Back to all

The Tuffy Fort Myers (McGregor Blvd) Guide to Proper Fluids for Your Vehicle

December 29, 2024

The automotive professionals at Tuffy Fort Myers (McGregor Blvd) would like to give Fort Myers 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 Myers 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 Florida ] owners rely on the advice of their friendly and knowledgeable Tuffy Fort Myers (McGregor Blvd) 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 Myers area.

Let's start with engine oil. Fort Myers drivers who have been paying attention will have noticed a number of new oil weights on the Florida 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 Myers service center will know what weight your vehicle manufacturer recommends - and it's important to follow those recommendations. Your service advisor at Tuffy Fort Myers (McGregor Blvd) 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 Myers 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 Florida drivers need will grow. And, some of the formulations will cost a little more for Fort Myers drivers. Fortunately, Tuffy Fort Myers (McGregor Blvd) 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 Myers (McGregor Blvd)
13061 McGregor Blvd
Fort Myers, Florida 33919
239-437-2993
http://www.tuffymcgregorblvd.com

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Tuffy Fort Myers (McGregor Blvd.)

Ask Tuffy Fort Myers (McGregor Blvd) About the Importance of Service Intervals

August 18, 2025

Today in our Tuffy Fort Myers (McGregor Blvd) blog, we're going to talk about following recommended service intervals. Your vehicle isn't the only aspect of your life with recommended intervals: What about six-month dental cleanings and regular physical exams? Then there's laundry, mowing the la... More

The Little Valve that Could (PCV Valve Replacement)

August 11, 2025

It's easy to get letters like PVC and PCV mixed up. PVC is a plastic that's used in a lot of things, especially plumbing pipes. And PCV is a valve that helps your engine burn off excess fumes rather than having them pollute our atmosphere. PCV stands for positive crankcase ventilation. When y... More

Road Trip? Check! (Trip Inspection)

August 4, 2025

After months of postponing travel far away from home, a lot of us can't wait to hit the road and scream "Road Trip!" again. But how long has it been since the vehicle you're planning on taking has had a thorough inspection? And is it roadworthy for several days on the highway? Time to schedule a... More