‫بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم‬

PalestinePolytechnic University
College of Engineering Department of Engineering
Mechanical
Automotive Systems Technology
Automotive Fluids
Dr- Mohammed Qawasmi
Ayman Sweity
205028
13/11/2023
 Table of Contents
 INTRODUCTION………………………………………….3

 Engine oil…………………………………………...4

• Transmission oil………………………………5

. • Brake oil .......................................6

• Power Steering Fluid.........................8

• Differential Fluid………………………………10

• Clutch oil………………………………………..12

• Coolant Fluid…………………………………..14
 Safe storage…………………………………....17
•references………………………………………..18
 INTRODUCTION;
TO AUTOMOTIVE FLUIDS AND THE SYSTEMS THAT USE THEM

When most people think of automotive fluids, they think of oil – becouse.
Oil is the lifeblood of a vehicle. It whisks away heat, provides a thin layer for
critical engine parts to glide upon, and removes particles and impurities
that build up inside an engine. Fresh oil often has the color of straw and is
mildly transparent. As it is circulated throughout the engine, it darkens in
color before eventually becoming dark grey and even black.

Requirements and characteristics of lubricants

The main requirements for lubricants are that they are able to: Keep
surfaces separate under all loads, temperatures and speeds, thus
minimizing friction and wear.

Act as a cooling fluid removing the heat produced by friction or from

external sources. Remain adequately stable in order to guarantee constant
behavior over the forecasted useful life.

Show cleaning capability and dirt holding capacity in order to remove

residue and debris that may form during operation.

Types of oil and fluid in a car :-

• Engine oil.

• Transmission oil.

• Brake oil.

• Power Steering Fluid.

• Differential Fluid.
• Clutch oil.
• Coolant Fluid.

 Engine oil;
Motor oil, engine oil, or engine lubricant is any one of various substances
that consist of base oils enhanced with various additives, particularly
antiwear additives, detergents, dispersants, and, for multi-grade oils,
viscosity index improvers.
Motor oil is used for lubrication of internal combustion engines.

The main function of motor oil is :

• reduce friction and wear on moving parts

• clean the engine from sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and
varnish (detergents).

• It also neutralizes acids that originate from fuel and from oxidation of
the lubricant (detergents), improves sealing of piston rings.

• cools the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts.

The difference between gasoline and diesel engine oil:

Typically, diesel engine oil will have a higher viscosity. If we were to put
this higher viscosity in a gasoline engine, several problems might arise. The
first is heat generation from internal fluid friction. I’ve covered before how
this heat affects the life of an oil. A good rule of thumb is that for every 10
degrees C you increase the temperature, you cut the life in half. The second
problem is the low-temperature pump ability of this higher viscosity. During
cold starts, the oil may be very thick and difficult for the oil pump to deliver
to the vital engine components in the lifter valley. This most certainly will
lead to premature wear, as the components will be interacting without the
benefit of lubrication. Diesel engine oil has more additives per volume. The
most prevalent are over base detergent additives. This additive has several
jobs, but the main ones are to neutralize acids and clean. Diesel engines
create a great deal more soot and combustion byproducts. Through blow-
by, these find their way into the crankcase, forcing the oil to deal with
them. When you put this extra additive load in a gasoline engine, the
effects can be devastating to performance. The detergent will work as it is
designed and try to clean the cylinder walls. This can have an adverse effect
on the seal between the rings and liner, resulting in lost compression and
efficiency. There are different types of motor oils, including conventional,
synthetic, synthetic and high mileage oils, and they help you select the right
oil for your vehicle.

 Transmission oil;
What are the benefits of synthetic transmission fluid?
Like synthetic motor oil, synthetic transmission fluid offers several benefits
compared to conventional transmission fluid, including improved wear
protection, increased cleanliness, better heat resistance and smoother
cold-weather shifts. Synthetic transmission fluid doesn’t contain the
impurities inherent to conventional fluids distilled from crude oil. Instead,
synthetic base oils are built from the ground up in the lab. This allows
formulators to use only molecules that serve a designed purpose. As a
result, synthetic transmission fluid delivers excellent wear protection to
help your transmission last as designed, helps reduce heat to keep
components clean and flows readily in the cold for smooth, crisp shifts.

Why should you change transmission fluid?

