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• Checking your power steering fluid is not hard at doing it all. One of your vehicle’s vital fluids that keep everything running smoothly. If you have ever heard your power steering pump whine when you turn hard left or hard right, chances are your power steering pump is low on fluid. In this article, we will guide you on how to check the power steering fluid easily.

What is Power Steering Fluid?

It is one of the most important for the performance and life of your car. It keeps your car parts smooth and streamlined. It is is is the hydraulic fluid which gives power to your steering system. It helps to create the pressure that pushes on either side of your car which allows you to turn the wheels with ease. This is essential to smooth your steering.

Why Should We Change the Power Steering Fluid?

Now, there is always a question that arises i.e., should we change the fluid? So, the simple answer is if you keep your cars for decades, then ‘yes’ and its reason is power steering pumps are hydraulic pumps, some of these things will put out 1500- 1600 pounds per square inch pressure which is an awful pressure.

So over the years, the fluids going to get dirty which has more friction some which make abrasive which can ruin the seals in the pump in the rack and those can cost a lot of money to replace.

How Often Should Power Steering Fluid Be Changed?

It is something that you need not change every time you change the engine oil and if your mechanic charges you every time for the power steering fluid, then he is for sure making a profit out of it. Some recommend changing it every 80,000 to 1, 00,000 miles, while others might recommend you to change it every 30, 000 miles.

You won’t believe it but your power steering fluid itself tells you when to change it. As the fluid becomes more contaminated, it becomes harder for the pump to do its job and it makes noise. So, if you hear noise coming out from the area of your power steering system, then it’s time for you to change the fluid.

How To Check Power Steering Fluid?

First of all, the basic tool you require to check the power steering fluid is:

• Shop Towels
• Funnel
• Power Steering Fluid (if needed)

Just locate the power steering fluid cap, remove it and you have to check the level. In this case, there are three lines, a low, a medium, and a high. High being the max and low being the minimum. Wipe down the dipstick, reinstall, and get a good fluid level check. Now, again pull it back out to check the level.

If the level is at maximum, then we are good, if the level is at medium, then it’s not necessary to fill it but it’s good to keep it full and if the level is at minimum, then it is very much necessary for you to fill it with the suitable power steering fluid. Make sure that you don’t overfill it as it can cause problems to your power steering system.

Just wipe down the rim and don’t let the dirt or any contamination go down inside. Reinstall the caps and make sure it seals.

The above can be written in the following simple steps:

1. Locate the reservoir
2. Remove the dipstick
3. Wipe fluid from dipstick
4. Insert dipstick
5. Remove dipstick
6. Check the fluid level
7. Add fluid (if needed)
8. Close cap

Detailed Video Guide

If you do not know how to check the power steering fluid, you can also refer to the below video.

Frequently Asked Questions-

So, here are some of the frequently asked questions about reasons,  how to check Fluid steering fluid ?-

1. Do You Check Power Steering Fluid With The Car Off Or On?

: You can check the Power steering fluid when the engine is warm.

2. How Do You Check If Your Power Steering Fluid Is Low?

: You will get to know if your Power steering fluid is low when your wheel becomes hard to turn or becomes tough.

3. What  Happens If I Add Too Much Power Steering Fluid?

: If You add too much power steering fluid then there is a risk of damage.

4. How  Often Should Power Steering Fluid Be Changed?

: Power steering fluid should be changed after every two years.

5. What Color Should The Power Steering Fluid Be?

:  Power steering fluid should be of Red colour which is the basic colour.

6. What  Happens If  You Don’t Change Your Power Steering Fluid?

: If you don’t change your power steering fluid then your internal steering components will damage.

7.Can I Just Add Power Steering Fluid?

: If the fluid is below the minimum level then  remove the cap and then you can add power steering fluid but in smaller amounts.

8. Is It Normal For Power Steering Fluid To Get Low?

: No,it is not normal for power steering Fluid to get low.

9.How Long Does It Take For Power Steering Fluid To Work?

: It takes almost 5 minutes  for power steering fluid to work and you should also check  power steering fluid when engine is cold .

Conclusion

Proper service and repair procedures are vital to the safe, reliable operation of all motor vehicles as well as the personal safety of those performing the repairs. Standard safety procedures and precautions (including the use of safety goggles and proper tools and equipment) should be followed at times to eliminate the possibility of improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise safety.

I’m sure by now you know how to check power steering fluid. These steps can be easily performed while checking or changing the fluid.
Cheers!