The Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter Guide to Proper Fluids for Your Vehicle
July 28, 2024
The automotive professionals at Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter would like to give Dexter 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 Dexter 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 Dexter 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 Dexter area.
Let's start with engine oil. Dexter 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 Dexter 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 Dexter 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 Dexter 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 Dexter drivers. Fortunately, Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter 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 Dexter
414 N 1 Mile Rd.
Dexter, Missouri 63841
573-614-7886
http://charliesfastlubedexter.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter

Read a Good Tire Lately? (Tire Wear)
March 8, 2026
There's lots of good information to read in books and online. You might not know that you can also "read" your tires and learn a lot about what shape they're in and if they are in need of attention. It's important to know how your tires are doing because a tire failure can be very dangerous to y... More

The ?Man-Made? Engine Oil (Synthetic Oil Change)
March 1, 2026
If you own a newer vehicle, your vehicles manufacturer may require that it use synthetic oil instead of conventional oil. Synthetic oils are more stable, dont break down as easily, and provide better engine protection than conventional oil. All those things can prolong the life of your engine an... More

Positive Crankcase Ventilation ? PCV Valve Service at Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter
February 22, 2026
Hello Dexter! Did you know that the first federally-mandated emissions control device was introduced in the 1960's? The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, or PCV valve, has been installed in Missouri vehicles since 1964 and represents the first legislation by the United States government to re... More
