Best Power Steering Fluids in 2022

Last update: January 3, 2023

Can I just add power steering fluid?

If your car is low on power steering fluid, you may be able to add some yourself. Check your car's owner's manual to find out where the power steering fluid reservoir is located and what kind of power steering fluid to use. You may need a funnel to help you pour the fluid into the reservoir. Once you've added the fluid, start the engine and turn the steering wheel from side to side to make sure the fluid is circulating properly.

Can I replace power steering fluid myself?

Yes, you can replace power steering fluid yourself. Draining and refilling the power steering fluid is not difficult and can be done in about 30 minutes.

Can you add power steering fluid without flushing?

Yes, you can add power steering fluid without flushing, but it is not recommended. Adding fluid without flushing can cause contamination and clogs within the power steering system.

Can you mix power steering fluid with ATF?

Yes, you can mix power steering fluid with ATF. However, it is not recommended as it can cause issues with your power steering system.


ACDelco 10-4017 Auto-Trak II Transfer Case Fluid - 33.8 oz Review:


If your GM transfer case requires it, you must use Auto-Trak II fluid. It's not too expensive, and my research on several sites confirmed that it's best to stick with the original fluid. It's a nightmare without a pump, therefore I strongly advise acquiring one for the job. There are inexpensive liquid pumps that screw onto the bottle and do wonders. The packing was excellent, too! The bottles arrived in plastic wrap that was individually wrapped. Additionally, replace any rounded drain and/or fill bolts with new ones to avoid additional rounding or stripping. They are made of aluminum, a softer metal. However, resist the urge to obtain a different metal! After doing some study, I came to the conclusion to use aluminum bolts.



Idemitsu PSF Universal Power Steering Fluid for Asian Vehicles - 12 oz. Review:


Compared to relatively clear



Genuine Honda Fluid 08206-9002 Power Steering Fluid - 12 oz. Review:


I'm not sure whether this is any different from the name brands you can obtain in WalMart or Auto Parts stores, which are prominently marked with the phrase "For Use In All Honda Power Steering" in Big Red Letters, but I went ahead and bought the Honda Brand anyhow, and it works just fine.I also want to draw your attention to a service bulletin that applies to some of you late-model 2003–2007 Honda Accord and Acura owners: the old Power Steering Pump O-Ring on the aforementioned Honda models needs to be replaced with a newly designed one because the old one is leaking into the power steering system and allowing air to pass through it, which results in a high-pitched whining sound when the wheel is turned.The Honda



Lubegard 23232 Complete Synthetic Power Steering Fluid, 32 fl. oz. Review:


I purchased two quarts of this fluid to flush and replace the extremely burnt/dirty fluid in the power steering pump, rack, and reservoir of a 2007 Kia Optima. I calculated that since the Kia power steering system only contains 0.8 qts, I would need 1 qt to flush out and 1 qt to fill. But to remove all of the "gunk," this Kia had to be flushed out numerous times. I thus bought two quarts of Castrol Transmax full synthetic ATF locally at $10 per quart to completely flush out the Kia's system after using one quart of this Lubegard PSF for the initial flush. The Castrol synthetic was then removed from the system, and this Lubegard PSF was added in its place. Due to the minor amount of Castrol Transmax synthetic that was still in the system after the flush, the fluid in the car is somewhat pink, but it is now "gunk" free and operating as intended. I only regret not using Lubeguard for the third flush prior to the Lubeguard PSF fill up and Castrol for the first two flushes instead.By the way, Castrol Transmax ATF, a synthetic product, has parameters that are extremely similar to those of Lubegard PSF, a synthetic product, therefore it creates a wonderful flush without affecting the attributes of the Lubegard PSF.