Transmission maintenance can be easy to overlook – until something goes
wrong and you’re faced with an expensive repair bill. For best performance
and long transmission life, change the fluid according to the maintenance
guidelines given in your owner’s manual. If you tow or haul frequently, your
fluid will require morefrequent changing. This helps keep your transmission
clean and working reliably. It’s also a good idea to use a transmission flush
to help clean deposits or sludge that may reduce shift quality or component
life. Although some vehicles today use “filled-for-life” transmissions that
theoretically never require a fluid change, it’s best practice to change fluid
in these units at least once during their lifetime, and more if you tow or
haul. Doing so may require specialized tools and a service manual, but it
can be done on most "filled-for-life" transmissions.

Manual Transmission vs. Automatic Transmission:

Although they share the same purpose, automatic and manual
transmissions differ significantly in design. Most modern vehicles use
automatic transmissions, which commonly use 5-6 forward gears, but can
include up to 10. Your vehicle’s computer shifts gears automatically based
on engine speed, load and other factors. The fluid acts as a hydraulic fluid
to actuate the transmission solenoids and clutch packs to enable smooth
shifts. This means the fluid must maintain its viscosity and remain clean to
do its job properly. Manual transmissions require the driver to select the
proper gear depending on driving conditions. Though much simpler, the
manual transmission fluid must maintain viscosity to enable crisp shifts and
protect brass synchronizers against corrosion and wear. More vehicles
today are using continuously variable transmissions (CVT) or dual-clutch
transmissions (DCT). They each require CVT fluid or DCT fluid, which are
formulated specifically for their needs.

Brake fluid;
There are many different parts that contribute to the operation of the
brakes in a vehicle. Because the braking system is one of the main safety
features on a car, all of its parts should be maintained properly. Many car
owners know the basics when it comes to what should be maintained on
their vehicles, like changing the oil on a regular basis. Something that is just
as important, but might easily be forgotten, is brake fluid. Brake fluid, also
known as hydraulic fluid, is used every time a driver brings their car to a
stop. Brakes are unable to function properly without this fluid – so it’s
important that it’s kept in good condition. Keep reading to find out what
brake fluid does and why it’s so essential to the operation of the braking
system.

What Does Brake Fluid Do?

Simply put, a car’s braking system doesn’t work without brake fluid. The
brake fluid takes the force from the depressed brake pedal, translates it
into pressure, and sends this pressure to the front and rear brakes to stop a
vehicle. Brake fluid can’t be compressed, which makes it perfect for use
within a hydraulic braking system. It’s able to operate under the high
pressure and temperatures generated when a car is coming to a stop.

The role that brake fluid plays is relatively simple when broken
down:
• The driver steps on the brake pedal.

• The linkage applies force to the piston at the master cylinder.

• The master cylinder pressurizes the brake fluid and sends it to the
wheel cylinders and calipers.

• The hydraulic pressure acts on pistons to produce force.

• The force is exerted on the brake pads, which make contact with the
brake drum or rotor.

• The rotation of the wheels slows or stops.

Without brake fluid, there wouldn’t be the pressure necessary to get your
vehicle to a safe and complete stop. Any leaks or fluid that hasn’t been
changed in a while can cause issues on the road if not addressed.

How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Changed?

You should make sure to check the condition of your brake fluid often and
change it on a regular basis to ensure the braking system as a whole is able
to run smoothly. It’s easy to check the condition of brake fluid by looking –
a brake fluid reservoir is under the hood and there are markings showing
what the appropriate level of fluid should be. Fluid should be added if it’s at
a lower level than normal and monitored in case there’s a leak. A good rule
of thumb is to check the brake fluid every time your vehicle gets an oil
change. As far as completely replacing the fluid, this time frame can vary
depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. Referring to an owner’s
manual is the best bet to find the recommended time frame for your
specific vehicle.

Different Types of Brake Fluid

Knowing what brake fluid does and how it helps with the operation of the
system as a whole is a good first step as a car owner. It’s just as important
to know the difference between kinds of brake fluids, which are known by
different Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers.

The three main types of brake fluid include:

• DOT3: This is one of the most common types of brake fluid. It has a
glycol base and a lower boiling point. It also can absorb water from the
air. Most vehicles can use DOT3 brake fluid.

• DOT4: DOT4 braking fluid is similar to DOT3, but with a higher boiling
point. This makes it a more efficient fluid. It’s also very common and can
be used in a range of vehicles.

