Your vehicle has many different fluids necessary to run the systems the way they need to. If a family member or friend has told you that you should get blinker fluid, you may ask yourself: what are the advantages of it? Also, what is blinker fluid and is it something I need to keep my vehicle running right?
In this guide, I’m going to explain the history behind blinker fluid and show you what makes it not real. I will also explain the fluids that are a needed.
What is Blinker Fluid?
Blinker fluid is not real and is something that would never be used in car maintenance. Blinker fluid may be used as a prank for those who do not know about car maintenance. There are videos on the internet of people going around to try to find “blinker fluid” at the auto parts store.
Telling someone to go buy blinker fluid, is a prank on them. It is a simple prank to play on someone without knowledge of various car fluids.
You can even find blink fluid coupons online along with “blinker fluid” bottles to keep the gag going. There are also others about tail light or headlight fluid.
The reality is that the blinkers in your car are part of the electrical system. If you added any fluids to them it would damage them (but it is still a funny gag!)
History of Blinker Fluid
It’s hard to know where the term “blinker fluid” came from. Back to 2004, Google searches began to show results related to “blinker fluid.” It could have been an interesting term used by accident at that time, or perhaps just something that became popular.
I think it could have already been a term, but rather took off for the younger generation who were on the internet at the time.
We can’t really give credit to the blinker fluid prankster, but it is still funny. It is a classic practical joke that provides a Fool’s Errand.
One person who is knowledgeable about required car maintenance tells another person who is not, that they need blinker fluid.
The person runs to the store and wastes lots of time looking for blinker fluid. Hopefully they also asked an associate where to find it, because everyone should enjoy a good belly laugh.
The blinker fluid joke has provided countless years of online enjoyment. You can find viral videos of unsuspecting people looking for the fluid and great laughter is guaranteed to all viewers.
Where to Purchase Blinker Fluid?
If you want to prank someone, you have two options: You can send them on a Fool’s Errand and chase after a nonexistent product, which will result in confusion and embarrassment.
You could do this and it would surely make for a great reaction (and you should definitely film it), or, you could also play it a different way.
You can purchase a bottle of fake blinker fluid and tell them to use it. There are many empty bottles that are labeled blinker fluid on different online platforms. You can purchase them on Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, and other online marketplaces. Once the bottle arrives, you can put water in it before you gift it.
When you do purchase blinker fluid online, make sure you read the reviews and the Q&A section as both contain excellent information to make your prank that much more fun.
How Do Turn Signals Work?
Now that we’ve established the fact that blinkers do not operate in any way using fluids, it’s important to understand how turn signals do function.
The turn signals are an electrical safety feature that allows you to indicate to other drivers and pedestrians when you plan to change lanes or change direction. The turn signals are an important safety feature that help keep accidents from happening.
Turn signals utilize electrical power to brighten the bulbs only when needed. A circuit connects to the bulb that is controlled by a power source running to a switch. When you activate your turn signal by flipping the switch, it completes the circuit to illuminate the specific light.
Turn signals use a blinking pattern to ensure more attention is directed to the light. The blinking light makes other drivers aware of your intentions to ensure that an accident doesn’t occur.
This rhythmic pattern happens because the module sends power pulses through to the lights. This module is also known as a flasher.
When you turn off the switch, the completed circuit is closed. This is basically a mechanical electrical switch that turns off the blinkers until the switch is reactivated.
Key Car Fluids
1. Motor Oil.
Motor oil is an essential fluid for a car. It lubricates the engine, and allows for acceptable movement of function. It can also can cool an engine. It will reduce the temperature from the engine as long as it is clean and fresh oil.
Also, motor oil can clean the engine, especially when the formula is synthetic with detergents that can clean engine residue.
When using conventional motor oil, you may need to replace oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. On the other hand, synthetic motor oil can go every 7,500 to 15,000 miles without replacing.
2. Coolant.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol and water, also referred to as antifreeze. It will remove heat that can come from the engine to keep the engine at its proper temperature.
You fill the radiator on a car to the radiator reservoir with coolant. Specifically, coolant flows from the radiator through hoses to keep circulating through the motor through hoses back to the radiator to maintain optimum temperature.
Coolant will prevent the engine from freezing up as well. Always remember to never put pure water directly into the reservoir. Water can freeze temperatures drop. It may also not have the same viscosity that you need.
A good idea is to help keep the system working like it should is with a coolant flush. You may want to look at having it done at least every 30,000 miles or every two to three years.
3.Transmission Fluid.
Just like motor oil lubricates and cools the engine, the transmission fluid does the same in the transmission while also acting as a hydraulic fluid for shifting the transmission. The transmission fluid will need occasional topping off, so ensure you are paying close enough attention to it.
Check your car owner’s manual to determine what the change interval is for a transmission flush. Some vehicles have a very short interval of 30,000 miles, while others can last well beyond 100,000 miles.
4. Brake Fluid.
The brake fluid is also a hydraulic fluid, and when you apply pressure to the brake pedal, that pressure is amplified and sent to the brake pads. Brake fluid will evaporate over time from the high heat of the braking system, so if the system has insufficient fluid, there is a potential danger involved.
The general rule of thumb for a brake fluid flush is every 30,000 miles, or every two years. Because brake work sometimes involves adding additional brake fluid to the system, you may need to add brake fluid even though you may not have flushed the brake fluid flush yet.
5. Steering Fluid.
Power steering fluid is also a hydraulic fluid, but it drives the power steering pump. The fluid is carried in the pumping reservoir under the hood and lubricates steering, but it also amplifies the force of the steering wheel so that driving is easier.
Power steering fluid should be changed every 50,000 miles, depending on how it is used. In any case, check your owner’s manual for your car’s specifications.
6. Windshield Washer Fluid.
Windshield washer fluid is important for cleaning auto glass. When you pull the windshield wiper/washer lever, washer fluid sprays so you can wipe off dirt, bugs and other contaminants.
You don’t need to do a flush on the windshield washer fluid; just check the container as you would any other fluid and keep it full so you can clean your auto glass any time you need to.