Power Steering Fluid Exchange

Understanding the Power Steering Fluid Exchange Process

Your vehicle has a power steering fluid reservoir that contains all of your power steering fluid. There will be suspended impurities in the old power steering fluid. When an exchange service is performed, the power steering fluid is drained out of your reservoir. In some cases, a cleaning solution may be poured into the reservoir to clean it out and make sure that all contaminants have been removed. The new fluid that is clean and free of contaminants is then put into your power steering fluid reservoir.

Importance of Power Steering Fluid Service

The main function of the power steering fluid is to transfer power down to your wheels. This means that your power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid. The power steering system is designed to make it so that you can easily turn your steering wheel. Without adequate power steering fluid, you might lose your power steering fluid, so it's very hard to turn your steering wheel. When you need it, scheduling power steering fluid service when you need it keeps your power steering working.

Timing Power Steering Fluid Exchange Service

Although scheduling power steering fluid service when you need it is important, this type of service is not needed very often. A power steering fluid exchange service is only recommended once every 100,000 miles in some vehicle models. To find out exactly how often you should schedule this service, you should look at your maintenance schedule. Your maintenance schedule should list many miles you should put on your vehicle before it's time for your next power steering fluid exchange.