• DOT5: When looking at DOT3 or DOT4 versus DOT5 brake fluid, the
biggest difference is that DOT5 is a silicon-based fluid instead of glycol. It
doesn’t absorb water like the others and has the highest boiling point. It’s
not commonly used on road vehicles.

Powe steering fluid;

Power steering fluid is an essential part of keeping cars and trucks running.
Like the name implies, it’s what allows you to steer and turn your vehicle
with little to no effort.

Power steering fluid ensures the hoses, pistons, valves and power steering
pump work optimally. Without staying on top of the quality of your

vehicle’s power steering fluid and flushing it and replacing it as necessary,

the power steering pump will start to deteriorate.

Read along as Brian Murphy, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Education

& Development Program manager, answers the question, “What is power
steering fluid?” He explains the types of power steering fluid, how to
change power steering fluid, what color is power steering fluid, how to
flush power steering fluid and other information about how power steering
fluid keeps cars running smoothly.

What Is Power Steering?

The power steering system in a vehicle uses engine power to help reduce
the amount of effort needed to turn the front wheels of a vehicle. It’s a
system that helps the driver have increased control and handling of a
vehicle.

Power steering systems can be hydraulic or electric. Hydraulic systems use

fluid to apply hydraulic pressure to the system to help turn a car’s wheels.
An electric system uses an electric motor and various sensors to detect how
much force a driver is applying to the steering wheel, and then determines
how much assist needs to be added by the system.

What Does Power Steering Fluid Do?

Power steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid used in the steering system to
create a hydraulic link between the steering wheel and the front wheels.
That decreases the amount of effort required to turn the wheels.
 Power steering fluid also lubricates the moving parts within the steering
system. It suppresses foaming and prevents corrosion in the power steering
gear and steering pump, which keeps vehicles working optimally, power
steering fluid is red, amber, pink, light and/or clear. If it’s dark brown or
foamy, it probably needs to be changed. The power steering fluid reservoir
is located under the hood, usually on the passenger’s side of the vehicle,
although sometimes it can be found on the driver’s side. The container is
usually white or yellow with a black cap that has the words “power
steering” or “steering fluid” on the top.

What Are the Types of Power Steering Fluid?

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is the same fluid used inside the
automatic transmission. ATF can also be used in some power steering
systems. Some ATF types include Dexron and Mercon.

Synthetic power steering fluid is a non-oil-based fluid that’s created in a

lab. Synthetic power steering fluid is usually specifically engineered for the
particular car or system for which it’s being used. Most newer vehicles use
synthetic power steering fluid.

There are also non-synthetic, mineral-based oil power steering fluids that
may be used in applications that accept ATF fluids.
A lot of people ask, “Is power steering fluid the same as transmission fluid?
While ATF and power steering fluid are both hydraulic fluids, ATF features
different modifiers and detergents that are specifically designed to remove
dirt and grease from the transmission system

What Are Power Steering Fluid Specification Standards?

Power steering specification standards are requirements for the viscosity,
detergents, additives and other components of the fluid. Meeting these
standards ensures the power steering fluid is safe to use in a specific
vehicle.
Power steering fluid specification standards are created by standardization
organizations. For example, DIN 51 524T3 is the standard given by the
German Institute for Standardization, while ISO 7308 is the standard given
by the International Organization for Standardization.

Certain vehicles will require that power steering fluid meets both DIN 51
524T3 and ISO 7308 standards. There may be other power fluid standards
for certain types of vehicles, like those made by Japanese automakers.

Differential Fluid;
The differential relies on differential fluid to stay working in optimal
condition. What is differential fluid? It’s the oil that lubricates the internal
components of the differential, like the ring and pinion gear, so the
differential doesn’t start to grind down and cause major problems.

Brian Murphy, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Education &

Development Program Manager, Curriculum, shares more about why
differential fluid matters and why it’s important to maintain it.

What Does Differential Fluid Do?

Differential fluid ensures the differential stays working in peak condition
for a long time. Differential oil is sometimes referred to as gear oil and is
found in the axle housing. It’s designed to perform under high-pressure
situations, rather than high temperatures like engine oil.

Differential fluid:
• Lubricates clutch packs, gears and bearings

• Lubricates the ring and pinion gears that move power to the wheel axles
from the driveshaft

• Cools and lubricates the differential

 Without differential fluid, the differential would overheat due to metal-on-
metal contact. That means it would burn itself out and possibly cause safety
issues and require expensive repairs.

Differential fluid looks like engine oil but is thicker.

