If you’ve ever had to get power steering fluid off of asphalt, you know that it can be a tricky task. There are many spots where the fluid tends to accummulate, and it can be difficult to get to without making a mess. In this article, we’ll show you how to get power steering fluid off of asphalt without making a mess.
What Causes Power Steering Fluid To Form On Asphalt?
Power steering fluid can form on asphalt if the oil is not being circulated correctly or if the fluid is not being changed on a regular basis. Here are a few tips to help prevent power steering fluid from forming on your driveway:
1. Check the oil level and replace any necessary oil regularly. Power steering fluid absorbs oil and can become clogged over time.
2. Use a quality power steering fluid. Cheap fluids will not last as long, and may cause damage to your car’s power steering system. Look for a reputable brand that has been tested and approved by the manufacturer.
3. Keep your driveway clean and free of debris. This will help keep the engine and power steering system clean and free of debris, which will in turn help prevent power steering fluid from forming on asphalt.
How to Remove Power Steering Fluid From Asphalt
If you are in need of removing power steering fluid from asphalt, here is a step by step guide on how to do so.
1. Park your vehicle in a safe area.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open the hood and remove the oil filter.
4. Remove the air cleaner element and store it away.
5. Remove the power steering hose from the front of the engine and use a wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it in place.
6. Carefully pull out the hose and discard it.
7. Take a bucket or container and place it under the power steering reservoir located at the rear of the engine (see image below).
8. Pour a minimum of 3/4 gallon (~200ml) of diesel fuel into the bucket or container and light it on fire using a match or lighter (see image below). The heat will cause power steering fluid to turn into a boiling liquid which can then be easily poured off of the asphalt surface (see image below).
9. Let the mixture cool before pouring it onto a cloth or paper towel to absorb any excess oils that may have surfaced (
What to Do If Power Steering Fluid Is Already on Asphalt
If power steering fluid is already on the asphalt, there are a few things you can do to try and remove it. One option is to use a broom to sweep it off, but this may not be effective depending on the amount of fluid present. Another option is to use a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment to try and suck the fluid off the surface. If this doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional who can use a hydro-gel or degreaser to clean the asphalt.
Conclusion
Sometimes, power steering fluid can get onto asphalt and be difficult to remove. Here are a few tips that might help: 1. Use a bucket and spray water on the affected area to wet it down. 2. Pour some vegetable oil or mineral spirits over the top of the asphalt, then use a shovel to spread it around. 3. Drive over the area with your car slowly enough so that the liquid seeps down into the cracks in between the pavement and driveway surface; continue driving until all of the fluid is gone.