Your car’s power steering system uses hydraulic fluid to make it easier for you to turn the wheel. If your power steering system starts making noise or doesn’t feel as responsive as usual, it could be a sign that you’re running low on fluid. In this article, we’ll discuss what happens if you run out of power steering fluid and how to avoid it.
What is power steering fluid and what does it do?
Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps to transfer power from the steering wheel to the wheels of a vehicle. It allows the driver to steer the vehicle with ease and without having to use a lot of force. Over time, power steering fluid can become dirty or low, which can cause problems with the steering system. If you run out of power steering fluid, your vehicle will not be able to steer properly and may even become dangerous to drive.
What are the symptoms of low power steering fluid?
If you have ever driven a car with power steering, you know how important it is. Power steering fluid helps your car to turn smoothly, and without it, your car can become very difficult to control. If you suspect that your power steering fluid is low, there are a few symptoms to look out for.
One of the most common symptoms of low power steering fluid is a whining noise coming from the steering system. This noise is caused by the pump working harder than usual to move the fluid around. Another symptom is increased steering effort. This means that it will take more effort to turn the wheel, and the car may feel heavier than usual. Finally, low power steering fluid can cause the steering to feel “notchy” or jerky.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to check your power steering fluid level as soon as possible. Running out of power steering fluid can damage the pump, and eventually lead to complete failure of the power steering system.
What causes power steering fluid to leak?
If your car starts leaking power steering fluid, there are a few potential causes. A common cause is a crack or hole in the power steering rack. The power steering pump can also develop a leak, or the hoses that connect the pump to the rack can develop leaks. If you have a leak, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Power steering fluid is essential for keeping your car’s steering system working properly, and if you run out of fluid, your car will be very difficult to steer.
How to check your power steering fluid level
If you’ve ever run out of power steering fluid, you know it’s not a pleasant experience. Your car will suddenly feel much heavier to turn, and you may even hear a squealing noise as you turn the steering wheel. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to check your power steering fluid level so that you can avoid this problem.
To check the power steering fluid level, simply remove the power steering reservoir cap and look at the level of fluid inside. If it’s at or below the minimum line, then you’ll need to add more fluid. Be sure to use the correct type of fluid for your car; most cars will take either Dexron III or Mercon ATF.
If you find that your power steering fluid is low, don’t wait to top it off. Doing so will help prevent damage to your power steering pump and other components.
How to add power steering fluid
If your power steering fluid reservoir is low or empty, you’ll need to add more. Here’s how:
1. Find the power steering reservoir. It’s usually located near the front of the engine bay, on the driver’s side.
2. Identify the correct power steering fluid for your vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual or look for a label on the power steering reservoir. Do not use any other type of fluid, as this could damage the power steering system.
3. Slowly pour the power steering fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the “full” line. Do not overfill!
4. Replace the cap and tighten it firmly. Start the engine and check for leaks. If all looks good, you’re ready to go!
What to do if you run out of power steering fluid
If you find yourself in a situation where you have run out of power steering fluid, there are a few things you can do to try and get your vehicle moving again.
First, if you have a manual transmission, try downshifting to a lower gear. This will help to engage the engine braking and give you more control over the steering.
If you have an automatic transmission, you can try shifting into neutral and then revving the engine. This will give the power steering pump something to work with and may help get your vehicle moving again.
Another thing you can try is turning the steering wheel back and forth rapidly. This can sometimes loosen up any debris that may be binding the system and allow you to get moving again.
If all else fails, you may need to call a tow truck to get your vehicle off the road.
Conclusion
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have run out of power steering fluid, don’t panic. You can still drive your car, but you will have to do so with caution. Avoid making any sudden turns or stops, and be extra careful when driving on slippery roads. If possible, pull over and call for help. In the meantime, continue to drive slowly and carefully until you can get more power steering fluid.