How often should the power steering fluid be changed in a Lavida?
3 Answers
The power steering fluid in a Lavida should generally be changed every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers. The method for changing the power steering fluid in a Lavida is as follows: 1. When changing the power steering fluid, first start the car and use a fluid extractor to remove the old fluid completely. 2. Inject new power steering fluid, then turn the steering wheel back and forth to allow the new fluid to penetrate, which also helps clean the system. For thorough penetration, it is best to turn the steering wheel fully left and right, then slightly left and right. The purpose of turning the steering wheel back and forth is to expel the old fluid from the steering gear, but avoid holding the steering wheel at full lock for too long, as this may cause excessive oil pressure and lead to the power steering fluid spraying out. 3. Once again, remove the fluid from the power steering reservoir and inject new fluid, then turn the steering wheel again. 4. Remove the fluid a third time. The purpose of this repeated process is to ensure the old fluid is completely removed before injecting new fluid.
I've been driving a Lavida for several years, and based on my experience, the power steering fluid should generally be replaced every 40,000 kilometers or every two years. If left unchanged for too long, the fluid oxidizes and deteriorates, leading to significantly heavier steering and accelerated wear on the power steering pump. Once, I delayed the change until 50,000 kilometers, and the steering became very noisy—I almost had to replace the pump, which would have cost me over a thousand yuan. My recommendation for checking the fluid level: when the engine is cold, open the hood, locate the power steering fluid reservoir, and observe the fluid color. If it appears black or cloudy, it’s time for a replacement. Regular fluid changes save money and ensure safety—the Lavida manual also recommends this frequency, and it helps extend the lifespan of the steering system. Don’t cut corners to save a little; if problems arise, they can affect driving and cost more in the long run. Now, I schedule maintenance every 35,000 kilometers in advance to ensure smooth driving.
As a hands-on young car owner who has driven a Lavida for two years, I changed the power steering fluid myself. The manual recommends replacing it every 40,000 kilometers, so I follow that schedule. The DIY process is simple: park the car, turn off the engine to let it cool, locate the power steering fluid reservoir to extract the old fluid, then refill with new ATF fluid. The whole process takes about half an hour and the tools cost just a few dozen yuan. If the fluid isn't changed for a long time, it gets dirty and can cause steering failure, which is expensive to repair. I change it whenever I notice the fluid color darkening, saving both hassle and money. I recommend beginners start with basic maintenance—there are plenty of tutorials online that are safe and reliable. Regular upkeep keeps the car running smoothly and helps avoid unexpected repair costs. Don't overlook small things; they affect your daily driving experience.
