If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t give your power steering fluid a second thought. But if your car’s power steering stops working properly, you’ll start to notice the consequences right away.
What is Power Steering Fluid?
Power steering fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid that cushions and guides the movement of the steering wheel in a car. It helps to ensure that the car keeps its course and prevents it from steering too forcefully. Power steering fluid is usually located in a reservoir under the car and needs to be replaced regularly, typically around every 7,500 miles.
How Power Steering Fluid Works
Power steering fluid is a very important part of your car’s operation. It helps to turn the wheels by helping to resist and counteract the force of the engine.
Most power steering systems use a hydraulic system to control the movement of the wheel. The hydraulic fluid is circulated through a system that includes hoses, pumps, and valves.
The pump stores the fluid in a reservoir before it is sent to the valve. When you turn your wheel, the pump sends pressure from the reservoir through the hoses and into the valve. This pushes against the wheel, which then turns it.
The amount of power steering fluid that is needed depends on how much resistance there is between your driver’s hands and the wheel. The more resistance there is, the more power steering fluid is needed to turn the wheel.
When to Change Power Steering Fluid
The first time you change your power steering fluid should be at the 12,500-mile service interval, but it’s a good idea to do it sooner if the fluid looks dirty or has an unpleasant smell. If your car has an automatic transmission, you should also change the fluid every 3 years or 30,000 miles.
What to do If Power Steering Fluid Runs Out in Your Vehicle
If you’re like most drivers, you probably cringe when you hear the sound of fluid leaking from your car’s power steering pump. But, in fact, this is a common occurrence, and it can mean two things: Your power steering system needs to be serviced, or your fluid has run out.
When your power steering system needs to be serviced, the first thing you should do is take your car to a mechanic. However, if your fluid has just run out, here are some tips on how to fix the problem on your own:
1. Remove the Reservoir Cap
The first thing you’ll want to do is remove the reservoir cap. Doing so will allow you to see if there is any visible fluid inside. If there is no visible fluid, then your power steering pump may need to be replaced. Otherwise, you can try to refill the reservoir with new fluid using the provided syringe. Be sure to replace the reservoir cap once you’re done!
2. Check for Leaks
Once you’ve removed the reservoir cap and looked for leaks, it’s time to check for actual damage. Start by looking for any obvious signs of oil or grease on the power steering pump itself or
Conclusion
Yes, power steering fluid (PSF) does eventually run out. The PSF reservoir is designed to be filled with a minimum of 10 quarts (10 liters) of fluid. Over time, the PSF will slowly degrade and lose its ability to lubricate and assist in directional control of the vehicle. At some point, the degradation will become severe enough that operation of the vehicle could potentially be dangerous.