Unlike oil and coolant, power steering fluid isn’t something you need to check very often. But if you notice a problem with your car’s steering (such as the steering wheel becoming heavy or unresponsive), checking the power steering fluid should be your first port of call.
Trusted by professionals and DIY car enthusiasts alike, Prestone’s Power Steering Fluid provides a high-performance replacement for old fluid, helping to maintain the performance of your car’s hydraulic steering.,
Not sure how to check and replace your power steering fluid? Learn more about the ins and outs of this essential product in our FAQs below.
What is power steering fluid?
Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in a car’s steering system. It links the steering wheel to the front wheels, reducing the amount of effort that’s needed to steer the car, while also lubricating moving parts within the system.
Power steering fluid is stored in a reservoir under the bonnet and is denoted by a steering wheel symbol on the cap. Because it’s a hydraulic fluid (like brake fluid), you shouldn’t need to change or top it up very often, but over time, a replacement may be needed to fix issues or restore optimum steering performance.
How do I use Prestone Power Steering Fluid?
Using Prestone Power Steering Fluid is easy and you can carry out the job at home. You’ll just need a few tools, including:
- Prestone Power Steering Fluid
- Pliers
- Drain pan
- Turkey baster
Here’s how it’s done:
- Jack up your car so you can safely get underneath.
- Open the bonnet, locate the power steering reservoir, and unscrew the cap.
- Insert the turkey baster and remove as much of the old fluid as you can, siphoning it into your drain pan.
- Locate the power steering fluid return line under the car. You’ll need to remove the clamps with pliers, before placing the drain pan under the return line.
- With the return line still disconnected, fill the reservoir with fresh power steering fluid about halfway full. Then, turn on the engine and let it run for about five minutes until the fluid runs through the system and begins draining from the return line.
- When fluid is escaping through the return line, replace the clamps and lower your car off the jack.
- Fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the fill line, replace the cap, and you’re good to go.
How does Prestone Power Steering Fluid work?
Prestone Power Steering Fluid is a high-performance hydraulic fluid that assists the movement of the wheels when the car is in motion. Easy to use and pour, our specialist formula also helps to reduce corrosion within the steering lines, so you can be confident your car is running at its best.
Prestone Power Steering Fluid is guaranteed for all vehicles, and is tested in a range of conditions to ensure it performs in all extremes.
How often do I need to replace power steering fluid?
Power steering fluid doesn’t need changing as regularly as oil and coolant/antifreeze. We recommend changing it every 70,000 to 100,000 miles to ensure maximum steering performance.
For more information on our high-performance car maintenance range, click here, or get in touch with our experts if you need further help and advice.