How do you add power steering fluid

Like other systems in your car, the power steering uses fluid to do its job. This fluid helps the various components of your power steering system to turn your steering wheel with ease. If you have ever had your power steering go out, you know how essential the fluid is.

Checking and adding power steering fluid is part of a good maintenance regimen. The process is not terribly difficult, and it's an especially good entry point for someone without loads of car experience.

Read on to learn how to both check power steering fluid and add power steering fluid, with a little help from car insurance comparison shopping app Jerry.

How to check your power steering fluid

Step 1: Put the car in park and open up the hood. Prop open the hood so you can look safely under it.

Step 2: Locate the power steering fluid reservoir. This should be labelled and connected to the power steering pump.

Check around your car’s engine compartment, and if the location of the reservoir is not immediately evident, look in your car’s user manual for more information. A Google search of your car’s make and model could also be helpful here.

Step 3: Check the fluid level. Many plastic reservoirs will have some sort of external indication of the level, so it will be easy to tell how high the fluid is.

With some cars, you may need to use a dipstick to determine the fluid level. If it’s not clear what method you should use, again, consult your car user's manual.

For the dipstick method, determine if the fluid level is low by first pulling out the dipstick and cleaning it off with a rag or paper towel. Reinsert the dipstick in the reservoir and check the level again, taking note of the measurements on the dipstick.

Step 4: Check the fluid condition. Now is also a good time to verify that your power steering is not contaminated.

Power steering fluid should not be black or dark brown, which could be a sign of contaminants in the system. One of your power steering components may be faulty, in this case, so take your vehicle to a mechanic for a complete diagnosis.

How to add power steering fluid

Step 1: Purchase the recommended power steering fluid. Visit your local automotive parts store and buy the type of fluid recommended for your car.

You can find this in your owner’s manual, or the store may be able to look up what type the manufacturer recommends for your specific year, make, and model. Be sure to get the right type, or else you could cause damage to the power steering system.

Step 2: Add the fluid to your car. With the cap for the power steering fluid reservoir removed, add the fluid until the level is within the proper range.

More is not better in this case, so don’t go beyond the maximum fill line. This might overload your system and cause damage needlessly.

Step 3: Return the car to normal. Screw the cap back on to the reservoir and close the hood.

Checking and adding power steering fluid is easy enough to do, even for someone without tons of mechanical experience. Keep an eye on yours on a regular basis and top up as necessary to avoid expensive consequences down the road.

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Power steering fluid

(Check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic what type your vehicle needs-they there are many different varieties)

A funnel

A rag

Difficulty Level: Easy

Step 1:
Check your owner’s manual to find whether your vehicle is recommended to be checked while warm or cold. Most manufacturers’ recommend checking the power steering fluid while the engine is warm. If your car has not been running, let it idle for around five minutes or drive it around the block to warm the fluids. If the weather is especially cold, please allow appropriate warm up time to ensure an accurate reading.

Step 2:
Open your hood and locate the tank for the power steering fluid. First locate your power steering pump. This is a belt driven pump towards the front of your engine bay. The tank may either be attached to the pump or close by, and it may be clear plastic or metal. The cap may be labeled “Power Steering Fluid”.

Step 3:
Open the tank by either unscrewing the cap or popping it off. Be sure not to lose this cap; place is somewhere safe nearby while you finish the service. If it has an attached dipstick, you will need it to determine your fluid level.

Step 4:
Check the fluid level. If your tank is plastic, there may be full and low indicator levels written on the outside; usually these types of tanks are clear plastic so that you can clearly see the level of liquid inside and determine what level is present. If your tank is opaque plastic or metal, there may be a dipstick attached to the cap or the tank. If you have a dipstick, wipe the dipstick off on the rag and reinsert it into the tank. Pull the dipstick out again; the fluid will cover the dipstick up to the fill level present in your tank.

Step 5:
If needed, add power steering fluid, using the funnel so as not to spill. Be sure only to fill to the “full” indicator line, DO NOT OVERFILL. If you have a dipstick, add a small amount and replace dipstick to re-measure level. Continue to add fluid and reinsert dipstick until “full” level is reached.

Step 6:
Replace the tank cap; make sure it is secure either by tightly screwing or firmly pushing back on.

**NOTE**
Be aware of how low the level of this fluid is and how frequently you have to refill or notice symptoms of low fluid. As your vehicle does not “use up” power steering fluid as it does gasoline, low levels indicate a hose leak or leaks around seals.

If a leak is suspected, visit your auto mechanic or technician immediately.

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