Written By: Don Dodi
Fact Checked By: Kristen Brown
Reviewed By: Diego Rosenberg
You should always keep your power steering fluid clear & clean, otherwise it can quietly damage your steering system without any kind of warning.
Basically, power steering fluid is a special kind of hydraulic liquid that helps your car’s steering system to work in the smooth way and easily as well.
And without enough fluid, you can see it becomes difficult to turn the steering wheel and even steering pump may get damaged over the time as well.
Even now, most of the cars uses a hydraulic system that relies on this fluid to transfer pressure from the steering wheel to the wheels and that makes your driving safe and more comfortable also.
Not only this, this fluid also acts as a lubricant, that reduces wear and tear on components such as: hoses, pumps and gears and also it prevent overheating in the system.
Now, this guide is enough to tell you How to Check Power Steering Fluid, so that you can keep an eye on the level and actually condition of the fluid.
Ensure Basic Safety
1. Park the Car on a Level Surface
Before checking your power steering fluid, always ensure your car is parked on a completely level surface.
This step is crucial because it allows the fluid to settle evenly inside the reservoir, giving you an accurate measurement of its correct level.
If the car is parked on a slope or uneven ground, the fluid will slide to one side, which could cause inaccurate measurements and lead to you thinking there’s too much or too little fluid.
A flat surface ensures stability and accuracy, which are essential for proper maintenance.
2. Turn Off the Engine and Let It Cool
After parking the car, turn off the engine and let it cool before touching any part of the engine bay.
Power steering fluid can become very hot during operation and checking it immediately after driving could cause burns or injury.
Allowing the engine to cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes ensures that the temperature has dropped to a safe level.
This allows the fluid to settle properly inside the reservoir, allowing you to get a clear and accurate measurement when inspecting.
3. Apply the Parking Brake
After parking the vehicle and turning off the engine, always engage the parking brake.
This provides an additional level of safety by preventing the car from unexpected movements while you’re under the hood.
Even the slightest movement while leaning into the engine bay can be dangerous.
Applying the parking brake completely stabilizes the car and gives you peace of mind while inspecting.
4. Wear Gloves or a Cloth When Handling the Dipstick or Reservoir Cap
When handling the power steering reservoir cap or dipstick, it’s best to wear clean gloves or a soft cloth.
This prevents dirt, oil and debris from your hands from entering the system.
Contamination can affect the quality of the fluid and damage sensitive parts like the pump or hoses.
Gloves also protect your skin from contact with fluid residue, which can sometimes contain irritating chemicals.
Cleaning and handling everything properly ensures accurate results and the long-term health of the steering system.
How to Locate the Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
1. Where to Find the Reservoir
The power steering fluid reservoir is usually located in the engine bay, near the front of the car.
It’s often made of transparent plastic, allowing you to see the fluid inside without opening it.
Most reservoirs have a steering wheel symbol or the words “Power Steering” written on them, making them easily identifiable.
Checking the reservoir’s location is the first step to ensuring your steering system functions smoothly and safely.
2. Steering System Changes
It’s important to understand that not all cars have the same steering setup.
Older cars typically have hydraulic power steering systems, which rely on fluid for operation.
These cars always have a reservoir that requires regular checking and maintenance to avoid steering problems.
3. Electric Power Steering System
Many modern cars use electric power steering instead of hydraulic systems.
Electric systems rely on motors and sensors instead of fluid, so there’s no reservoir to check.
Knowing whether your car has a hydraulic or electric system ensures that you follow the correct maintenance steps and avoid unnecessary tasks.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid Level
1. Clean the Reservoir Cap
Before opening the power steering fluid reservoir, it’s important to clean the cap and the area around it.
Dust, dirt, or debris on the cap can easily get into the fluid, contaminating it and damaging the steering system.
Cleaning the cap ensures that only clean fluid enters the reservoir, keeping the steering pump, hoses and other components healthy.
2. Open the Cap or Dipstick
Once the area is clean, carefully remove the reservoir cap or, if your car has a dipstick, remove it.
Opening the reservoir slowly can prevent fluid leakage and handling it carefully can prevent contaminants from entering.
Some reservoirs have a built-in dipstick that provides accurate readings, while others simply have lines marked on the container itself.
3. Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it
If your vehicle has a dipstick, wipe it clean with a soft, lint-free cloth before reinserting it into the reservoir.
This step ensures that the reading reflects the actual fluid level, not any residue.
After fully reinserting the dipstick, remove it again to check the current fluid level.
Doing so carefully ensures accurate measurements, which are crucial for proper steering operation.
4. Read the Fluid Level
Check the fluid level using the markings on the dipstick or tank.