Lucas Oil 10442 16 Ounce Power Steering Fluid with Conditioners Review:


I recently bought a truck and needed to flush the PS system. I decided to use the Lucas fluid because I've always had great luck with Lucas products. I was impressed after cleaning it out and adding brand-new fluid. There was no longer any pump whining (which was not unpleasant but was present), and everything was running smoothly. Although the previous fluid wasn't too bad (I've seen it be jet black before), it needed to be changed because it was old.Depending on what you already have or are willing to purchase, there are a few different ways to alter PS fluid.Simply removing the return hose from the reservoir and allowing it to drain is Method 1. (into a pan of course). Once the reservoir is full, start the car, replace the hose, turn the wheel all the way in one direction, all the way in the other, and then return to center, no more, no less. Turn off the car. Repetitively drain and refill the reservoir, start the engine, and lock the wheels again. Refill the reservoir after draining it. Repeat as necessary to thoroughly clean the fluid. This works because until you move the wheel, the fluid is continuously recirculated within the pump and reservoir. The steering rack or gear (it doesn't matter which you have, they flush the same) is pumped with new fluid by twisting the wheel lock to lock (just once), pushing the old out. To acquire it all, you must repeat a few times. If your vehicle has Hydroboost brakes, you should empty and re-fill the reservoir while doing the entire procedure once the steering gear has been flushed.The fluid may be sucked out into the recovery container that most of them come with if you have or are willing to purchase a vacuum pump (not a suction gun, which are too huge to be useful for this). This is a much cleaner alternative. The procedure is the same as above, but instead of draining the fluid, suck it out. I would advise getting one and a bigger recovery container if you perform your own car repair. Since there aren't really any on newer automobiles, you don't use them for testing vacuum components anymore, but I use mine a lot for fluid evacuation. If you have or can access an oil evacuater, you can also use that instead, however I find that my hand pump is more useful sometimes.To get a good flush on a truck, regardless of how you do it, you will need at least 2 pints (four bottles of this stuff), but don't buy too little—it lasts. Get a gallon of the less costly fluid from Autozone and flush with that first if your fluid is extremely unclean and you don't want to use the more expensive fluid for the flushing process. Then, for the final 2-3 changeouts, use Lucas fluid to ensure that it is in the system and ready for use. Additionally, you don't have to get it completely clean and most likely won't without replacing some pieces. Unless you just really like buying PS fluid, you'll get the most of it out and the fluid will be a light hue but not quite clear.Pay close attention to the fluids your body consumes. The generic power steering fluid is used in almost all vehicles and light trucks (which is pretty much tractor hydraulic fluid, but not quite). More frequently, medium and heavy duty trucks use ATF. If you own a Honda, only purchase Honda fluid! Do not use anything else! Get the Honda-specific fluid in addition to the universal stuff. If you use the wrong fluid, you will destroy every seal in the system and be faced with an expensive repair. Make very sure you know what type to use. ATF and power steering fluid/hydraulic fluid are particularly incompatible. And your Honda will reject you for using the incorrect fluid. If you are vacuuming the fluid out, be sure to use clean hoses to prevent fluid contamination.In light of this, should you use this in your Honda? You decide, after all. They say it's fine, however I am aware that Honda fluid differs slightly from all others, which explains the difference specification. I have not conducted the in-depth research to determine the precise chemical variations. With ATF, I would never use this now. That is definitely very different. Even though they claim you may, I'm not that bold when it comes to throwing away steering system parts worth more than $1,000. You can decide what to do with that one; you could be okay. All I know is that I have seen the damage the incorrect fluids can create, so I won't take a chance.Update:After a month and 2,000 miles on the flush, the system is not only operating correctly but also quietly. The pump started to become quieter after about a week of the fluid being in the system, to the point where it is now that it no longer makes any noise that I can hear until I slam it all the way to the steering lock and hold it. I must say that I'm impressed; this performs better than the expensive equipment I used to use at the dealer. It is only marginally pricey, but well worth it. As I stated in my initial assessment, flush it with the inexpensive fluid before finishing with this. Since my system wasn't too filthy, I simply used this as the final fill and flush, thus I'd say that it's 90% filled now.



