Power steering fluid is often one of the more overlooked fluids in a vehicle. Everyone knows they need to change their oil. They even know to add more wiper fluid (although oftentimes only when they push the button or pull their lever only to reveal it being out and have to hear the lovely sound of their wipers dry-wiping across their windshield). However, when it comes to power steering fluid changes, they tend to be the forgotten component of vehicle maintenance for some reason.
How Often Should You Change the Power Steering Fluid?
To answer the question of "how often should you change power steering fluid?" is less straightforward than gasoline or oil. Some sources will tell you that you should change your power steering fluid every seventy-five thousand to a hundred thousand miles, while others say it should be changed every two years. The reality is there's no real definitive answer, and even car manufacturers vary in their opinions.
The best advice would be to meet somewhere in the middle. You should replace your power steering fluid either every two years or every seventy-five thousand miles (whichever comes first!).
Why Is Changing Out Your Power Steering Fluid Important?
Changing your power steering fluid is incredibly important because of how the power steering pumps function. Power steering fluid pumps are hydraulic pumps that put out upwards of sixteen hundred pounds of pressure. Over years of use, the power steering fluid gets dirty. Dirty fluids create vastly more friction, becoming abrasive. Dirty fluids can even ruin the seals in the pump or the seals on the rack, which can be incredibly expensive to replace.
What About Modern Cars?
Some modern vehicles don't use hydraulic pumps to control the power steering. Instead, they have an electric power steering assist, which uses an electric motor to control the power steering. This means that they don't utilize power steering fluid and that the entire process is unnecessary.
The process is so simple that most people could even do it themselves. However, why mess with something you don't have to? Having it done professionally and ideally is affordable and available directly in your area. Come to Grand Prairie Ford and have your power steering fluid changed by a professional today!