The power steering system of a car provides its augmentation of control and the feedback feel of the road through a hydraulic system – one of its principal components is hydraulic fluid. Power steering fluid allows the hydraulic engine to function by transmitting the power into the steering mechanism. In car servicing, old power steering fluid (considerably darker in hue) is drained on a certain schedule and is replaced with fresh fluid (usually amber to red or pink) to ensure the maximal activity of the power steering system.
The internal parts of the power steering system wears down with use, and the debris from this inevitable breakdown results in the contamination of the power steering fluid. Unclean hydraulic fluid becomes inefficient in transmitting the energy into target mechanism, forcing the pump to work harder. If left unattended for a very long time, the power steering system will fail because the hydraulic fluid is too impure to transmit energy. This results to the breakdown of the power steering system which is a very costly replacement. Preventive maintenance, which constitutes regular replacements of the power steering fluid, offers a much inexpensive cost.
The schedule or the change interval of the power steering fluid depends on the type of power steering system of the car, though fluid replacement can occur along with engine coolant servicing. Long-life types require changing to a minimum of 5 years or a 100,000 mileage; while typical systems need changing every 3 years or when a 50,000 mileage is reached.