This article will cover the following list of questions to help you better understand the importance of maintaining your power steering fluid.
- What is power steering fluid?
- Is changing power steering fluid necessary?
- How often should power steering fluid be changed?
- How do you know when to change your power steering fluid?
- How much does it cost to replace power steering fluid?
- What happens if you drive with low power steering fluid?
- Is there a good substitute for power steering fluid?
- Can you test your car’s power steering fluid?
What is power steering fluid?
It’s a special mix of coolant and a special chemical product designed to help protect the hydraulic parts of your power steering system. A bottle of this protection costs around $8 and fights corrosion plus daily wear and tear from driving.
The coolant additive keeps your power steering fluid from becoming too thick in cold temperatures and prevents it from boiling when the temperature rises. The psi (pounds per square inch) rating for most vehicles’ power steering fluid is around 90, but it can vary. Some vehicles have a psi rating of 68 or 80. NOTE: When you change your power steering fluid, it’s important to use your vehicle’s correct kind and amount.
Is changing power steering fluid necessary?
Yes. For best performance and long life, it’s really important to check your vehicle manufacturer’s handbook for the recommended service intervals. In most cases, it needs to be checked and maintained at the same time you check your vehicle’s other fluids. If the color of the fluid is dark or brown, it most likely needs to be changed to help extend the pump’s life by as much as 30%.
How often should power steering fluid be changed?
It depends on whether your vehicle has been driven only in city traffic, which is a little more brutal than freeway driving since it typically requires more turning. The best way to know how often you should change it is to look at the recommendations in the service manual or maintenance schedule that’s included with every new vehicle owner’s handbook.
How do you know when to change your power steering fluid?
If you hear a whining sound while turning left or right, chances are the levels are low or things have started to break down. If you’ve noticed it’s a bit harder to turn, especially while driving in the city, it could be due to a low level of fluid. Check the dipstick or reservoir and add more if necessary. When changing or adding this yourself, use a funnel directly over the opening of the reservoir. This will help guarantee nothing is spilled on the ground or engine compartment.
How much does it cost to replace power steering fluid?
The average cost for changing your vehicle’s power steering fluid is $55 to $75, and the average life expectancy for a power steering pump is around 60,000 miles. If you ignore changing your power steering fluid you’ll have to change it sooner. Routine maintenance will help avoid the cost of a new steering pump which can run around $200 or more.
What happens if you drive with low power steering fluid?
When the power steering fluid gets too low, your pump will lose some of its effectiveness and it’ll be harder to turn the wheels left and right. If you don’t add more fluid, it could damage your pump which would require a new one to be installed. You may want to hire a mechanic if you reach this level. Projects like this can be handled for $200 to $500 dollars which can be a bit expensive for most budgets. It can be difficult to perform a technical job like this, but for a specialist, it’s quite simple so it might be worth the expense to hire someone with experience.
Is there a good substitute for power steering fluid?
Power steering fluid is designed specifically to lubricate and cool the power steering system components. If you change your power steering fluid too often, your pump could prematurely wear out, because it’s being forced to operate with an overly thick fluid – preventing its normal operation. The best substitute for power steering fluid is plain water, but only in an emergency.
Can you test your car’s power steering fluid?
Yes. First, make sure the vehicle has cooled off completely and open the hood so you have access to the reservoir for checking the fluid level. Look for a dipstick in the reservoir that will tell you the current fluid level. If it’s low, add more fluid and check the reservoir again in a few minutes. The fluid should be close to the top, which means you shouldn’t have to add any more until your next scheduled maintenance.
Is one brand of power steering fluid better than the other?
While there are many different types of power steering fluid, some people think one type is better than another. The truth is, all pretty equal and work the same. Any power steering fluid will break down after a while, no matter who makes it or what brand it is. This usually happens from heat and chemical interaction between the fluid and components inside your steering system. If your power steering fluid has become too low from leaking, you’ll notice an unusual noise or whining sound coming from the pump. The point in changing the fluid regularly is to prevent any wear and tear on your pump before it becomes necessary.
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