Updated at: 14-08-2022 - By: Lucas

Except for manual transmissions, most automobiles today have some form of power steering fluid. With power steering, it is commonplace. Hydraulic power steering is still widely used in many older cars, even if newer models may have an electronic power steering system.

Power steering fluid is required whenever a hydraulic steering system is in use. As a result, what exactly is the purpose of power steering fluid? What are the different colors of power steering fluid?

What Is Power Steering Fluid?

Power Steering Fluid Color

As part of a power steering system, the power steering fluid is a critical part. It improves movement efficiency and eases steering, as its name implies.

Fluid in a hydraulic power steering system works as a conduit to convey steering wheel force to the vehicle’s road wheels. As a result, it reduces the amount of effort required to steer the vehicle, just like a hydraulic system.

Under the steering column, a reservoir stores the fluid. The driver’s side is the most common location. Power steering fluid or steering fluid is plainly labelled on the container, so finding it is not difficult.

Types Of Power Steering Fluid

Power Steering Fluid Color-2

Power steering fluids come in a wide variety of forms these days. When it comes to power steering fluid, most automakers have specific recommendations. It is critical that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and utilize the product they recommend. Look at a few of the most prevalent kinds of steering fluid.

Mineral Power Steering Fluid

One or two small amounts of petroleum, as well as various additives, go into the production of mineral fluids. Rubber components will benefit greatly from the use of this fluid. It extends the steering system’s lifespan by reducing the amount of wear and tear on the components. It’s also a lot less expensive than many other fluids.

When you use this fluid, the biggest disadvantage is the fluid’s long-term viability. Soon, the fluid will run out, and you’ll need to buy new ones on a frequent basis.

Semi-Synthetic Power Steering Fluid

This is a mixture of mineral and synthetic fluid. Synthetic and mineral fluids combine to give it a unique shade. Compared to other fluids on the market, this is an excellent lubricant. It’s beneficial for metal parts, but it wears out rubber components more quickly.

Synthetic Power Steering Fluid

This is the most common power steering fluid in use today. To provide the optimum results for the power steering system, it has been artificially developed. This fluid is recommended by the majority of automotive manufacturers.

This is a petroleum-based composite made up of a slew of unique polymers. Rubber breakdown is slowed by the application of other additives. It’s hard to find anything negative to say about this fluid. It’s long-lasting and excellent for lubrication. Because of the fluid’s low viscosity, it can be used at low temperatures.

Universal Fluid

The universal fluid is the final piece of the puzzle. As the name implies, this fluid works with a variety of steering systems. Because it was created in a lab, it qualifies as a synthetic fluid.

Adding specific chemicals to this fluid improves lubrication and reduces the fluid’s stiffness. Some are designed to withstand corrosion and wear better than others. Sealing tiny leaks is another benefit.

The biggest problem here would be the wide range of viscosities present. Before using this fluid, make sure you select the correct viscosity for your vehicle.

What Are The Power Steering Fluid Colors And What Do They Mean?

Power Steering Fluid Color-3

Keeping an eye out for the color of your car’s fluids is vital. Your automobile has a lot of fluids. A few of these are the oil in the engine and the various fluids in the gearbox, brakes, and cooling systems, as well as steering fluid.

If, for example, a liquid is dripping down the side of your car, you can only tell what it is by its color. If you know the fluid, you’ll know what’s wrong with your vehicle. As a result, various fluids are colored differently. Power steering fluid comes in a variety of colors.

Red Or Pink

Power steering fluid comes in this typical color. Power steering fluids typically come in a color that’s colored red. There are many who lean toward the pink end of the spectrum as well.

Most likely, the red liquid you observe dripping from the car is power steering fluid. However, if you want to be positive, you might try to find the source of the leak. The power steering fluid is most likely to blame if the leak is located towards the front of the vehicle, near the driver’s seat.

The power steering fluid is a little slick, but the texture won’t tell you anything about it. Many other fluids in your car are also important since they help to reduce friction.

You’ve got red or pink fluid in your driveway, but what does it mean?

If it’s leaking, you’ll want to take care of it right away. The good news is that it’s still working and hasn’t run out of time.

Clear

The typical color of power steering fluid is red or pink, however you should know that this is due to the dye. The fluid itself is crystal-clear, as one could expect. Due to concerns that coloring the liquid could alter its chemical composition, some manufacturers choose to leave it as is. Your steering fluid might be clear, so that’s a possibility.

Dark Brown Or Black

Dark brown or black steering fluid is not a standard color for this product. The engine oil has a color assigned to it, and that color is this. Brown liquid is the initial state of engine oil. Eventually, it will turn black due to the buildup of dirt and debris in your engine while it runs.

Steering fluid has the same properties. Even if you fill the reservoir with red-colored fluid, after time it will fill with dirt and other particles. The fluid will eventually turn brown or black as a result of this process.