There are two types of differential fluid. One is mineral oil, which is a
natural, crude oil-based fluid. The other is synthetic differential fluid, which
is created in a lab. As with all synthetic oils, synthetic differential fluid oils
can be fine-tuned for optimal performance.

What Is Rear Differential Fluid?

Rear-wheel drive vehicles use a rear differential but no front differential.
A front-wheel drive vehicle will use a transaxle, which is part of the
transmission. Rear differential fluid is used for rear-wheel drive cars.

Trucks use the same fluid in both the inter-axle differential and the rear
differential.

How Often Should Differential Fluid Be Changed?

The answer depends on the manufacturer. It’s always best to consult your
owner’s manual for the proper service interval. In most cases, you will need
to change differential fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

It's important to stay on top of changing differential fluid because metal-

on-metal contact creates heat from friction. It also weakens gears and
wears down surfaces. That can lead to differential failure, which is a costly
problem.

What Happens When Differential Fluid Levels Are Low?

When differential fluid levels are low, the gears will begin to grind, which
can cause differential failures.

Unlike motor oil, which works with an oil filter, differentials don’t have a
filter. When a differential experiences unwanted friction, small metal
shavings or pieces may appear and cause significant damage to the
differential.

Clutch oil;
Clutch fluid is a viscous oil that is used to operate a clutch in an automobile
or other vehicle with a manual transmission. The fluid is poured into a tank
or unit called a master cylinder, which pumps fluid through the clutch
assembly. This assembly is responsible for moving the clutch during
operation of the transmission. This fluid can be used in cars, trucks,
motorcycles, heavy machinery, and any other vehicle that requires shifting
between gears in a transmission.

Many people believe that clutch fluid is its own specifically designed fluid
that is meant for use exclusively in clutch systems, but this is not the case.
It is almost always brake fluid used in a different context. Brake fluid is
measured based on its heat tolerance; the range is usually measured on a
2-5 scale. The Department of Transportation (DOT), is responsible for the
rating system in most of North America, so brake fluid and clutch fluid are
measured as DOT 2, DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5 in those countries. Clutch
fluid is often rated DOT 3 or DOT 4, since it does not require an especially
high heat tolerance.

Similar measurement systems are used in other countries to measure the

same heat tolerance. Clutch fluid is thicker than water, making it an ideal
choice for hydraulic systems that rely on pressurization for proper
operation. When the clutch pedal is depressed, it pressurizes the fluid in
the master cylinder, which in turn pushes the fluid toward a slave cylinder
mounted in or near the transmission. The slave is then pressurized, thereby
moving the components within the transmission that need to be moved in
order for effective shifting to take place. When the clutch pedal is released,
the system is depressurized, completing the shifting process.
If any component within the clutch system fails, shifting may be difficult or
impossible. It is likely that clutch fluid will leak out of the system, allowing
air to get into the system and adversely affecting clutch operation. The
components will need to be repaired or replaced to allow the clutch to
work properly again. The fluid in the system will also need to be flushed out
and replaced occasionally, especially if the system is somehow
compromised during its operation. Build-up of dirt or grit can affect clutch
performance, and any time air is allowed to enter the system for any
reason, bleeding will be necessary. This is especially true when a new clutch
system is installed; the entire system will need to be bled to ensure no air is
present in the fluid.

Coolant Fluid;
Car coolant, also known as antifreeze coolant, protects engines from
overheating. Coolant also lubricates the moving parts it comes into contact
with, which protects damage to the water pump, head gasket, the cylinder
and piston timing.

What Does Engine Coolant Do ?

Wondering what is car coolant exactly?

Coolant transfers heat and adds antifreeze protection to an engine, so your
car can stay running in optimal condition. Internal combustion engines
create energy by burning fuel.

Part of this energy is harnessed by the engine and is used to move the
vehicle forward. The remaining energy is converted into heat.

A portion of this heat leaves the engine through the exhaust. The rest
remains in the engine block itself. Average combustion temperatures are
close to 2,000°F and, in some instances, may reach as high as 4,500°F.
Aluminum components melt at about 1,225°F.
 A considerable amount of engine failures are related in some way to
engine cooling problems. To protect the engine and to keep it running at
the ideal temperature, engine coolant is used.

How Does Engine Coolant Work?

Car coolant is located in a reservoir affixed to the radiator before it’s
introduced to the engine block and its components.

