When it comes to maintaining your car, there are certain tasks that you need to perform on a regular basis – like changing the oil or the power steering fluid. But how often should you do each of these things? And what are the signs that you need to change them?
The Benefits of Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid is an important part of a car’s function. It helps to ensure that the car turns smoothly and easily. A power steering system needs a good amount of fluid in order to work effectively. Power steering fluid should be changed every 3-6 months, depending on the driving style and conditions.
By keeping your power steering system properly lubricated, you can avoid any problems. Over time, power steering fluid can become thin and ineffective. This can lead to reduced performance and difficulty turning the car. In some cases, power steering fluid can even cause the car to pull to one side.
Changing your power steering fluid regularly will keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.
The Different Types of Power Steering Fluid
If you have a manual transmission vehicle, you will need to change your power steering fluid every 3 to 6 months. If you have an automatic transmission vehicle, you will only need to change your power steering fluid every 12,000 miles or when the manufacturer recommends.
There are three types of power steering fluid: conventional, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. Conventional power steering fluid is made up of water and oil. Semi-synthetic power steering fluid is made up of synthetic oils and water. Synthetic power steering fluid is made up of oil and synthetic fluids.
When Should You Change Your Power Steering Fluid?
If you’re driving a vehicle with power steering, your fluid should be changed every 5,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. This is especially important if your car has been in an accident or if it’s been used in high-altitude conditions.
How to Change Your Power Steering Fluid Yourself
If you’ve been meaning to change your power steering fluid but just haven’t gotten around to it, now is the time! Power steering is one of those systems that can start to feel a bit clunky and spongy over time, which will only become more pronounced as the fluid begins to wear down.
To change your power steering fluid yourself, begin by removing the wheel and tire. On some cars, you may need to remove the entire front suspension to get at the fluid reservoir. Next, loosen the bolt that holds the reservoir to the car and CAREFULLY pull it off. Be sure to note which side has the filter on it so you can replace it later (most reservoirs have a white plastic filter on one side and a metal filter on the other). Once the reservoir is off, use a funnel or cup to pour out all of the old fluid. You may be surprised by how much came out!
Next, fill up the reservoir with new fluid and screw in the bolt. Make sure to tighten it evenly so there are no leaks. Replace the wheel and tire, making sure to tighten everything securely before re-installing your front suspension. Hope this helps!
Conclusion
It can be difficult to know when it is time to change your power steering fluid, and the best way to determine this is by checking the color and viscosity. You should also check the fluid level, because if it’s low, you will need more fluid than normal. Finally, you should also inspect the hoses for any Problems that may need fixing. If you follow these guidelines, you can ensure that your power steering system is working efficiently and that there are no issues that need to be fixed sooner rather than later.