When to Add Power Steering Fluid? Below “MIN”?

When checking the oil levels of your vehicle, you may notice that the power steering fluid is slightly below the marked level. However, do you have to maintain the power steering fluid level at the marked level at all times? When should you add power steering fluid? This article will answer all these questions.

Key Takeaways of this Article

• You should add power steering fluid when it’s low or if the fluid shows signs of deterioration.
• Adding power steering fluid when the level is low can be a temporary solution for an underlying issue. 
• You can check and add power steering fluid when the engine is hot or cold, considering the “HOT” and “COLD” markings on the reservoir.

When to Add Power Steering Fluid?

You should add power steering fluid when it’s low or if the fluid shows signs of deterioration. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to add power steering fluid when it is only slightly below the marked level. 

When checking the power steering fluid level, look for “MAX” and “MIN” marks on the reservoir. The ideal level is in the middle of these two marks. If the fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, it’s time to add more power steering fluid until it reaches the middle range. 

When checking the power steering fluid, it’s important to not only look at the level but also check its quality. The color and odor are key indicators of the fluid’s condition.

• Color: Fresh fluid is usually clear or slightly colored. A darker color indicates aging.
• Odor: A burnt smell suggests fluid degradation.

If the fluid is contaminated, even if it appears to be at the correct level, consider replacing it to maintain optimal performance.

If you notice that fluid is consistently going low and you find yourself adding fresh power steering fluid to old frequently, there could be several reasons contributing to this. These may include fluid leaks, worn-out seals, or pump malfunctions.

Rather than simply adding fluid to reach the correct level, it’s important to promptly address these issues to avoid further problems.

How to Add Power Steering Fluid Correctly?

If you notice your vehicle’s power steering fluid is low and you want to top it up, here’s how you can do it: 

1. Check the Current Fluid Level: Ensure the current power steering fluid level is below the “MIN” marking on the reservoir.
2. Prepare the Area: Before opening the reservoir cap, make sure the surrounding areas and the cap itself are clean. This prevents dust and debris from entering the fluid during and after you add oil.
3. Open the Reservoir Cap: If your vehicle has a dipstick attached to the cap, use it to check the fluid level.
4. Add the Fluid: Use a funnel to add the oil to the reservoir. Slowly pour the fluid to prevent overfilling and spills. The level should be between the “MAX” and “MIN” markings.
5. Verify the Level: After adding the fluid, verify that the level is correct and within the marked range.
6. Close the Cap: Securely close the cap of the reservoir.
7. Start the Vehicle: Start your vehicle and turn the steering wheel a few times to help the fluid circulate properly through the system.
8. Check Again: After circulating the fluid, recheck the level and adjust if necessary.

FAQ

Do You Check the Power Steering Fluid the Car Turned on? 

You can check the power steering fluid level with the engine both turned off and on as there are two markings on the reservoir marked “HOT” and “COLD”. 

Hot Mark: The hot mark indicates the correct power steering fluid level when the engine is at operating temperature.

Cold Mark: This mark indicates the correct power steering fluid level when the engine is cold or has been off for a while.

Do You Have to Turn Off the Engine Before Adding Power Steering Fluid?

Considering safety, we recommend turning off the engine before accessing the engine components. This practice helps you identify the correct fluid level when it is settled and you should know that power steering fluid expands when hot. 

However, adding power steering fluid while the engine is running is possible. You can add the required amount of fluid, considering whether the engine is hot or not.