How do I know if I need power steering fluid?
Your vehicle may or may not require power steering fluid depending on the type of steering system it uses. If your car relies on hydraulic power steering, you’ll typically need to add fluid when the reservoir is low or you notice leaks, noises, or stiff steering. If your car uses electric power steering, there’s usually no fluid to maintain. This article explains how to tell which system you have, the signs that you might need fluid, how to check and top up safely, and what to do next.
Hydraulic vs. electric power steering
Which systems require fluid?
Signs you may need hydraulic power steering fluid
- Low fluid level in the power steering reservoir, often indicated by the dipstick or level marks on the cap.
- Visible leaks under the vehicle or around hoses, fittings, or the power steering rack.
- Whining, groaning, or squealing noises when turning the wheel, especially at low speeds.
- Stiff, heavy, or difficult steering that requires more effort to turn the wheel.
- A dashboard warning light or message related to power steering or steering assist.
- Discolored, foamy, or burnt-smelling fluid around the reservoir or hoses.
How to check and top up hydraulic power steering fluid
Steps to safely check and top up the fluid on a hydraulic system:
- Park on level ground, turn off the engine, and let it cool if it’s hot. Open the hood and locate the power steering reservoir.
- Check the fluid level against the marks on the reservoir or dipstick. If the level is below the minimum mark, you may need to add fluid.
- Identify the recommended fluid type from the owner’s manual or reservoir cap. Use only the specified fluid and never mix different types unless the manufacturer allows it.
- Clean around the reservoir cap before opening to prevent debris from entering the system.
- Remove the cap, place a clean funnel in the opening, and slowly add the recommended fluid until the level reaches the indicated mark. Do not overfill.
- Replace the cap securely and wipe up any spilled fluid.
- Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to bleed air from the pump. Check for leaks around hoses and connections.
- Recheck the fluid level with the engine running and the wheel centered. Add a little more if necessary, then recheck after driving for a short distance.
- Look for signs of leaks or a recurring drop in level. If the level drops again soon after topping up, have the system inspected by a professional.
After topping up, carefully test-drive the vehicle in a safe area. If the steering feels normal and there are no leaks, you’ve likely resolved the issue. If problems persist, consult a mechanic promptly to prevent pump damage or other failures.
What to know about electric power steering
Summary
What are the symptoms of low power steering fluid?
Low power steering fluid symptoms include a whining or groaning noise when turning the wheel, a stiff or hard-to-turn steering wheel, and a jerky or inconsistent steering feel. You may also notice leaks of reddish-amber fluid under your car, or the power steering warning light on the dashboard may illuminate.
Common symptoms of low power steering fluid
- Noises: Listen for a high-pitched whining, groaning, or squealing sound, especially when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. This noise occurs because air is entering the system and the pump is working harder.
- Stiff or hard steering: The steering wheel feels heavy and requires more effort to turn, particularly when parking or making tight turns.
- Jerky or inconsistent steering: The steering wheel may feel like it's resisting randomly or "skipping" as you turn.
- Fluid leaks: Look for reddish or amber-colored fluid stains under the front of your vehicle.
- Warning light: A warning light on the dashboard may appear, often shaped like a steering wheel.
- Burnt smell: In some cases, you may notice a burnt smell, which can be caused by the fluid overheating due to lack of lubrication.
What to do if you suspect low fluid
- Check your power steering fluid level according to your car's owner's manual.
- If the fluid is low, add the correct type of fluid to the recommended level.
- If the fluid is consistently low, there is likely a leak that needs to be repaired by a mechanic.
- If the problem persists after adding fluid, have a mechanic inspect the power steering pump, hoses, and other components.
Can I just add more power steering fluid?
Yes, you can add more power steering fluid if the level is low, but you should first check for leaks. To do so, turn off the engine, locate the power steering reservoir, wipe it clean, and check the fluid level against the "MIN" and "MAX" lines. If it's low, slowly add the correct type of fluid to reach the "MAX" line and then replace the cap securely.
