Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid used for steering vehicles with power steering. Power steering allows drivers to turn a vehicle’s steering wheel with little to no effort, allowing drivers to quickly and easily navigate through traffic.
Power-steering fluid is unlike motor oil in that it is not replaced as a part of maintenance like oil changes in most vehicles. Power steering fluids are changed at the mechanic’s discretion, usually based on the manufacturer’s recommended replacement interval or the vehicle owner’s discretion based on what they feel is necessary or required.
It is important to check your owner’s manual to see when to flush the steering system and/or the factory-recommended maintenance interval, based on the vehicle owner’s experience with that automobile. Most manufacturers include the vehicle’s power steering malfunction, but most manufacturers recommend that an auto specialist flush the power steering system regularly.
What is Power Steering Fluid?
In short, power steering fluid is the standard fluid used within the power steering system to give a hydraulic link between the steering wheel and the front wheels of the vehicle. Power steering fluids, which lubricate the moving parts of the steering system, allow it to function properly.
The power steering fluid used in your vehicle is not universal to all vehicles. Some of the most common power steering fluid uses include:
- Universal Power Steering Fluid. Almost all modern vehicles utilize universal power steering fluid in their systems, and it is super easy to find.
- Synthetic Based Hydraulic Fluid. For cars manufactured overseas you will often have to use synthetic based hydraulic fluid. The use of synthetic based hydraulic fluids are beneficial as it lubricates better increasing steering system life also synthetic fluids flow well varying temp.
- Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). This type of automatic transmission fluid is used in most domestic vehicles manufactured before the year 2000 and after 1970.
There are many formulations when it comes to power steering fluids, so make sure to confirm which power steering fluid your specific vehicle make and model requires.
Generally speaking, the type of power steering fluid required by your vehicle can be found on the manufacturer’s website, in the manual, and/or sometimes printed right on the reservoir cap.
What does power steering fluid look like?
Power steering fluid is a bright red color when it is new and in good condition. If there is a change in the color of the power steering fluid, that’s a good indication that you will need to have it serviced.
To check it yourself, all you need to do is pop the hood on your car, find the power steering fluid cap, twist it off, and shine a flashlight into the container. You are looking for a dark brown or black color. If you see any dark brown or even black color, your power steering fluid needs to be taken care of.
Most power steering fluid will last 2-3 years or anywhere between 50,000 and 75,000 miles. It’s not just a matter of replacing your power steering fluid, it should be flushed out. Some maintenance manufacturers have a set time frame, or you can visually inspect the fluid. Both age and miles will play a part in this.
There’s no specific time that your power steering fluid is due for service or maintenance. You should follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Also, check the power steering fluid a few times a year visually as well.
Signs You’re Going to Need Power Steering Fluid
In some scenarios, you are going to want to replace your power steering fluid sooner than you expect to. To keep your power steering system in peak operating condition, it pays to know some of the signs that are associated with needing replacement sooner rather than later. Some examples include:
Dark Fluid
Go for a drive in your car for about five minutes, pop the hood, take the cap off the power steering fluid, and pull the dipstick out. Looking at the power steering fluid should be bright red and clean. Dark, dirty, or burnt-smelling power steering fluid (obviously burning signals a problem) usually tells you there is something wrong.
Also take a look inside the power steering fluid reservoir, there should be no visible particles that are present in the fluid. If there is some contamination inside the power steering fluid reservoir, you should have this system flushed out and replace the contaminated power steering fluid.
Noisy Sounds
If the power steering fluid pump is contaminated, it will put greater difficulty on the power steering pump.
Over time, it wrestles and begins to make more noise as if it is struggling. A loud, powering system pump is an indicator that it is time for a change in power steering fluid.
Hard Turning Steering Wheel
When the steering wheel becomes hard and is difficult to turn, power steering fluid could be an issue. A steering wheel that no longer turns effortlessly could indicate that you are low on power steering fluid and just need to top it off.
Alternatively, in some cases, you must evaluate whether the power steering fluid that is in the system is too thin and contaminated. A vehicle inspection should be completed to help evaluate which circumstance it may be.
Nevertheless, topping off the power-steering fluid is easy, but if the power-steering fluid remaining inside the system is contaminated, you may only be making the contaminated fluid issue worse rather than fixing the problem.
Is Power Steering Fluid All The Same?
There are different types of fluids for different vehicle applications. While some vehicles may specify an ATF transmission fluid such as DEXRON or MERCON, many of the newer vehicles use some type of synthetic hydraulic fluid which has been specially formulated for power steering.
Synthetic fluids have a much better ability to flow at relatively lower temperatures, as well as being a better lubricant for the pump and allowing for longevity.
Many auto professionals will also offer what is called “universal” power steering fluid and it may be a perfectly satisfactory fluid for many vehicle applications.
However, many fluid manufacturers will state that you may have to add other materials or additives to the power steering fluids you purchase. These materials or additives are usually designed for corrosion protection or pump lubricity.
When Should You Replace Power Steering Fluid?
The intervals for replacement will be contingent on the type of vehicle you drive and what type of power steering fluid the vehicle uses; however, as a rule of thumb, the interval for replacement is at least every two years or four years, or sometimes even sooner. This is equivalent to approximately every 30,000 to 75,000 miles.
However, if you inspect it and even if it is clear, transparent to the naked eye or visibly absent of particles, then you will want/required to replace it sooner.
What Happens if You Don’t Replace Power Steering Fluid?
Your automobile is full of moving parts, and if it runs out of fluid, it can lead to other components and parts failing as well.