Most vehicles have “MIN” and “MAX” indicators, while some use “COLD” and “HOT” markings to indicate fluid expansion due to temperature.
The fluid must always be between these markings to ensure smooth steering system operation.
Accurately reading the level can prevent overfilling or underfilling, which can cause steering problems or damage the pump.
5. Pay Attention to Low Fluid Levels
If the fluid level is lower than the recommended level, it’s a sign that you need to add more power steering fluid.
Low fluid may indicate a leak, worn hose, or other system problems that need attention.
Keeping the fluid at the correct level prevents steering stiffness, reduces pump noise and increases the lifespan of your steering system components.
Read More:
How to Check the Fluid’s Condition
1. Color Check
The easiest way to assess the condition of your power steering fluid is to look at its color.
Healthy power steering fluid is typically clear, amber, or light pink.
This color indicates that the fluid is clean and free of serious contamination.
Maintaining this condition is crucial as it ensures proper lubrication and smooth operation of the steering system, reducing wear on vital components like the pump, hoses and gears.
2. Dirty Fluid
If the fluid appears dark brown or black, it’s a clear sign that the fluid is old or contaminated.
Over time, heat, friction and exposure to air can deteriorate the fluid, destroying its lubricating and hydraulic properties.
Contaminated fluid can also cause wear, noise and damage to the steering pump or hoses.
Identifying dirty fluid early allows you to replace it before more serious problems arise, protecting the overall condition of your vehicle’s steering system.
3. Odor Check
The fluid’s odor is another important indicator of its condition.
Fresh power steering fluid should have a mild, almost neutral odor.
However, a burnt or pungent smell indicates system overheating or excessive wear.
This can happen if the fluid has been exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time or if the steering pump is under pressure.
Detecting this odor early can alert you to potential problems and prevent costly repairs, ensuring your steering system continues to run smoothly and safely.
How to Add Power Steering Fluid – If You See It is Necessary
1. Use the Correct Fluid
When adding power steering fluid, it’s important to use only the type specified by your vehicle manufacturer.
The exact grade and description of the fluid are provided in the user manual.
Using the wrong type of fluid can reduce lubrication, cause foaming, or even damage the steering pump and other components.
Ensuring the correct fluid maintains the steering system’s performance and durability.
2. Pour Slowly and Carefully
Pour the fluid slowly, in small amounts, into the reservoir.
Using a funnel can help prevent leaks and ensure that the fluid goes directly into the container.
Adding fluid slowly allows you to accurately monitor the level and avoid overfilling, which could cause leaks or put additional strain on the steering system.
3. Recheck the fluid level
After adding fluid, reinsert the dipstick or check the reservoir markings to ensure the level is correct.
Sometimes, fluid takes a while to settle, so it’s important to recheck the level before closing the reservoir.
Accurate measurements ensure the steering system has the correct amount of fluid for smooth and safe operation.
4. Avoid Overfilling
Overfilling the power steering reservoir can be harmful.
Excess fluid can overflow and cause a mess in the engine bay and in some cases, it can damage seals or cause a leak in the system.
Maintaining fluid between the recommended minimum and maximum markings protects the steering pump, hoses and gears, keeping the system reliable and increasing its lifespan.
At, Last
1. Secure the Cap
After checking or adding power steering fluid, it’s important to securely reinstall the reservoir cap.
A well-sealed cap prevents dirt, dust and other contaminants from entering the fluid, which can damage the steering pump and other system components.
Tightly closing the cap also prevents leaks, which can lower the fluid level and affect steering performance.
2. Circulate the Fluid
After installing the cap, start the engine and slowly turn the steering wheel from one turn to the next.
This action helps circulate the fluid throughout the power steering system, ensuring adequate lubrication to the pump, hoses and steering gear.
Circulating the fluid also distributes the newly added fluid evenly, allowing for an accurate final level check.
3. Recheck the Fluid Level
After circulating the fluid, it’s important to recheck the fluid level.
Sometimes the fluid level changes slightly after moving the steering wheel as air bubbles settle and the fluid flows through the system.
Ensuring the fluid is within the recommended range prevents underfilling or overfilling, both of which can affect steering performance and safety.
4. Check for Leaks
Finally, inspect the hoses, reservoir and surrounding areas for any signs of leaks.
Look for wet spots, dripping fluid, or unusual stains, as these could indicate worn hoses, loose connections, or a damaged reservoir.
Identifying and repairing leaks early helps maintain proper fluid levels, prevent steering problems and avoid costly repairs in the future.
