Cars need plenty of different fluids to function correctly, as we all know. One among them is the power steering fluid that also needs to be topped up and changed periodically. But how do you know when your car needs such a change?
You must change your car's power steering fluid if it goes from a light colour (pink, amber, or clear) to a dark colour (grey or darker). A colour change indicates contaminated fluid. Squealing sounds, fluid leaks, and a shaky steering wheel also suggest changing the power steering fluid. Always refer to your car owner's manual for the type of fluid to use.
Let's take a closer look at what power steering fluid is, and when you should get it changed.
What Is Power Steering Fluid & How Does It Work?
As you may already know, power steering fluid is a crucial element in keeping your car’s power steering system functioning correctly. We’re talking about a type of hydraulic fluid that creates a hydraulic link between your car’s steering system and the vehicle’s front wheels.
In simple terms, that hydraulic link magnifies the effort you use to turn your steering wheel. As a result, you don’t have to work so hard each time you try to switch lanes or turn the car in another direction.
The power steering fluid colour can be any of the following:
- Red
- Pink
- Amber
- Clear
As you can tell from that list, the power steering fluid is supposed to exist in light colours. So, dark-coloured power steering fluids are bad news, which we'll explore in the following sections.
Does Power Steering Fluid Lubricate?
Yes, power steering fluid also has lubrication properties. More precisely, the fluid lubricates the steering system’s moving components while also protecting the steering gear and pump from corrosion.
Undoubtedly, power steering fluid plays several critical roles in the well-being of your car’s steering system.
Why Is Power Steering Fluid Change Necessary?
All the different types of fluids used for cars need periodic changing. In this case, you should change your power steering fluid at least once every two years or more frequently if you drive your car more often than the average driver does.
There are several reasons why changing the power steering fluid is necessary, if not critical. Firstly, the fluid gradually becomes contaminated as you continue using it for an extended period. That contamination can be terrible news as the fluid circulates and causes excess wear to other parts of the system like the pump, hoses, and so on.
Besides that, there are other more urgent reasons to change your power steering fluid. For instance, leaking power steering fluid will deplete the levels required, making steering extremely difficult for you. Of course, you’ll want to fix the leak first before you replace the lost fluid, or your efforts come to naught.
Understandably, tracking all the different fluids that require topping up or changing can be quite a task. I have a hack that works for me – see if it will work for you too. Whenever I take the vehicle to my mechanic for other issues, I make it a point to ask him to check on my power steering fluid. That goes a long way and saves me a lot of trouble.
Signs That Your Car Needs Power Steering Fluid
Most models now come with a convenient power steering warning light on the instrument panel, so don’t ignore it whenever it comes on. If you own a model that still has an old-fashioned dash, the following tips will be more than helpful.
While there are many ways to identify a power steering system problem, only a few will specifically indicate a fluid issue.
1. Power steering fluid colour change - One of the signs is a change in the power steering fluid colour. As we’ve seen earlier, this fluid should be clear or have a light red, amber, or pink colour under normal circumstances.
However, when that fluid turns dark or cloudy, that’s a sign that you must get that fluid changed as soon as possible. The change in colour means that the fluid has become contaminated, so a fluid change is necessary alongside troubleshooting your overall power steering system.
2. Power steering fluid leak - Besides that, you can also look out for a power steering fluid leak, particularly on the surface where you park your car. Of course, this can get a bit confusing as cars drip many different fluids on the floor of your garage or front porch.
So, how do you tell an engine oil leak from a power steering fluid leak?
Here’s how:
- If the fluid on the floor is red: that's power steering fluid.
- If black/brown: that's engine oil.
Bonus tip: if the puddle under your car is only 1-2 inches in size, it's nothing too much to worry about. But if that puddle is 3 inches or more, you've got a serious problem regardless of what kind of fluid is leaking.
What Does a Car Sound Like When It Needs Power Steering Fluid?
Sounds can also be an excellent indicator of a depleted or low power steering fluid. When this is the case, you’ll hear squealing noises whenever you turn your steering wheel.
That happens because a lack of fluid leaves space for air in the system, generating terrible noises whenever the system is in use.
How Does a Car Feel When It Needs Power Steering Fluid?
Last but not least, you can also sense a lack of power steering fluid when you hold your steering wheel. As a result, not only will you require more effort than usual to turn your steering wheel, but the steering will also feel jerky with lots of vibrations.
All these are tell-tale signs of a steering problem, most likely due to a lack of power steering fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Types
There are several types of power steering fluids available on the market. Generally, you have:
1. Universal power steering fluid - This type can be used in a wide range of vehicles, though yours might require some additives to protect the seal and pump lubricity and prevent corrosion. You’ll want to be cautious about using this type, so check your car owner’s manual first.
2. Synthetic power steering fluid - New car brands and models use synthetic power steering fluid more often, as it flows well even at low temperatures, thereby protecting the other components of the system.
3. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) - Yes, you read that correctly. Power steering fluid and ATF are both hydraulic fluids that can fulfil the same purpose. Still, you’ll want to double-check with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations to see what’s most suitable for your make and model.
As you can see, the brand of power steering fluid is not the concern here, but the type of fluid itself. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re using a power steering fluid for Honda in your Toyota (for example), as long as the fluid type is correct.
Does It Matter What Power Steering Fluid I Use?
Yes, it matters what power steering fluid type you use. The main concern here is compatibility since not all vehicles will work well with every type of power steering fluid. That's why it's crucial to check your car owner's manual or contact them to find out the kind of power steering fluid recommended for your car model.
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By Ray Hasbollah