There are a few telltale signs that your power steering is going out. If you notice any of these, it’s time to take your car in for a checkup.
Open the hood of your vehicle
Assuming you have a modern car, truck, or SUV, the power steering fluid reservoir is usually easy to find. It’s generally a clear plastic bottle with a lid on it, and will have “power steering fluid” written on it. If you can’t find it, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Once you’ve found the reservoir, remove the lid and check the fluid level. If it’s low, add more power steering fluid until it reaches the “full” line on the reservoir. Don’t overfill it!
If your power steering fluid is dirty, it needs to be flushed and replaced. You can do this yourself or take it to a mechanic.
Locate the power steering fluid reservoir and remove the cap
The first step to checking your power steering fluid is to locate the reservoir. This is typically found near the front of the engine bay, on the passenger side. Once you’ve located it, remove the cap and take a look at the fluid level.
If it’s low, top it off until it reaches the “full” line on the side of the reservoir. Be sure to use the correct type of power steering fluid for your vehicle – consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.
Once you’ve topped off the fluid, replace the cap and start up your engine. With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from one side to the other a few times. This will help bleed any air out of the system and should restore normal power steering operation.
Check the level of fluid in the reservoir. If it is low, add more power steering fluid as needed
If you find that your power steering fluid is low, don’t panic. You can easily add more fluid to the reservoir. Just be sure to check your owner’s manual to find out what type of fluid to use.
If you’re not sure where the power steering reservoir is, consult your car’s owner’s manual or look for a label under the hood. Once you’ve located it, simply remove the cap and check the level of fluid inside. If it’s low, add more until it reaches the “Full” line on the side of the reservoir.
It’s important to check your power steering fluid level regularly. Doing so can help you avoid problems down the road and keep your car running smoothly.