How to Check Power Steering Fluid & Keep Your Car Smooth

Whether you want to park your car safely or maneuver around narrow lanes, more physical effort is needed to turn the steering wheel.

Sometimes, it also puts the car’s stability at risk, especially if you suddenly lose control over the wheel. This is where the power steering mechanism comes into play!

It transmits the power throughout the vehicle, ensuring drivers won’t have to put in too much effort to steer the car. Moreover, it also provides superior control over the car while maintaining its stability, especially in tighter places.

However, maintaining its health at the optimal level is of utmost significance. If not, you may end up with reduced car safety, more effort for steering, and difficulty in maneuvering through tight spaces.

Hence, you should check power steering fluid at least once a month so that you can be sure the system is at its prime. Not sure how to do it? Worry not!

In this below discussion, we have not only illustrated the significance of a power steering fluid but also explained the correct way to check its conditions. With this, you can rest assured your car’s transmission and power systems will be at their zenith.

How Does the Power Steering Fluid Enhance Driving Experience?

• Your car’s steering will give a great response promptly, especially if you are driving at low speeds, thanks to the fluid.
• It greatly reduces the physical effort required for a driver to steer the wheel in certain areas.
• Since friction causes too much damage to the car’s physical components, like the pinion and the steering pump, using a lubricating fluid is crucial. At least then, you won’t have to worry about unnecessary heat accumulation or premature corrosive damage.
• Truth be told, the power steering fluid plays a huge role in extending the transmission’s system service life. It also maintains the hydraulic pressure at consistent levels, regardless of the drive modes.
• High-quality fluids often contain detergents and other alkaline components. These work wonders by removing sludge and residue deposits from the internal chambers under the hood.

Why Should You Check Power Steering Fluid?

Most people wonder if they have to check power steering fluid mandatorily. If you, too, are dilemmatic, let us give you a brief walkthrough this maintenance routine can put on the table.

• Gear changing is one of the toughest jobs that a driver has on his plate. The difficulty further skyrockets if the steering fluid is too low in volume or has dirt in it. It often causes problems like slipping, delayed steering response, and rough shifting. That’s why checking its health regularly is of utmost importance.
• If the power steering fluid has degraded over time or got burnt, its heat dissipation ability will be impacted severely. As a result, the thermal levels will continue to rise, posing a huge threat to your car’s transmission system.
• You should check power steering fluid regularly to ensure the metal components under the hood are safe from frictional damage. Besides, the maintenance will help you extend the longevity of the gear, bearings, and clutches.
• There’s no way you can spot a leak in the hydraulic transmission system, well not until it’s too late. However, checking the power steering fluid’s volume can help you determine if there is a potential leakage and accordingly take prompt actions.
• If you want to avoid costly repairs to your car, do not ignore the health check of the power steering fluid running under the hood. After all, you just have to change the fluid in case its quality is compromised.

Step-by-step Guide to Check Power Steering Fluid

Step 1: Vehicle Preparation

• Keep the car parked on a flat-level surface. It will help you get accurate readings of the fluid without any disparity in the numbers.
• If your engine has been running until now, turn it off. Ensure you give your car enough time to cool down. After all, you don’t any scars or burns as you check the power steering fluid later on.
• Get the equipment ready. You will need a flashlight, preferably one with changing brightness settings and a clean washcloth. At least then, you won’t have to make round trips to get the things midway.

Step 2: Locating the Power Steering Reservoir

Once you open the hood, get ready to meet multiple reservoirs. Each store has a dedicated car fluid, which is why identifying the power steering tank is crucial.

If not, you may end up mixing the fluids by working on an incorrect tank. Usually, it will have a steering wheel mark on it for easy identification.

If you still fail to locate it, refer to the car’s manual. Once you have located it, remove any oil residue or sludge from the external parts. You need a clean workstation to work your way through.

Step 3: Fluid Level Checks

• Open the cap of the reservoir to check power steering fluid of your car.
• Take a stick and dip it inside.
• Keep it steady for a couple of seconds, and then compare the fluid level with the markers. Usually, most reservoirs have two standard markings, namely “Full” and “Low”. You need these for references.
• Take out the dipstick and wipe it clean before reinserting.
• Double-checking the fluid level will help you accurately determine if the volume is low or not.
• In case the marker indicates “Low,” note down the level so that you can add the exact amount later on.

Step 4: Fluid Condition Inspection

A slightly red or clear color indicates the steering fluid to be in optimal condition. On the contrary, if you discover a dark-colored liquid with foam, it indicates contamination.

Also, check if you are getting a burnt smell as it proves your power steering fluid has degraded significantly. Any of these symptoms will require a complete fluid replacement.

Over to You!

Every car owner must check power steering fluid regularly to avoid any unnecessary complications and costly repairs.

However, sometimes, you may not be able to fix the issue all by yourself, especially if it’s about replacing the entire fluid.

For this, you can connect with a professional so that the work can be done with accuracy and more efficiency. Also, while choosing a new fluid for refilling, ensure its quality and composition match with that of the existing one to prevent any contamination.