Checking Your Power Steering Fluid

Everyone knows to replace your oil every so often, but how about the power steering fluid? You don’t need to replace it often, but checking your power steering fluid is a must.

Power steering has made driving big vehicles so easy that most of us take it for granted. In truth, the systems are pretty self-contained, but they do require some maintenance. Most of them work on a hydraulic system. This means that a fluid is compressed to create an effect, in this case to help turn the wheels. Just like your brakes, you need to keep an eye on the power steering fluid to make sure that it remains at sufficient levels. If it gets low, the system can fail and steering can become brutally difficult.

The good news is checking your brake fluid is very simple. You should do it when the car is cold. The reservoir is found under the hood. It looks similar to the brake fluid reservoir although it is a bit smaller. The reservoir is usually found on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, but Murphy’s Law suggests it might be on the passenger side in yours. Regardless, it usually says “steering fluid” on the top.

Once you find it, do not open the reservoir. Like brake fluid, power steering fluid has glycol in it and can degrade when exposed to water vapor. Water vapor is in the air. So, how do you check the fluid? There should be a small dipstick in the top. Just pull it out and check. Even if there is not, make sure the fluid is roughly three quarters full at least. The goal is to prevent it from getting low. If it gets to low, the power steering pump can fail.

So, what if you need more fluid? Well, the answer is rather obvious – top up the steering fluid reservoir! The first step is to get a rag. You need to really work at cleaning the area around the cap. Even a small amount of dirt or gunk in the steering fluid can foul up the system, which is just about the last thing you want to do. Once it is clean, pop the top and pour in the power steering fluid until the “FULL” mark is hit. Use only power steering fluid recommended by your manufacturer.

Checking your power steering fluid is one of those things that you need to do from time to time. I usually do it every time I am under the hood. The good news is it is an easy job.

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