How Often Should the Power Steering Fluid in a Sedan Be Changed?
2 Answers
Sedan power steering fluid should be changed approximately every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers. Power steering fluid, also known as steering assist fluid, is a special liquid used in the car's power steering pump, primarily to assist the power steering mechanism in turning the wheels. Through hydraulic action, power steering fluid makes the steering wheel easier to turn. The steps for changing power steering fluid are: 1. Use a fluid extractor to remove the old power steering fluid; 2. Turn the steering wheel back and forth to expel the old fluid from the steering gear; 3. Remove the fluid from the steering fluid reservoir and turn the steering wheel left and right again; 4. After thoroughly removing the old fluid, inject new power steering fluid; 5. Turn the steering wheel left and right until there is no air in the pipes.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I have considerable expertise in car maintenance and would like to share some personal insights. Power steering fluid should ideally be replaced every 2 to 3 years or every 30,000 kilometers driven, depending on the intensity of vehicle usage. For my urban commuter car, I typically change it every 2 years because the fluid oxidizes and degrades over time, which can make the steering wheel harder to turn or unstable. For vehicles frequently used for long-distance driving, more frequent changes are advisable. Checking it is simple: pop the hood, locate the power steering fluid reservoir, and observe the fluid level and color—clear and transparent means it's fine, while cloudy or blackened fluid indicates it's time for a change. Neglecting this can wear out the power steering pump and increase repair costs, whereas timely maintenance saves money and ensures driving safety. Remember, just like people, cars need regular care to stay durable.
