Power steering fluid is a kind of hydraulic fluid transferring power in modern vehicles with power steering. As a vital part of your steering system, a power steering fluid allows drivers to turn the steering wheel easily.
Power-steering fluid replacement is typically not a regular maintenance task for most cars, as it is replaced under the guidance of a mechanic or the discretion of the vehicle owner.
Many car manufacturers do recommend that an auto specialist flush the steering system from time to time. You always want to check your owner’s manual for the best course of action for your power steering fluid.
What is Power Steering Fluid?
Simply put, a power steering fluid is the fluid used in the power steering system to create a hydraulic link between the steering wheel and the front wheels, making it easier to turn. In addition, power steering fluid lubricates the moving parts of the steering system, allowing for optimal performance.
The power steering fluid used in your car is not universal. Some of the most common types of power steering fluid used include:
- Universal Power Steering Fluid – Most modern vehicles use universal power steering fluid in their systems and is incredibly easy to find.
- Synthetic-Based Hydraulic Fluid – If your car is manufactured overseas, you may need to use synthetic-based hydraulic fluid. This fluid is great because it flows well regardless of the temperature, as well as extends the life of the power steering system.
- Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) – Most domestic vehicles made before the turn of the 21st century and after 1970 use this kind of automatic transmission fluid.
Various power steering fluids are offered, so be sure to double-check which one your specific make and model requires. The type of power steering fluid needed can be found on the manufacturer’s website, in the manual, as well as sometimes printed directly on the reservoir cap.
What does power steering fluid look like?
When your power steering fluid is new and in good condition, it will be clear with a slight red tint. If the color shifts, it’s a good sign that you need to have it serviced.
To inspect it yourself, pop the hood and look for the steering fluid cap. Twist the cap off and shine a flashlight. Look for a dark brown or black color. This indicates the power steering fluid needs attention.
Most power steering fluid will last between two and three years or between 50,000 and 75,000 miles. It isn’t just a matter of replacing it, however. It should be flushed. Some manufacturers will give you a specific time, or it can be gauged through a visual inspection. Age and miles both play a factor here.
There’s no specific time your power steering fluid requires maintenance. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations and perform visual inspections a few times a year.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Power Steering Fluid
In some cases, you may need to change your power steering fluid sooner than scheduled. To ensure your power steering system remains in optimal condition, it’s important to understand some of the signs attributed to needing a replacement sooner rather than later. Some common signs include:
Dark Fluid
After running your car for a few minutes, pop the hood and pull out the dipstick. The power steering fluid should be bright red and clean. Power steering fluid that’s dark, dirty, or has a burnt smell usually indicates a problem.
Also, check inside the reservoir; there shouldn’t be any particles inside the liquid. If the fluid inside the reservoir is contaminated, it’s time to have the system flushed out and replaced with a new power steering fluid.
Unusual Sounds
A contaminated power steering fluid pump will make it harder for the power steering pump to do its job.
Over time, it struggles; and continually becomes louder and noisier. A loud powering system pump indicates it’s time to have the fluid changed.
Hard Steering Wheel
If the steering wheel is hard and becomes difficult to turn, the power steering fluid may be the issue. A steering wheel that no longer turns smoothly turns can indicate that the fluid is low and needs to be topped off.
Or, in some cases, the fluid is too thin and contaminated. It’s best to consider a vehicle inspection to determine which scenario may be the case.
While it’s simple to top off the power-steering fluid, if the remaining fluid is already contaminated, you may be enhancing the problem rather than helping it.
Is Power Steering Fluid All The Same?
Various vehicle applications require various kinds of power steering fluid. Some vehicles require an ATF transmission fluid such as MERCON or DEXRON.
Lots of newer vehicles use some sort of synthetic-based hydraulic fluid specifically formulated for power steering usage. Synthetic fluids can flow well at a relatively low temperature. This also improves longevity and pump lubrication.
Many auto professionals do have what is called a “universal” power steering fluid that can prove to be a satisfactory fluid for many vehicle applications.
However, it’s important to note that some vehicles may require additional additives to the power steering fluid. These special additives can be used corrosion protection and for pump lubricity.
How Often Should You Change the Power Steering Fluid?
The replacement interval can vary based on the type of vehicle you drive and the fluid it uses. However, the general interval to change the fluid is at least every two years to four years, and sometimes more often. This equates to about every 30,000 to 75,000 miles.
However, if you inspect the condition and it’s not clean, transparent, and free of particles, then the fluid should be changed sooner.
What Happens if You Neglect It?
If your vehicle runs out of fluid and you don’t replace it, other parts and areas of the car can suffer. Pieces of the steering system may wear out or corrode. This could leave broken parts and debris moving around in the vehicle.
If you fail to replace the fluid regularly, it could eventually lead to a total break-down of your car. The last thing you want is to find yourself in the middle of nowhere with an inoperable vehicle because you never changed the power steering fluid.
What Can You Use If You Don’t Have Power Steering Fluid?
You as a car owner know and can better feel when you have little to no power steering fluid. Power steering fluid is vital for every vehicle and if need be, has to be replenished whenever levels are too low.
