In order for your Mercedes to run smoothly, a number of different fluids are needed. These fluids help to lubricate the engine, cool it down, and clean away debris.
Different fluids are compatible with different types of vehicles. Ensuring you are using the correct fluids for your Mercedes-Benz will help keep it running at optimal performance. Here is everything you need to know about Mercedes fluids.
How Do I Know Which Fluids to Use for My Mercedes?
The best way to determine which operating fluid is right for your Mercedes-Benz vehicle is to refer to the respective Vehicle Operator’s Manual or Owner's Manual. It will provide detailed information on the type of fluids and service intervals recommended by Mercedes-Benz as well as any special instructions that need to be followed when servicing your particular model.
Additionally, it's always a good idea to check with your local independent Mercedes-Benz specialist or dealer for advice about the best options for keeping your vehicle in top condition.
Mercedes-Benz engine oils, transmission fluids, and other lubricants are specifically designed to meet the exact specifications of the manufacturer. These premium-grade products help protect vital components and ensure your vehicle runs at peak performance.
Because they are made with higher quality ingredients than aftermarket alternatives, genuine Mercedes fluids last longer and provide superior protection against sludge build-up, rust, and corrosion. This is what makes every Mercedes operating fluid important for Mercedes-Benz vehicles
Why It’s Important to Keep an Eye on Your Vehicle's Fluids
It is essential to regularly change the various fluids in Mercedes-Benz vehicles to prevent damage to their internal systems.
Not changing your engine oil on time can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, reduced power output, accelerated wear on engine parts, and ultimately costly repairs. The same goes for all the other fluids in your vehicle, as they all play an essential role in ensuring your Mercedes-Benz runs smoothly.
8 Types of Fluids Your Mercedes Will Require:
Mercedes Engine Oil
Engine oil lubricates engine components to prevent excessive wear during operation. It also helps prevent corrosion and deposits that can lead to reduced fuel economy as well as early engine failure.
The best practice is to choose genuine Mercedes-Benz-approved motor oil; however, if synthetic or conventional oils are used they must be Mercedes-Benz engine oil specifications approved.
For the best performance, the frequency of oil changes depends on your vehicle’s recommended engine oil specifications, change intervals and driving conditions. As a basic rule of thumb, engine oil should be replaced either every 6 months, or every 5,000km to 10,000km.
Mercedes Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is something found only in automatic cars, as it helps assist the car’s automatic transmission functions. It also acts as a lubricant for gears.
The best way to check how often to change your transmission oil is to refer to your owner’s manual. For automatic vehicles, it is recommended to check your transmission oil every month. For manual vehicles, this oil should be changed somewhere between 48,000 and 80,000 kilometres.
Mercedes Differential Oil
Differential oil transfers power from the engine to the wheels and provides lubrication to the differential gears. Like with transmission fluid, differential oil helps keep the differential - the system that helps wheels turn - running as smoothly as possible. It does this by cooling and lubricating the differential, as well as lubricating the clutch gears and packs.
Differential oil is something that needs to be changed more often for larger 4x4s than smaller sedans. While large vehicles should change their differential oil every 30,000km - 40,000km, this may be more for smaller cars.
Mercedes Power Steering Fluid
As the name suggests, power steering fluid is used to enable the steering wheel to become hydraulically linked to the front wheels of the vehicle and keep them lubricated. This makes turning with a steering wheel easier to perform and helping reduce wear and tear on components like pumps and hoses.
Power steering fluid should be changed when it becomes dark in colouring. This typically occurs every 50,000km - 100,000km.
Mercedes Engine Coolant
Engine coolant is a liquid that helps maintain the optimal temperature of your engine and prevent corrosion. Its main function is to transfer heat away from the engine to keep everything from overheating and causing damage to the internals of the whole vehicle.
While it can differ between sizes of car and engine, engine coolant should be replaced either every 2 years or every 40,000 kilometres.
Mercedes Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is used in a car’s hydraulic brakes and clutch to amplify the force of the braking motion of that car. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake fluid pressurises the brakes to slow and stop the vehicle.
In terms of distance, brake fluid should be changed every 40,000km - 60,000km. In terms of time, brake fluid should be changed every 2 - 3 years.
Mercedes Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
Hydraulic clutch fluid is very similar to brake fluid, however, it is specialised specifically for the clutch. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the pressure of the fluid engages the clutch, allowing for gear change to occur.
Hydraulic clutch fluid should be replaced once you notice significant dirtiness in the fluid - which is often every 12 months.
Mercedes Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield washer fluid is a fluid used in conjunction with windshield wipers to clean both the front windshield as well as the rear window. Depending on how often you use your fluid, you should be changing the washer fluid every two months or every time you get your car serviced.
Consider Stuttgart Autos for your Mercedes-Benz Services
Stuttgart Autos is Perth’s only independent Authorised Mercedes-Benz Repair Centre, making them the go-to place for any problems with your Mercedes. We have a wide range of services for all things relating to your vehicle, from fluid checks and top-ups, to more traditional servicing.
Get in touch with Stuttgart Autos today by calling (08) 9470 3337, and get your Mercedes-Benz quality service from a local team.