In this case, you need to replace your steering fluid immediately. Your power steering fluid has been circulating for a little too long now. Power steering fluid that is dirty will not be able to perform its duties.

Yellow Power Steering Fluid

As long as your power steering fluid isn’t cloudy, you’re good to go! Is there a reason for this yellowing of the power steering fluid? The most likely explanation is that the coolant and power steering fluid have been mixed together.

This is a rare occurrence. However, how severe is it?

It’s not going to have a big impact on the power steering. There will be no negative impact on the power steering system until the coolant-to-power steering fluid ratio substantially changes. When coolant is leaking, you may run out of coolant before you can fix the problem. So it’s time to get things taken care of.

Milky Power Steering Fluid

This is the worst conceivable hue for your steering fluid. If your liquid has a milky or frothy appearance, this indicates that air has been sucked into it. Instead of being slippery, you may find your steering fluid to be thick and sticky.

If this were the case, you would need to act quickly. Drain and refill the fluid as quickly as feasible.

Turning a milky or foamy color indicates that the fluid is no longer a good fit in your steering system. Steering would become more difficult and you’d start hearing knocking noises from your steering. Occasionally, your steering wheel may lock up in mid-gear.

What To Take Away From The Color Of Steering Fluid

Your steering fluid color should be either red or clear. As it becomes contaminated, the fluid takes on a darker hue. The fluid will darken with time as dirt and other contaminants are accumulated. This is a sign that the steering fluid needs to be replaced.

It’s likely that your steering fluid is polluted with water or air if it’s white, milky, or frothy. This could also mean that your steering fluid needs to be replaced.

It’s best to fix a leak if you discover that your steering fluid is a different color than it should be. While it may not have an immediate effect, the system may eventually run out of water. The steering system would be in jeopardy if not for lubrication.

A green color has been added to the steering fluid by some newer brands. Your steering fluid isn’t bad because of this. Bottom line, if your steering fluid seems dark or milky, you need to replace it immediately.

How To Replace Steering Fluid?

It’s time to replace your steering fluid now that you know which colors are harmful. No, I don’t need a mechanic. It’s not a difficult job to replace the steering fluid. You can do it yourself if you have the necessary training and tools.

Let’s take a look at how to replace the fluid in the power steering system from start to finish.

Step 1 – Preparation

The first step is to determine which type of power steering fluid is most suited to your vehicle. Different steering fluids are recommended by various manufacturers. The owner’s manual would list the correct fuel. You should be able to check up the owner’s manual on the internet if you can’t locate it.

Once you’ve got the right fluid, it’s time to figure out where the car’s steering fluid reservoir is. Open the hood by pulling the latches on the side. The reservoir should be clearly visible.

Step 2 – Drain The Old Fluid

You may crawl beneath your automobile by using a jack to lift the front end. Empty the old fluid into a new container. Drain the old fluid from under the car.

Turn the steering wheel to either side if you can’t get all the liquid out. In order to get rid of any remaining moisture, you can do this.

Step 3 – Add The New Fluid

Fill the reservoir with the new fluid using a funnel. Make sure you pour the fluid to the correct level.

Step 4 – Double-Check

Remove the jack and lower the vehicle’s back end to the ground. For a brief moment, let the engine run. To see if the steering wheel responds smoothly, turn it to the left and right. If necessary, take it for a short drive. Check the fluid levels once again!

The replacement of the steering fluid is now complete if you are happy with the results.

Conclusion – Power Steering Fluid Colors

Modern cars are easier to drive because to power steering. It is possible to choose between two types of power steering. They can be either hydraulic or electric. Hydraulic power steering relies on power steering fluid for operation. Steering fluid should be inspected and replaced as needed, just as engine oil and transmission fluid.

Depending on the dye concentration, the color of the power steering fluid is often red or pink. The use of transparent power steering fluids is not uncommon, either. A green dye is also being used by modern producers. There is no need to worry about your power steering fluid if it is one of the following colors:

The color of your steering fluid begins to change after a long period of time in the system. It will eventually turn a dark brown or black color due to the accumulation of dirt.

Foamy and milky when combined with either water or air. These hues indicate that the fluid has been contaminated in one way or another. Steering fluid should be replaced as soon as possible if you discover it to be low.

Changing the power steering fluid isn’t a difficult procedure. Mechanics are not required for this procedure. Use only the steering fluid recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. You should be able to change it yourself with a little effort.

In order to maintain your power steering system working properly, it is critical that you use quality power steering fluid. Consequently, if you run out of fluid or if your fluid isn’t up to snuff, your steering system could suffer greatly. You never know what could happen if it fails in the middle of the road.

The finest condition of your steering fluid is therefore a must. Maintaining power steering fluid should be a breeze after learning the colors of the fluid.