The Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson Guide to Proper Fluids for Your Vehicle
March 12, 2023
The automotive professionals at Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson would like to give Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Missouri ] owners rely on the advice of their friendly and knowledgeable Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson 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 Jackson area.
Let's start with engine oil. Jackson drivers who have been paying attention will have noticed a number of new oil weights on the Missouri 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 Jackson service center will know what weight your vehicle manufacturer recommends - and it's important to follow those recommendations. Your service advisor at Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Missouri drivers need will grow. And, some of the formulations will cost a little more for Jackson drivers. Fortunately, Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson 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.
Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson
1901 E. Jackson Blvd.
Jackson, Missouri 63755
575-243-2226
http://www.charliesfastlubejackson.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson

Light Up your Life (Headlamp Replacement)
January 25, 2026
Did you know that having a burned out headlight can result in your rearview mirror reflecting some flashing lights? In other words, you might get pulled over by the police for only having one working headlight, because in most places it's against the law. Not only is it illegal to drive with one... More

Knowledge is Power (Battery Testing)
January 18, 2026
Its likely happened to you once or twice. You head to your vehicle, open the door, turn the key and lo and behold, your battery is dead. Now youre stranded, may have to get a jump or a tow, and youll definitely be late for wherever you were headed. While your vehicle may sometimes give you warni... More

Don't Neglect Your Spare (Spare Tire Care)
January 11, 2026
If you've ever had a flat tire, then you know welcome it is to have a spare tire that is properly inflated, in good shape and easy to get to. Problem is many of us don't even give our spare tire (if we even have one) a second thought. If you have an SUV or truck with a spare, it may be mounted o... More
