When you get a new car, one of the first things you do is flush the power steering fluid. But why? And should you be doing it more often? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why flushing your power steering fluid is important, and explain when you should be doing it.
Why Power Steering Fluid Should Not Be Flushed
Power steering fluid is designed to keep your car moving in the correct direction. If it’s not used, flushing it can harm your car and even cause a crash.
The fluid has a limited lifespan, so it’s important to not flush it if you don’t have to. Flushing power steering fluid can actually wear out the system, causing it to leak or even fail altogether. Replacing power steering fluid whenever its level dips below the manufacturer’s recommendation is the best way to protect your car.
What Causes Power Steering Fluid to Go Bad
If you’re like most motorists, you probably don’t think too much about power steering fluid. After all, it’s just a fluid that helps your car steer. But in fact, power steering fluid is one of the most important parts of your car’s system. And if you ever have to replace it, you should definitely do it soon. Here’s why:
Power steering fluid is essential for two reasons. First, it helps your car’s engine and transmission stay in sync. If one part of the system is not working properly, the other parts will also be affected. Second, power steering fluid helps your car move in the correct direction. If there’s not enough fluid, your car will struggle to turn and will eventually drift out of control. So if you ever notice a loss of power or poor performance in your car, make sure to take it to a mechanic and have them replace your power steering fluid.
How to Tell If Power Steering Fluid Needs to Be Replaced
If you are experiencing problems with your power steering, it is important to have it checked out as soon as possible. There are a few simple checks you can do to determine if power steering fluid needs to be replaced.
First, make sure that the power steering fluid level is correct. Power steering fluid should be level in the reservoir and at the top of the power steering pump. If it is not, then the pump may need to be replaced.
Second, test the power steering by turning the wheel from side to side. If the wheel does not turn easily, then the pump may need to be replaced.
Finally, check for leaks by putting a lighted candle near where the power steering lines come into the vehicle. If there is a leak, then power steering fluid will likely be dripping onto the ground.
When Shouldpower Steering Fluid Be Flushed?
If you own a car with power steering, it’s important to know when to flush the system. According to many experts, power steering fluid should be flushed every 3 years or 12,000 miles. This is because power steering fluid helps to reduce friction and keep your car moving in the right direction.
Conclusion
Flushing power steering fluid can do more harm than good, and there are a few reasons why. For one, power steering fluid is designed to prevent damage to the pump by acids and other contaminants. Flushing it away simply dilutes the concentration of those contaminants, which can actually lead to more damage down the line. Additionally, power steering fluid contains anti-freeze that helps keep all of your engine’s components running smoothly. By flushing it away, you are essentially knocking out one of these key protections against freezing and failure. Finally, if you ever have to replace your power steering system (and you should never do this without first consulting a mechanic), flushing away the old fluid will cause major problems when it comes to compatibility between the new and old systems. Try not to be tempted by the cheap flush options that are available online—invest in a quality product that will last for years instead.