reinforcements of other types of materials to prevent rapid deterioration. If we want the radiator hoses to last longer, we will need to check the coolant from time to time.
Windshield washer fluid
Although it does not directly affect the operation of the engine, the windshield washer fluid is essential, as it will prevent soiling of the windshield and allow us to see correctly through it.
In addition, we can find fluid systems that heat the windscreen washer fluid before being used, for those colder climates that create an ice layer on the windshield. Antifreeze can also be added.
The windshield washer fluid travels the way from the storage unit to the spray nozzles thanks to a specialized windshield washer fluid hose.
Power steering fluid
Power steering fluid is essential for good and easy driving. This fluid helps the power steering system to turn the wheel more easily, thanks to the hydraulic system that reduces the resistance between the asphalt and the wheels.
The power steering fluid system is activated and the liquid flows through a hydraulic cylinder, which is responsible for applying the force necessary to counteract the pavement resistance. If the driver decides to turn the wheel further, more liquid will be released.
The power steering fluid is usually made of light petroleum based oils or silicone. You should choose the right power steering fluid for your power steering system, or you could seriously damage it.
Inoxform, world reference in automotive parts manufacturing
We hope this article on fluid systems in the automotive industry has been of great interest to you. In Inoxform we are experts in the manufacture of parts for the automotive sector and more than 15 years of experience have made us a respected and trusted company for our customers.
In Inoxform we have CNC machining services, CNC milling, welding for the automotive sector and 3D prototyping, among others. The sum of our team of industry experts and our state-of-the-art machinery results in products of the highest quality and durability, thanks to the use of stainless steel.
Do you need our services? All you have to do is contact us. Our team will attend you and we will start the project. Discover what it’s like to work with an experienced company. Discover Inoxform.