Does a car with electric power steering have fluid?
In most modern passenger cars, electric power steering (EPS) does not rely on hydraulic fluid to provide assist. However, there are electro-hydraulic systems that do use hydraulic fluid. The right answer depends on the specific steering system your vehicle uses.
Understanding the main designs of steering assist
The following overview explains the three common configurations you might encounter in cars manufactured in the last couple of decades. This helps you know whether a fluid reservoir should exist in your steering system.
Quick reference for the three configurations
- EPAS — Electric Power Assisted Steering: An electric motor provides the steering assist directly, with no hydraulic pump or fluid involved in the steering assist. No steering fluid required for the assist.
- EHPS — Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering: An electric motor drives a hydraulic pump that delivers fluid pressure to a traditional hydraulic steering rack or gear. This system uses steering fluid and has a reservoir and hoses.
- HPS — Hydraulic Power Steering (non-electronic assist): The classic setup with an engine-driven pump that circulates steering fluid to the rack. This is not EPS, but is still found on older vehicles.
In practice, most new cars use EPAS, while EHPS appears on some models and trim levels, and pure HPS is more common on older or budget-friendly designs.
What this means for you as a vehicle owner
To determine whether your car has fluid in the steering system, check whether you have a visible power steering fluid reservoir near the pump, and whether you hear precise changes in steering firmness that change with engine speed or software commands. The absence of a reservoir and hoses related to steering assist strongly suggests EPS; presence of a distinct fluid reservoir and hydraulic lines points to EHPS or HPS.
How to identify your car's steering system
Use these quick indicators to tell whether your system uses fluid. The following checklist helps you identify the type of power assist in your vehicle.
- Inspect under the hood for a power steering reservoir and hoses: a visible reservoir indicates hydraulic or electro-hydraulic assist (EHPS or HPS).
- Look for an electric motor mounted on or near the steering column or rack, typically labeled EPAS; absence of a hydraulic pump often means EPAS.
- Consult the owner's manual or the manufacturer’s specifications; the documentation will specify EPAS, EHPS, or HPS for your exact model.
With these cues, you can determine whether you should care about steering-fluid maintenance or not.
Maintenance and common concerns
Maintenance considerations differ based on the type of steering assist. If your vehicle uses EPS (EPAS), there is typically no steering-fluid maintenance for the assist circuit. If your vehicle uses electro-hydraulic steering (EHPS) or traditional hydraulic steering (HPS), normal hydraulic-fluid maintenance—checking levels, replacing fluid as recommended, and watching for leaks—applies. If you notice stiffness, noises, or a steering warning light, have the system inspected by a qualified technician, who can confirm the exact configuration and any fluid-related needs.
Summary
Most cars with electric power steering do not use steering fluid for the assist system. If your vehicle uses electro-hydraulic power steering, there will be a steering fluid reservoir and hydraulic lines. Always verify with your owner’s manual or a qualified technician for your exact model to understand whether fluid care is needed.
