What are the symptoms of insufficient power steering fluid?
3 Answers
The symptoms of insufficient power steering fluid are: difficulty in turning the steering wheel, heavy steering of the car, and abnormal noise from the steering system. Power steering fluid is a special oil used in the car's power steering pump. Through hydraulic action, it can make the steering wheel very light and reduce the driver's steering labor intensity. The replacement frequency of power steering fluid is once a year or every 20,000 kilometers. Daily inspections should be conducted every six months. The inspection mainly determines whether to replace it based on color changes. Normal power steering fluid is transparent and slightly reddish in color. If the color becomes turbid or black, it needs to be replaced.
Having driven for decades, I have a deep understanding of power steering fluid deficiency. When the fluid is low, the steering wheel first becomes unusually heavy, especially during low-speed turns—it feels like moving a boulder, requiring significant effort to turn. The turning sounds are also off, with humming or squeaking noises, which are the steering pump grinding dry, and it's downright irritating. Ignoring it can easily burn out the steering pump, and replacing one costs a lot of money and time. Oil leaks are also a common cause—check the ground for stains after parking to catch it early. During every maintenance, I ask the mechanic to check the fluid level, and I occasionally pop the hood to inspect the reservoir level myself, keeping it between the minimum and maximum marks. Neglecting it can lead to long-term damage to the entire steering system, which isn’t worth the trouble. Regular maintenance is far more cost-effective than repairs and ensures responsive and safe steering.
The most direct feeling when power steering fluid is low is that the steering becomes heavier. Driving becomes less effortless, requiring more force to turn the wheel, especially during slow city driving, which can be quite tiring. Additionally, hearing buzzing or hissing noises during steering indicates abnormal operation of the hydraulic system. In severe cases, the power steering pump may overheat and fail, leading to repair costs of thousands of dollars. Checking it yourself is simple: pop the hood, locate the power steering fluid reservoir, and ensure the fluid level is within the marked range. If it's low, just top it up. But don't forget to check for leaks, such as loose or aged and cracked hose connections. I learned this soon after starting to drive: maintaining the system properly makes driving smoother and prevents mid-journey breakdowns. Paying attention to these details while driving can save a lot of hassle.
