How many bottles of power steering fluid

Power steering fluid is hugely important to the performance and life of your car. It’s what keeps things smooth and streamlined on the road. Without it, you’d be in a spot of bother. Prestone’s Power Steering Fluid is a grab-and-go essential that’s easy to use at home, but why exactly do you need it? Prestone is here to give you some handy directions…

What does power steering fluid do?

Without getting too technical, power steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transmits the power in your steering system. In a bit more detail, it helps create the pressure that pushes on either side of your car’s rack-mounted piston, allowing you to turn the wheels with ease. Since the majority of cars today use power assisted steering (PAS) systems, this fluid is essential for smooth steering.

“Can I drive without power steering fluid?”

The short answer is “yes”, but it’s probably better to ask “do I want to be driving without power steering fluid?”

Not only does power steering fluid help with the motion of your vehicle, it also protects against wear and tear. If you don’t top up your power steering fluid regularly, then you risk damaging the pump, rack and pinion of your car, even with small amounts of fluid in your car’s power steering reservoir.

Engineered for superior performance you can trust, Prestone’s Power Steering Fluid can be used in all vehicles with power steering. Made to extend the life of your PAS system by preventing corrosion, it also reduces wear and noise without damaging its seals or gaskets. It’s easy to use as well – we’ll show you how.

How to add power steering fluid to your engine

• Locate the reservoir cylinder

This is where the fluid is located. Most of the time, the reservoir is located in the same area of every car, but if you can’t find it, try looking in your owner’s manual for its specific location.

• Check the fluid’s level

If the cylinder is translucent, you should be able to see the level of fluid in there, but if it’s made of metal, then check the level with a dipstick, which is usually attached to the cylinder’s cap. If this is the case, have a look at how much of the dipstick is covered by power-steering fluid.

• Examine its colour

If the fluid that’s already in there is clear, amber or pink, then you’re good to go with a refill. But if it’s looking brown or black, it’s been contaminated by rubber from connecting hoses, seals or O-rings. That means you’ll have to take it to a mechanic to see if any of the PAS parts and fluid need replacing.

• Add power-steering fluid to the correct fill level

Using the recommended fluid for your car, add the fluid steadily until you reach the correct level. Be careful not to overfill the fluid; it’s actually better to under-fill since it expands as it heats up. Any more than necessary and you risk causing problems which could, in turn, lead to expensive repairs.

At Prestone, we’re committed to optimising your car’s performance to help you excel on the road. Don’t leave your power steering problems until it’s too late – head over to the Prestone Power Steering Fluid page for smoother, easier performance today.

I stopped by my dealer and picked up 6 last time I did a flush. Used 2 for the flush, about 1-1.5 to fill, and have 2 left over in case they’re needed. PS fluid is cheap and it’s easier to have extra than have to figure out how to pick it up when you need it (I.e. your fluid is too low and you can’t drive there)

How much fluid does a power steering system hold?

Does power steering fluid need to be full?

Can you check how much power steering fluid you have?

Do you add power steering fluid with the engine on or off?