Replacing power steering fluid

Hydraulic fluids, also called hydraulic liquids, are the medium by which power is transferred in hydraulic machinery. Common hydraulic fluids are based on mineral oil or water. Examples of equipment that might use hydraulic fluids include excavators and backhoes, brakes, power steering systems, transmissions, garbage trucks, aircraft flight control systems, lifts, and industrial machinery.

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A car designed to have power steering can be very hard to steer without power steering fluid. If it goes suddenly, you could lose control of the vehicle or even crash your car causing an accident.

A damage to your pump might occur within a short period of time if you continue to drive with little or no fluid in your power steering reservoir.

Power steering fluid provides much improved wear protection, resists thermal breakdown, evaporation and foaming at high temperatures to your vehicle’s steering system.

You should check the fluid levels if you hear a squealing noise when you are turning the wheel to a full lock in either direction. However, If you hear a grinding noise when turning the steering wheel at all, or the steering stiffens up, get to a garage as soon as possible because your power steering may be about to fail completely.

Bear in mind that power steering fluid isn’t something that is ‘used’, like windscreen wash or oil – it shouldn’t go down unless there is a problem or a leak. So, if you notice that your power steering fluid level has dropped below the minimum more than twice in 12 months, you should have it checked out because it could mean that there is a problem that could damage your power steering.
 
Our Car Service facility is located in Leeds, Pudsey – just few turns of the Ring Road.

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