How to Maintenance Power Steering Fluid
Yes, it is really important to maintain cleanliness, as the power steering fluid must be checked, filtered and flushed at the regular time interval, as studies shows that if there’s a contamination then it can leads to the hydraulic failure: as clean fluid actually prevents up to 70% of common steering system breakdowns.[¹]
1. Regular Fluid Checks
One of the most important steps in maintaining a healthy power steering system is regular fluid checks.
It’s recommended to check the fluid at least once a month or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Regular checks help ensure the fluid remains at the proper level and clean, preventing steering problems and excessive wear on the pump and hoses.
Continuous monitoring helps you identify potential problems before they become serious.
2. System Flush
Over time, power steering fluid can deteriorate due to heat, contamination and normal use.
Flushing the system every two years, or as recommended by the manufacturer, helps remove old, dirty fluid and replace it with fresh fluid.
This process improves steering performance, reduces the risk of component damage and extends the steering system’s overall lifespan.
System flushes are specially important in older vehicles or vehicles that are heavily used in extreme temperatures.
3. Pay Attention to Low Fluid Symptoms
Despite regular checks, it’s important to pay attention to signs of low or deteriorating power steering fluid.
Stiffness or difficulty steering, unusual rattling noises when turning the wheel, or fluid pooling under the car are clear warning signs.
Recognizing these symptoms early allows you to take corrective action, such as refilling the fluid or repairing leaks, to avoid costly repairs and ensure safe vehicle operation.
Conclusion – How to Check Power Steering Fluid
You should pay attention to the fluid’s level, color and condition as well, as it is really importnat to have a perfectly functional steering wheel every-time you drive.
Regularly checking and inspecting fluids helps prevent wear and tear on the steering pump, hoses and gears, helping you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Using the correct fluid, monitoring its color and odor and topping up or flushing the system in a timely manner ensures your car remains responsive and easy to operate.
Additionally, understanding the difference between hydraulic and electric power steering systems helps you follow the proper maintenance steps for your vehicle.
By following these steps and keeping an eye on your steering system, you can enjoy safe driving, extend the life of your vehicle’s components and avoid unexpected steering problems.
Plus, if you still have unsolved questions then you can ask them below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where is the power steering fluid reservoir located?
Answer: The power steering fluid reservoir is usually found in the engine bay near the front of the car. Most reservoirs have a steering wheel symbol or the word “Power Steering” for easy identification. Older cars with hydraulic power steering always have a reservoir, while many modern cars with electric power steering don’t use a fluid reservoir at all. Knowing your car’s steering type helps you decide whether to have the fluid checked.
Q2. How do I know if the power steering fluid is low?
Answer: You can tell if the fluid is low by checking the marks on the dipstick or reservoir. The fluid should always be between the minimum and maximum marks. Signs of low fluid include stiffness in the steering, a screeching sound when turning the wheel and sometimes fluid pooling under the car. Low fluid can indicate a leak or worn hose, so it’s important to address the problem immediately.
Q3. What does the color and smell of power steering fluid indicate?
Answer: Healthy power steering fluid is typically clear, amber, or light pink. Dark brown or black fluid may be old or contaminated and may need to be replaced. A burnt or pungent odor indicates system overheating or excessive wear. Regularly checking both color and odor ensures that the fluid is in good condition and that the steering system is safe and functioning.
Q4. Can I use any type of power steering fluid?
Answer: No, it’s important to use only the fluid recommended by your car’s manufacturer. The owner’s manual provides exact specifications. Using the wrong fluid can reduce lubrication, cause foaming, or even damage the pump and hoses. Always double-check the recommended type to keep your steering system working efficiently.
Q5. How do I safely refill power steering fluid?
Answer: If the fluid is low, add it slowly and in small amounts using a clean funnel. After adding, recheck the level to make sure it’s within the correct range. Do not overfill, as excess fluid may leak or overpressure the system. After adding fluid, start the engine and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock to properly circulate the fluid.
Q6. How often should I flush the power steering system?
Answer: Power steering systems are generally recommended to be flushed every two years, or as directed by the car manufacturer. Flushing removes old, worn-out fluid and replaces it with new fluid, improving steering performance and protecting the pump, hoses and gears from wear. Flushing is specially important in older cars or those driven in heavy traffic or extreme temperatures.
References:
[1] Novak, N.; Trajkovski, A.; Kalin, M.; Majdič, F. Degradation of Hydraulic System due to Wear Particles or Medium Test Dust
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/13/7777
Guys, I’m a car audio enthusiast and customization expert and I love clear sound and clean installation. Plus, I have spent years helping people build their dream audio setups. And whenever I’m working on cars, I probably listen to music and thinks about the next big upgrade.