1. Home
  2. Autos
  3. Auto Repair

Adding Power Steering Fluid

By Matthew Wright, About.com

Your car says thank you!

Add steering fluid slowly until it's full.

mw
If you've checked the level of your power steering fluid and found it to be low, it's time to add a little. Safety should be a priority, and steering your car is on the short list of safety items, for sure. It takes just a few minutes to check and fill your power steering fluid, so go ahead and do it today.

Before you remove the cap on the power steering fluid reservoir, take a rag and clean the cap and the area around it well. Even a small amount of debris can really foul up your power steering system (this goes for any hydraulic system, like a clutch or your brakes).

With the cap off, slowly begin to fill the reservoir. It will rise quickly since the system holds very little fluid. Fill it to the MAX or FULL mark that corresponds to the engine temp (hot or cold).

Be sure to replace the cap and tighten it up before you hit the road. Well done!

Explore Auto Repair

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Autos
  3. Auto Repair
  4. Regular Maintenance
  5. Regular Maintenance - Power Steering Fluid - Filling Power Steering Fluid

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.