Fasteners could fail, and pieces in the steering system may corrode or wear. The next thing you know, you have broken parts, debris moving throughout the interior of your automobile, or similar events.
If you never replace your fluid, in the long haul, you would be looking at an expensive, and perhaps even complete failure of your unreplaceable automobile.
The last thing you want to do is be left stranded in a place where there is no signs of life around you because you forgot or never even thought it would be necessary to replace your power steering fluid.
What Can You Use If You Don’t Have Power Steering Fluid?
As a responsible car owner, you know driving without power steering fluid is not a good idea. Power steering fluid is critical for every vehicle, and you need to replace it whenever it gets low.
So, if you are wondering if there are alternatives for car power steering fluid, you have a few options, according to auto experts.
First off, if you have any issues with your power steering fluid, you are best off checking your power steering fluid on a regular and possibly monthly, basis, so that you know how much fluid is appropriate for your car.
You should conduct periodic checks too to make sure that your power steering system is functioning properly, and there are no leaks.
One note of caution here is to be very particular about the substitute for power steering fluid that you choose. There are many directions you can go, but just one error would put your seals, rubber parts, or even plastic and power steering system all in jeopardy and possibly of costly repairs.
An incompatible fluid can attack your seals, rubber, and plastic components. Even fluid that has some residual original fluid can have an adverse reaction that can lead to acid formation.
ATF- Automatic Transmission Fluid
Many vehicles manufactured between 1980 and 2000 can 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, the fluid is likely ATF fluid. Talk to your mechanic if you are not sure.
DEXRON
DEXRON is a transmission fluid that is another alternative, and it’s usually grayish, brownish or even greenish.
If your car’s power steering fluid is not purple or red in color, then it’s probably a DEXRON-type transmission fluid.
MERCON
Unless your DEXRON fluid is not handy, then MERCON transmission fluid is probably the next best substitute you can use for power steering fluid. MERCON fluid is nearly an exact substitute with DEXRON fluid.
To make the best choice about substitute with power steering fluid, it should straight talking to a mechanic and discussing your substitutes that might be appropriate for your vehicle.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid?
If you hear a whining sound when making a turn or if it’s difficult to turn the steering wheel, you may need power steering fluid.
Checking power steering fluid is simple. First, warm the engine to normal operating temperature.
To warm up the fluid, turn the steering wheel in one direction until it stops, then one complete turn back (you want to keep the fluid warm). Do this back and forth several times, and then follow these steps:
- Turn off the engine.
- Locate the power steering fluid reservoir under the hood. It may be located on the right side or left side of your engine, depending on your vehicle. The container is usually yellow or clear, with a black cap. Clean both the reservoir and cap with a cloth.
- You can check the fluid level by looking at the dipstick (attached to the cap). Uncap the dipstick, wipe it dry with a clean cloth, sticking it back in and then remove again.
- When you look at the dipstick again, consider where the fluid level reaches. If you are below the MIN line, add fluid until you reach the MAX line.
- Look at the quality of the fluid. Fluid that is of good quality will be clear and free of any debris. Fluid that is contaminated will be dark, cloudy, or foamy.
How do I add power steering fluid to my vehicle?
If your power steering reservoir is low, it’s time to add fluid!
Here’s how to do that:
- Start your vehicle and let it run until the temperature gauge reaches normal operating range.
- While your engine is idling, turn your steering wheel until it locks one way. Then turn the steering wheel the other way, which is opposing the lock. You may need to complete this a few times.
- Turn your engine off.
- Then, open your hood.
- Locate the power steering reservoir, which is usually near the engine, and generally has either a yellow or a white reservoir with a black cap.
- Wipe the reservoir clean with a cloth so dirt doesn’t get into it as you work with it.
- Check the fluid level. Depending on the reservoir design you may need to remove or screw off a cap. Then remove a dipstick, if there is one, and check for the indicators for “MAX” and “MIN” levels of fluid.
- If your dipstick or reservoir reads between “MIN” and “MAX”, you don’t need to add any fluid.
- If the fluid is below the “MIN” indicator line, you will need to remove the cap/ leave out the dipstick to add power steering fluid. Go slow, and be careful to only add a small amount of fluid at a time. Do not fill past the “MAX” indicator line.
- Then, close the vehicle and replace the dipstick, and ensure that you have sealed tightly.
Is It Bad to Drive with Low Power Steering Fluid?
If you decide to drive your vehicle for a longer time with no power steering fluid, you risk damaging the pump.
No, there is nothing that will physically stop you from driving your vehicle, but driving it with low levels of power steering fluid is never a good option.
Once that level drops, you not only have a dry pump but also increased temperatures and friction, which can also lead to expensive repairs if they got to that stage.
Can I Drive Without Power Steering Fluid?
Sure, you can! But a more pertinent question should be, “Do you want to drive my car without my power steering fluid in it?”
Power steering fluid assists in making the motion of your vehicle easier on the driver and prevents wear on your vehicle.
If you are neglectful in adding power steering fluid and don’t regularly use it, you risk damaging the rack, pinion, and pump in your vehicle.
How Long Can You Drive with Low Power Steering Fluid?
The power steering fluid in your vehicle is also the lubrication for your vehicle’s power steering pump, which keeps the pump cool to prevent it from overheating.
Yes, you can drive your vehicle without power steering fluid in it, but don’t plan a trip to the store for groceries or a day out running errands in a vehicle where you are driving without any power steering fluid!
In other words, it is NOT SAFE to drive a vehicle without any power steering fluid.