So, what if you can’t get your hands on power steering fluid, and you need a substitute for your car? You have a few options, according to auto professionals.
First and foremost, if your power steering fluid is an issue for you, then you should take the time to check the power steering fluid on a regular or even a monthly basis and looing to see what the appropriate amount of fluid is for your car.
You also want to do that periodic check to ensure that your power system is functioning well and you don’t have any leaks.
A word of caution here: be careful when choosing an alternative for your power steering fluid. All it takes is selecting the wrong kind of fluid, to cause damage and hefty car repair bills.
A fluid that is incompatible can forge an attack on your seals, rubber parts and plastic. The wrong fluid can also have a bad reaction with the remnants of the original fluid, which can produce an acidic fluid that’s in your car.
ATF- Automatic Transmission Fluid
Many vehicles-those manufactured between 1980 and 2000- are able to use ATF or automatic transmission fluid- as an alternative to power steering fluid.
If the power steering fluid in your car is purplish or reddish in color, it is very likely that the fluid is ATF fluid. Talk to your mechanic if you are not sure.
DEXRON
DEXRON is a transmission fluid is another alternative and is generally grayish, brownish or even greenish in color. If your vehicle’s power steering fluid doesn’t have a purple or red color, then it may be a DEXRON-kind-of transmission fluid.
MERCON
MERCON transmission fluid is quite similar to DEXRON transmission fluid, and is a suitable substitute for your power steering fluid, or if your DEXRON fluid is not within reach.
Before using a substitute for your power steering fluid, ask a mechanic and discuss the alternatives at are best suited for your car.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
If you hear a whining sound coming from under your hood when you make a turn, or it’s becoming harder to turn the steering wheel, your car might be running low on power steering fluid.
Check your car’s power steering fluid in a few simple steps. First, warm the engine to a normal operating temperature. Get the fluid up to temperature by turning the steering wheel in one direction until it stops.
Then, crank it all the way in the opposite direction. Repeat this back-and-forth process several times. Next, follow the steps below.
- Turn off the engine.
- Locate the power steering fluid reservoir under the hood. Depending on the vehicle, it may be on the right side or left side of the engine. Typically, the container is yellow or white and has a black cap. Wipe it and the cap clean with a cloth.
- Check the fluid level by viewing the dipstick attached to the cap. Remove, wipe clean, and reinsert the dipstick.
- Remove the dipstick again and observe where the level reaches. If it is below the MIN line, add new fluid not exceeding the MAX line.
- Examine the quality of the fluid. Suitable fluid will have a clear appearance and not show any debris. Contaminated fluid will appear dark, cloudy, or foamy.
How Do I Add Power Steering Fluid to My Car?
If your power steering reservoir’s fluids are low, then it’s time to add more. Check out how it’s done below.
- Start your vehicle’s engine and allow it to run until the temperature gauge is at normal operating range.
- As your engine idles, turn your steering wheel until it fully locks. Then turn it the other way which is opposite of the lock. You may have to do this several times.
- Turn off your engine.
- Then, open your hood.
- Find the power steering reservoir- which is usually located near the engine, and is usually outfitted with either a yellow or a white reservoir and a black cap.
- Clean the reservoir with a cloth so that dirt won’t enter into it, while you’re working on it.
- Look at your fluid level. Depending on the reservoir type, you may have to either pull or twist your cap. Then continue on with pulling out a dipstick. Then, see where the fluid levels are based on the “MAX” or “MIN” indicators on the stick.
- If your reservoir level or the dipstick is between “MAX” and “MIN,” no addition of fluid is needed.
- If the fluid falls below the “MIN” indicator line, then you need to take the cap off/ leave the dipstick out and add some power steering fluid. Be sure to be careful and you add the fluid in tiny increments. Please do not fill the fluid past “MAX” indicator line.
- Then, close the car or replace the dipstick, and ensure that you’ve sealed it tightly.
Is It Bad To Drive With Low Power Steering Fluid?
If you choose to drive your car for long periods of time, with no power steering fluid, then you run the risk of damaging the pump.
No, there is nothing that will physically stop you from driving your car; but driving it with low levels of power steering fluid is never a good idea.
Once that fluid level drops, you not only have a dry pump on your hands, but high levels of heat and friction that can lead to hefty repair bills.
Can I Drive Without Power Steering Fluid?
The short answer is “sure you can!” but a better question to ask is: “do you really want to drive my car without my power steering fluid?”
Power steering fluid assists with the motion of your vehicle, while protecting your car from tear and wear. If you fail to add power steering fluid regularly or don’t use it at all, then you run the risk of damaging the pinion, rack and pump of your car.
How Long Can You Drive With Low Power Steering Fluid?
The power steering fluid in your car is the needed lubricant for your vehicle’s power steering pump. This ensures that the pump stays cool and doesn’t overheat.
Sure, you can drive your car without power steering fluid; but don’t plan on a long trip to the store or a day of running errands and your vehicle has no power steering fluid in it.
In other words, it’s NOT SAFE for you to drive a car without any power steering fluid.