Power steering is a must-have for most drivers. It’s a convenience that not only makes driving easier and safer, but it also makes parking easier and less stressful. But how do you know if your power steering is working properly? A few telltale signs are if you find yourself constantly turning the steering wheel back and forth to get a sense of where the curb or edge of the road is, if you find yourself struggling to pull into a parking spot, or if you just have a hard time turning the wheel at all.
Luckily, power steering is standard on most cars, so you’re probably not suffering from a bad case of power steering if you’re driving a new car. But if you have an older car, or if you have recently installed a bigger engine, your power steering could be on its last legs.
If you’re shopping for a new car, one of the first things to do is to test out the power steering. Here are some more signs that it might be time to replace your power steering fluid.
Here’s what you need to know about power steering fluids
Our Editor’s Best Power Steering Fluids Reviews
- Suitable for all Honda models
- Honda genuine power steering fluid is manufactured for all Honda vehicle power steering systems
- Other manufacturer's power steering fluid may damage the Honda power steering system
- Genuine OEM Honda Parts
- Keeps power-steering systems running smoothly and helps stop or reduce fluid loss caused by leaky seals
- Formulated with high-quality oil and fortified with additives to revitalize dried, shrunken, and hardened seals
- Developed for use in GM, Ford, Chrysler, and most foreign cars and light trucks
- Anti-wear agents protect pump components
- Corrosion inhibitors to protect metal components
- Fits all Honda models
- Honda genuine power steering fluid is manufactured for all Honda vehicle power steering systems
- Other manufacturer's power steering fluid may damage the Honda power steering system
- See owner's manual for more information
- Superior quality, universal hydraulic fluid designed to mix with all hydraulic fluids in power trim and steering systems
- Protects seals and hoses, and prevent foaming, oxidation and corrosion.
- Prevents foaming
- Helps combat oxidation and corrosion in power trim and steering systems
- Recommended for all outboard and sterndrive applications except electric power steering systems
- Advanced additive package for excellent performance
- Reduces power-steering related noise, resulting in a quieter passenger compartment
- Special formula is non-foaming and anti-corrosive for longer fluid life and protection for power steering system components
- High quality power steering fluid and conditioner
- Stops Noise
- Stops slipping
- Helps prevent unusual wear
- Protects seals
- The service solution for ALL European, North American, and Asian vehicles (Honda fluid recommended for Honda/Acura vehicles)
- Reduces friction and protects seals and hoses - extending the life of the power steering system
- Provides excellent cold and high temperature performance eliminating "morning sickness" stiffness
- Excellent for use in electric hydraulic systems
- Cleans and frees sticky turbines and pumps
- Very cost effective
- AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS
- Improves steering response
- Stops rack and pinion problems
- Restores performance and smoothest out hard steering
- Quiets squeal and noisy pumps
- Stops leaks
- Conditions seals
- Prevents future leaks
- Eliminates steering stiffness and noises - Enhances all power steering fluids
- Converts power steering fluid to Honda Power Steering Fluid / Lowers temperature and extends fluid life
- Improves heat transfer from the fluid to the case wall and out the gear box / Safe for seals and hoses
- Frees sticky turbines and pumps / Reduces wear, thus extending the life of the power steering system
- Prevents thermal and oxidative breakdown / Eliminates stiffness on cold mornings
Best Power Steering Fluids Buying Guide
1. Low RVP: The low RVP of synthetic power steering fluid maintains the proper pressure of the pump and improves the performance of the pump.
2. Protection: Synthetic power steering fluid protects the pump from corrosion and wear. It also lubricates and protects the suspension components.
3. Smooth Ride: Adding synthetic power steering fluid improves the smoothness of the ride by reducing the vibrations.
4. Better Handling: Synthetic power steering fluid offers improved handling in wet and extreme conditions.
5. Longer Life: The lubricating additives of a synthetic power steering fluid improve the life of the pump and reduce the friction.
6. Less Noise: Synthetic power steering fluid reduces the noise of the pump.
7. Better Temperature Resistance: Synthetic power steering fluid offers good resistance to high and low temperatures.
8. Better Wet Weather Handling: Synthetic power steering fluid offers good wet weather handling.
9. Less Dusting: Synthetic power steering fluid does not produce much dust.
10. Better Cleaning: Synthetic power steering fluid offers quick cleaning of the pump.
11. Better Durability: Synthetic power steering fluid offers better durability.
12. Better Aeration: Synthetic power steering fluid offers better aeration.
13. Lower Friction: Synthetic power steering fluid offers lower friction.
14. Better Compatibility: Synthetic power steering fluid is compatible with the original equipment.
15. Lower Evaporative Loss: Synthetic power steering fluid offers lower evaporation loss.
16. Less Maintenance: Less maintenance is required with synthetic power steering fluid.
What else you should know about power steering fluids
1. What are power steering fluids?
Power steering fluids are fluids used to assist in the steering of a vehicle. The fluid is used to transfer the force from the steering wheel to the steering components.
2. What do power steering fluids do?
Power steering fluids are used to transfer power from the steering wheel to the wheels of the car. This allows the driver to steer the car without using as much force.
3. What are the benefits of using power steering fluids?
Some benefits of using power steering fluids are that they can help to extend the life of your power steering system, can help to improve steering feel, can provide better control and can offer protection against rust and corrosion.
4. How often should power steering fluids be changed?
The power steering fluid should be checked every time you get an oil change and should be flushed every 30,000 miles.
5. What are the consequences of not changing power steering fluids?
If you do not change your power steering fluid, the fluid will become old and will not work as well. This can cause your power steering to fail, and you may have to replace it.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best power steering fluids. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best power steering fluids will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.