Power steering fluid
Almost all new cars are equipped with power steering, which can be hydraulic or electrical. The hydraulic system consists of a power steering pump , hoses and
cylinders which ensure that steering does not take too much effort. The hydraulic
pump is driven by the
V-belt or auxiliary belt . If you turn the steering wheel , the pressure is built up in the hydraulic pump. The power steering fluid ensures
that the pressure is transformed to a force, which is transmitted to the other
steering parts. All in all, making steering a breeze. Is the level of the power
steering fluid low? A low level makes steering more difficult and harder. It´s
also possible that you´ll hear a high pitch sound while steering. It is
important that if the fluid level is too low, that power steering fluid is
added as quickly as possible.
Top up
power steering fluid
Check
regularly whether there is sufficient power steering oil in the reservoir of
your car. If this is not the case, top it up as soon as possible. How? You can
add power steering oil as follows:
Find the power steering fluid reservoir . You will find this in the vicinity of the power steering belt. The
reservoir has a cylindrical shape, made of metal or plastic.
Check the level of the liquid. With a
transparent reservoir, you can easily read the level. Is the reservoir not
transparent? Then check the level with a dipstick. The dipstick can often be
found on the cap of the reservoir.
Check the colour of the liquid. Usable
clean power steering fluid is red/yellowish in colour. Is the liquid
brown-black coloured however, then it may indicate defects.
Is the level of fluid in the reservoir
too low? Fill the power steering oil to the correct level. Make sure you
purchase the correct fluid for your car.
Note:
Never add too much fluid. It’s better to add just a bit short of the indicated
level. As soon as the fluid gets hot, it expands.
Put the cap back on the fluid
reservoir.
Change power
steering fluid
If during checking it is discovered that the power steering fluid is brown of
colour, then you will need to change it. None of the car manufacturers writes a
fixed interval for changing power steering fluid. A general rule of thumb is to
change power steering fluid after 60,000 miles / 100,000 km. However, to keep
your car in top condition, we recommend that you frequently check the power
steering fluid through the year.
Which power steering fluid do you need
Power
steering fluid is subdivided using a colour scheme, with colours such as red,
yellow and green. You can read which power steering oil is suitable in the
manual of your car. You can also see it on the cap of the reservoir. It is
often stated here which fluid is suitable for your car. Yellow letters mean
that you have to go for yellow liquid, red for red and so on. However, it is
important not to rely solely on the indicated colour. The composition of the
liquids between the offered products can differ within a colour specification.
It’s therefore important to always check the manual of your car. It’s more
convenient though to enter your number plate or select your vehicle in the
selector to find suitable products for your car. You can then easily order the
products at Winparts.
Buy power steering fluid
Buying power steering fluid is quick and easy at
Winparts. You can choose from a number of top brands such as
Kroon Oil , Valvoline , Eurol and Castrol . We also offer other types of oil and liquids such
as
motor oil , engine coolant , additives or brake fluid .