Engine coolant is used in conjunction with a liquid cooling system. The

liquid cooling system is made up of several components.

• The water pump, or coolant pump, circulates coolant throughout the

system.

• The radiator conducts heat away from the coolant.

• Radiator hoses connect the parts of the cooling system.

• The fan pulls air through the radiator when the vehicle is not moving
fast enough to move the air.

• The thermostat controls the temperature of the coolant.

When the engine’s running, the coolant continuously circulates through

the engine and back through the radiator. Coolant exits from the bottom of
the radiator after it’s cooled. It’s then drawn into the water pump, which
pumps it into the engine’s block and head, where it absorbs the excess heat
to control the engine temperature. The coolant is then returned to the top
of the radiator where it’s cooled again.

What is Car Coolant Made Of?

All automotive coolants are glycol-based. Common coolants consist of a
mixture of ethylene glycol with additive packages and some water.
 Another glycol-based coolant consists of propylene glycol and water. The
major difference between the two types is that propylene glycol is less
toxic. Pure water has
more heat-carrying ability than pure ethylene glycol, so water would be the
best coolant to use if the only consideration in the selection of coolant was
its ability to carry off heat. But water presents other
challenges. It forms rust on iron engine parts. The rust is then carried off to
other cooling areas. The resulting corrosion interferes with heat transfer
even before the build-up plugs the radiator and fills the cooling system with
sediment.

Coolant helps reduce corrosion and engine rust. Coolant also provides
resistance to freezing. It won’t freeze and expand in hypercool
temperatures like water would. That protects your engine from cracking
and experiencing increased pressure.

Three types of coolant are routinely used to service vehicles cooling

systems.

 Inorganic Acid Technology Coolant

Inorganic acid technology (IAT) coolant is the conventional coolant that

was used on older vehicles for many years. This type of coolant needs to be
changed more frequently because it tends to lose its qualities faster. This
coolant can come in either a green or yellow color.

 Organic Acid Technology Coolant

There are several brands of organic acid technology (OAT) coolant. They
are available in several different colors, ranging from dark green and
orange, to pink and blue.

 Hybrid Organic Acid Technology Coolant

Hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT) coolant is a hybrid of IAT and OAT
coolants. HOAT is a popular coolant used in a majority of new vehicles.
 Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications in the owner’s manual of
your vehicle to verify what type of coolant your vehicle requires. Choosing
the wrong product can result in poor performance or engine failure.

Safe storage;
1. Create an Area for Lubricant Storage
This first tip may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised. Many
people are in the habit of lining their motor oils on the floor of the garage
where they are exposed to the elements, dirt, debris and dust. If you don’t
set up a proper storage area specifically for your automotive lubricants,
you’re making things much more difficult than they need to be .

2. Know the Shelf Life

It's easy to forget to look at the shelf life when you first purchase a
lubricant. However, when you go back to your storage area to find the
lubricant you need, you'll want to make sure it's still good to use. Products
used past their shelf life can result in poor performance and potentially
even damage the parts they are meant to aid.
The problem here is that the labeling on lubricant containers can be
scuffed up or rubbed off over time. That’s why it's a good idea to record
the shelf life of each lubricant when you buy it. Keep this record in your
storage area to make things easier on yourself.

3. Use Proper Dispensing Equipment

Dispensing equipment is made for various types of automotive lubricants.
Each piece of equipment is designed to ensure that the lubricant gets into
your vehicle without any sort of contamination. However, if you don't use
the proper dispensing equipment, you can end up contaminating the
lubricant before it gets into your vehicle. This could result in poor vehicle
performance. Do yourself a favor and purchase the right dispensing
equipment for each type of lubricant you need.

4. Quality Control
When you buy lubricants from your supplier, regularly test the product for
quality. Otherwise, you're just relying on the word of the supplier. Instead,
take time to analyze the lubricant. Simple oil analysis can provide key
indicators of the base stock, additives used, concentration, performance
and overall quality levels. Most places where you buy motor oils will
provide this information, giving you a chance to verify that everything looks
as it should.

 References;
1. (https://www.uti.edu )
(https://www.uti.edu/blog/automotive/differential-
fluid#:~:text=fluid%20looks%20like-,engine%20oil%20but,-is
%20thicker.)

1. (https://www.amsoil.com/c/transmission-fluid/19)

2. (https://transmissionbt.com/#:~:text=macOS%20as
%20an-,afterthought,-.%20With%20a%20sleek)