One of the most important maintenance tasks you can do on your car is ensuring your power steering fluid is at its optimum level. Here are four steps to follow to check your power steering fluid level.
What is Power Steering Fluid?
Power steering fluid (PSF) is the fluid that helps to provide the engine with the correct amount of power to turn a steering wheel. The fluid is also responsible for keeping the rack and pinion gears in alignment, and helping to prevent slippage and wear.
If your PSF is low, it will affect your car’s ability to turn. You may find that your car takes longer to turn, or that it struggles to make turns at all. In extreme cases, you may even notice that your steering wheel feels tight or difficult to move.
To test your PSF level, you will need to remove the cap from the reservoir and fill it up to the required level with cold water. Once filled, replace the cap and wait for about an hour before checking the level again. If it has dropped below the required level, you will need to add more PSF until it reaches the correct level.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
In order to check the power steering fluid, you will need to remove the cap and pour a small amount of the fluid into a plastic container. Next, use a dropper to fill the container up to the “Max” line. Finally, replace the cap and check the fluid level against the “Min” line. If it is below the “Min” line, then your power steering system needs to be serviced. If it is above the “Max” line, then your power steering system is probably ok and you can skip service.
What to Do if Your Power Steering Fluid is Dirty
If your power steering fluid is dirty, it will affect the way your car moves and steer. Cleaning the system can restore normal function. Here are some steps to take:
1. Remove the reservoir cap and fill the car with fresh power steering fluid.
2. Turn the wheel to each side to make sure all of the fluid has been absorbed. Close the reservoir cap and wait at least 10 minutes before driving.
3. If the problem persists, visit a mechanic for further inspection and repair.
If the Fluid is Dirty, How to Clean It
If your car’s power steering fluid is dirty, you should clean it. Here’s how:
1. Open the hood of your car.
2. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir. It’s usually located on the right or left side of the engine block.
3. Use a funnel to fill a small container with power steering fluid.
4. Pour the power steering fluid into the reservoir. Do not overfill it!
5. Close the hood of the car and turn on the ignition.
6. The car should start moving easily in any direction. If it doesn’t, check to see if you’ve filled the reservoir completely and make any needed adjustments to the funnel size or volume level.
When To Change Power Steering Fluid
The power steering system plays an important role in a vehicle’s overall operation. By keeping the steering wheel responsive and accurate, the power steering system helps to make driving easier.
However, like any other component in a vehicle, the power steering system can wear down over time. As a result, it’s important to check the fluid level and replace any that is low or empty. Here are some tips on how to check your power steering fluid level:
1. Check the fluid level by looking at the dipstick or sight glass. It should be at or below the “Max” line on the gauge. If it isn’t, you’ll need to add fluid.
2. If you have an automatic transmission, you’ll also need to check the transaxle gear oil level. It should also be below the “Max” line on the gauge.
3. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, you’ll need to check both engine oil and power steering (PS) oil levels. The PS oil level should be lower than the engine oil level, but not so low that it leaks onto the road surface.
4. Even if your fluids look good on paper, always test them before adding more fluid
Conclusion
If your vehicle is exhibiting unusual driving behavior, it might be time to check the power steering fluid. Checking and topping off the power steering fluid is an easy task that can help to fix many common problems with your car, like poor performance and difficulty turning. Follow these steps to check the power steering fluid in your car: 1) Park your car on a level surface. 2) Drain any excess water from the power steering reservoir by opening the cap located on top of the reservoir. 3) Use a funnel to fill the reservoir up to the “FLUID LEVEL” line with fresh power steering fluid. 4) Replace the cap and re-connect all hoses.