If you’ve been having trouble keeping your car on the road, it might be time to check your power steering fluid level. Fluid levels can become low over time and cause difficulty turning, veering, and even loss of control. In this article, we’ll teach you how to tell if your power steering fluid is low and what corrective action to take.
What is Power Steering Fluid?
When you first start your car, the power steering fluid is under a lot of pressure. As the car starts and drives, the fluid gradually leaks out and the pressure drops. This can cause weirdsteering, especially if the leak is gradual. If you notice a sudden loss of power or if your steering feels very heavy or slushy, your power steering fluid may be low. You can check the level by using a dipstick or by adding fluid until the level reaches the “full” mark on the bottle.
What are the symptoms of low power steering fluid?
If you’re noticing any of the following symptoms, it might be time to check your power steering fluid level:
-It’s difficult to turn the wheel
-The car feels sluggish when turning
-The steering wheel seems harder to move than usual
-Your car has a reduced range of motion
How to test your power steering fluid level
If you’re having trouble with your vehicle’s power steering, it might be time to test your fluid level. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your car in a safe location and turn off the engine.
2. Remove the cap from the reservoir and pour out a few inches of fluid.
3. If you have a dipstick, insert it into the fluid and measure the level at the bottom of the stick. If you don’t have a dipstick, use a bottle or can to measure the level.
4. Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the top of the stick or bottle.
5. Replace the cap and drive your car until it’s fully warmed up, usually around 30 minutes or so. Check the fluid level again and adjust as needed.
How to replace power steering fluid
If your power steering fluid is low, you may not be able to turn the wheels easily. Check the level of power steering fluid and replace as needed.
Conclusion
If your power steering fluid is low, you may notice that the car feels very stiff when you turn it. In addition, the power steering may feel noisy and seem to pull to one side more than usual. If this problem persists, it may be time to replace your power steering fluid.