This video demonstrates how to check and add power steering fluid: 57sYourMechanicYouTube · Jun 1, 2016
Important considerations
- Check your owner's manual: Always use the specific type of fluid recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual to avoid damage to the system.
- Look for leaks: If the fluid is low, it indicates a leak somewhere in the system. While adding fluid is a temporary fix, you should look for damaged hoses or seals and have a professional check it to prevent more serious and expensive damage later.
- Do not overfill: Overfilling the reservoir can cause leaks and damage. Only add fluid until it reaches the "MAX" line.
- Old fluid can cause problems: Over time, power steering fluid can become dirty and thick, which can damage steering components. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, it may be time for a full fluid change rather than just topping it off.
This video explains why it's important to change power steering fluid: 49sScotty KilmerYouTube · Feb 14, 2022
Can I drive if my power steering fluid is low?
You can likely drive a short distance with low power steering fluid, but you should avoid it if possible as it's unsafe and can cause expensive damage. Driving without enough fluid will make steering very difficult, especially at low speeds, and running it completely dry can destroy the power steering pump and damage other components. If you must drive, pull over as soon as it's safe and consider getting it towed to a mechanic.
This video explains what happens if you drive without power steering fluid: 59sTalkingTechTrendsYouTube · May 23, 2025
Risks of driving with low power steering fluid
- Difficulty steering: You will have to use much more force to turn the wheel, making it hard to maneuver, especially at low speeds.
- Damage to the pump: The power steering pump needs fluid for lubrication and cooling. Driving with low fluid can cause it to overheat and fail, which can be costly to replace.
- System failure: If the pump fails, it could cause the drive belt to break, which could stop other accessories like the water pump, leading to the engine overheating.
- Steering lock-up: In severe cases, the steering could lock up completely, which is extremely dangerous.
This video explains the symptoms of low power steering fluid: 59sTA Automotive technologyYouTube · Feb 6, 2025
What to do if you have low power steering fluid
- Pull over safely: If you notice difficulty steering, pull over to a safe spot as soon as possible.
- Do not drive if possible: Avoid driving if you can.
- Add fluid (if possible): If you have the correct power steering fluid, you can add a small amount to get you to a safer location or to the mechanic, but be aware that this does not fix the underlying leak.
- Call for a tow: The safest option is to call for a tow to take your car to a mechanic for repair.
This video demonstrates how to replace power steering fluid: 1mScotty KilmerYouTube · Feb 14, 2022
What happens if your power steering fluid is empty?
If you run out of power steering fluid, you will experience difficulty steering, potentially loud whining noises, and your car's power steering pump will overheat and seize up. The lack of fluid can quickly cause irreversible damage to the pump, hoses, and seals, and a seized pump can break the serpentine belt, which could cause your alternator and water pump to fail as well.
Immediate effects
- Difficulty steering: Steering will become stiff and hard to turn, especially at low speeds, because the hydraulic pressure is gone.
- Loud noises: You may hear a whining, groaning, or squealing sound coming from the power steering pump when you turn the wheel.
- Jerky steering: The steering might feel jerky or jumpy instead of smooth.
Long-term damage
- Pump damage: The pump will overheat and seize due to increased friction from running without lubrication. This is a very common and expensive repair.
- Serpentine belt failure: If the pump seizes, it can cause the serpentine belt to snap, which will disable your alternator (no charging the battery) and often the water pump (engine cooling).
- Hose and seal damage: The lack of fluid flow and high heat can cause the hoses and seals to age prematurely and become damaged, leading to more leaks.
- Steering rack damage: The steering rack itself can be damaged from running without fluid.
What to do
- If you notice any signs of low power steering fluid, stop driving the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Check the fluid reservoir and add the correct type of power steering fluid if it is low, being careful not to overfill.
- If the fluid was completely empty or you see fluid leaking under your car, it is crucial to have the system inspected by a mechanic to address the cause of the leak and any potential damage.
