How to Check Car Power Steering Fluid

Your car's power steering system is a hydraulic pressure assist system that helps to turn the wheels when you turn the steering wheel inside your car. The power steering fluid is contained in a reservoir in the engine compartment on or around the power steering pump. Some reservoirs are see-through containers with level indicator marks. Others use a dipstick. This will determine how you check your fluid.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Funnel

1. Turn the engine of your car off. Open the hood and secure it with the prop rod.

2. Locate your power steering fluid reservoir and determine if yours is a see-through container with fill level indicator marks or if your car uses the dipstick method.

3. Check the level of your power steering fluid by reading where the fluid level falls on the indicator if your reservoir is transparent. Fill with power steering fluid to bring the level somewhere between the minimum and maximum indicators on your reservoir.

4. Determine the power steering fluid level using your dipstick if your car has that type of reservoir. The dipstick will also have a minimum and maximum indicator. Fill with power steering fluid to bring the level between the two lines. It is easiest to fill the fluid using a funnel.

5. Remove the prop rod and close the hood of your car securely.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to use the proper power steering fluid. Sometimes automatic transmission fluid can be used as an alternative. Consult your vehicle owner's manual to determine what fluids you can use.
• Power steering fluid is a fluid, not a motor oil. Using oil will damage the rubber seals and other rubber parts in the power steering system.
• Over-filling the power steering reservoir will expel the excess liquid. This could result in a fire if the fluid comes in contact with the hot exhaust parts. Never overfill the power steering fluid level.