Honda 08206-9002PE Power Steering Fluid Pack of 3 Review:


This power steering fluid is original Honda. My 2008 Honda Accord's PS Pump has started to complain, especially during the colder months. In addition, turning the wheel when idling or parking got harder and harder. I bought three PS bottles and changed the oil the simple manner, using a Turkey Baster and not unplugging the pipes. By filling the Reservoir three times, which has a capacity of around 1/3 of the PS System's overall capacity, I was able to replace about 2/3 of the PS Fluid while minimizing the chance of running the PS Pump dry and spending less money in the process.About 60K miles have been put on my car, and the PS Fluid was quite black (the new one is almost colorless). The PS has improved so much that I was astounded by how much easier it is to turn the wheels and it no longer makes whining noises when the system is cold.



Prestone 12 Ounce AS268 Power Steering Fluid for European Vehicles-12 oz Review:


Excellent for topping off the power steering fluid. My reservoir was almost empty, but I still have some.A few weeks later, when my car was scheduled for maintenance, I asked my mechanic to check my power steering fluid to see if it required draining. I only wanted him to say "no, it looks really excellent" for me to repurchase this.



Lucas Oil 10011 Power Steering Stop Leak, 1. quarts Review:


For the past two years or more, my 1998 Honda Accord has had a gradual leak in the power steering. I used to be able to simply add a little fluid every few weeks and continue driving normally until recently. I was merely use the lowest honda compatible fluid I could get. But it started to grow worse approximately four months ago. I gave a number of the leak stop brands on the market a try, but this one helped me the most. While none of them, not even Lucas, truly managed to stop the leak, Lucas did manage to slow it down more than the others.I believe it slows down the leak because it is so thick, like pouring maple syrup. I did notice one thing that you ought to be aware of. The thickness of this gunk prevented the steering pump from functioning on particularly cold days when the temperature dropped below 0 degrees Fahrenheit until the car had warmed up a little. In order to get the pulley connected to the pump moving, I actually had to open the hood. So, I suppose this could pose a problem if you reside in a particularly frigid climate.Although Lucas Stop Leak helped me put off fixing my steering, it wasn't truly a long-term fix. I put some Auto Pro UV dye to the system to remedy my issue, and after a few days I could see the leak coming from an unanticipated place. Both the rack and the high pressure side had no leaks. On the low pressure tube, it was leaking just where the pipe enters the radiator. The system was shut off after I was able to repair the rubber hose that attaches there.In the end, this item was successful in slowing down my leak and bought me a few extra weeks to look for a fix. Its response to extremely cold temperatures is my sole concern. In extremely cold climates, it may prevent your steering from functioning, so be ready for that.


Can you use motor oil in place of power steering fluid?

You can use motor oil in place of power steering fluid, but it is not recommended. Motor oil is thicker than power steering fluid and can cause damage to the power steering pump.

Do all cars take the same power steering fluid?

No, all cars do not take the same power steering fluid. Depending on the make and model of your car, you will need to use a specific power steering fluid that is compatible with your car. You can usually find this information in your car's owner's manual.

Does it matter what power steering fluid I use?

Yes, it does matter what power steering fluid you use. Different fluids have different properties and can affect the performance of your power steering system. Using the wrong fluid can cause problems such as leaks, noise, and reduced efficiency.

Does power steering affect acceleration?

No, power steering does not affect acceleration. Power steering is a system that helps drivers steer by using hydraulic fluid to assist in turning the steering wheel. It is not connected to the engine or the drivetrain and therefore has no impact on how fast the vehicle can accelerate.

How long can you drive with low power steering fluid?

If you have low power steering fluid, you should still be able to drive your vehicle. However, you may notice that the steering feels heavier than normal and that it takes more effort to turn the wheel. You may also notice some squealing when you turn the wheel. If the power steering fluid level gets too low, the pump may overheat and fail. This can happen quickly, so it's important to check the fluid level regularly and top it off if necessary.

How often should power steering fluid be changed?

How often should power steering fluid be changed? The power steering fluid in your car should be changed every few years or as recommended by your car's manufacturer.