Can I Add New Power Steering Fluid to Old?

Mixing old steering fluid with old might be inevitable considering the situation that you are in right now. However, is it something that will hurt in the long run? What will happen if you mix new power steering fluid with old? This quick guide is all about this topic.

Can you Mix Old and New Power Steering Fluid?

Yes, it is possible to mix old and new power steering fluid, but it is not recommended. If you notice that the current steering fluid level is low, adding new steering oil as a top-up will be okay as a short-term solution.

However, if you are servicing your vehicle and dealing with steering fluid that is too old, adding fresh oil on top of it might not be the best idea, as it has several drawbacks which we will explain later in the article.

Additionally, although you can flush the old steering fluid from the system, draining every last drop is nearly impossible. So, there is always a possibility of mixing new steering fluid with old.

That said, we recommend flushing the system to remove the old steering fluid and using fresh fluid of the same brand and specification to be on the safe side of things.

What Happens If You Add New Power Steering Fluid to Old?

When you add new power steering fluid to the old, there won’t be immediate notable changes or issues. The effects of mixing the fluids may not be immediately apparent.

However, if you happen to add fresh steering fluid to much older fluid, the effectiveness of the new fluid will reduce, and you won’t get the intended results, as the old fluid may have lost some of its lubricating and anti-wear properties.

Over time, using incompatible steering fluid can lead to air bubbles in the system. This is not something you would want in your steering system, as air bubbles tend to create abnormal noises as well as damage to the steering wheel components.

That is why flushing the entire system before adding new steering fluid is recommended.

My Steering Fluid Is Low and I Cannot Flush the Old Fluid Right Now. What Should I Do?

If you find yourself in a situation where adding new fluid onto the old is the only option you have right now, we recommend considering the following points:

First, check for leaks. If the system is leaking, adding new oil won’t fix the issue. You will have to address the leak before adding more fluid. Usually, a power steering fluid leak can be visible from the rack and pinion, hose, or reservoir. 

In addition, you should know when to add power steering oil because if it is not required right now, you can avoid mixing old and new oil.

Make sure to use the same type of steering oil. Note that power steering fluid is not universal. If you cannot find the same type of steering fluid and use a different type, it is essential to flush the steering system as soon as possible once you reach your destination to avoid issues.

In addition, do not overfill the reservoir. Slowly add the new fluid to the reservoir to avoid spills or overfilling.

Finally, monitor the performance after mixing old and new steering fluid.

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My name is Robot McCullum, and I’m an Automotive Engineer with 20+ years of experience in the automotive field. I’ll give you step-by-step instructions for recognizing and fixing complicated technical problems in an uncomplicated manner.  www.AutoTipClub.com, is your best resource for in-depth tutorials, insightful tips, and practical advice designed and developed either for seasoned vehicle collectors or daily drivers.