How to Maintain Power Steering Fluid Levels in Cars

Home maintenance for all Hyundai car vehicles is essentially the same, especially the fluid checks on power steering fluid and others. While some Hyundai car vehicles have experienced problems with the steering system, checking fluid levels will help you catch trouble early and prevent damage to your vehicle.

Under The Hood:

• How to Maintain Power Steering Fluid Levels in a Saturn VUE
• How to Maintain Power Steering Fluid Levels in a Chrysler Sebring
• How to Maintain Power Steering Fluid Levels in a Hyundai Santa Fe

 How to Maintain Power Steering Fluid Levels in a Saturn VUE

Check your power steering system for problems if you begin to have trouble steering or if your "check engine" light comes on in the dash panel. Because the system is electric, there is no fluid that needs to be checked at regular intervals.

Locate the power steering system under the steering wheel at the driver's knees. The power steering system is assisted by the electric motor, so it is not located under the hood of your vehicle.

Inspect and replace any parts that are necessary to be serviced or repaired by opening up the system from inside the vehicle. The power steering system on your Saturn VUE should not require maintenance, but if you do need to access the system you can do so from inside the driver's side.

Take your vehicle into the dealership for service if your "check engine" light comes on and you are unable to locate a problem in the power steering system. The dealership can run a computer diagnostic to locate problems in your vehicle quickly and easily.

Turn off the "check engine" light after servicing your vehicle using the switch box under the hood of your vehicle. For an exact map of switches, check your owner's manual.

 How to Maintain Power Steering Fluid Levels in a Chrysler Sebring

Check the power steering fluid level in your Chrysler Sebring once every 15,000 miles or sooner if you notice problems with your steering system or notice red fluid leaking from under your hood.

Park your Sebring on a flat surface and turn off the engine before checking power steering fluid level. If the engine is warm, allow it to cool off before working under the hood. Checking your power steering fluid level or other fluid levels on an incline can artificially change fluid levels and result in a misreading.

Locate the power-steering fluid reservoir in the engine department labeled "Power Steering Fluid." Remove the cap of the reservoir to check the fluid level.

Maintain the fluid level above the low level mark. Add Chrysler power-steering fluid if necessary, making sure to not exceed the maximum fluid level.

Check the hoses and connectors around the power-steering fluid reservoir for leaks, visible as breaks or cracks in the hose or as wet spots on the reservoir, hoses or surrounding area.

 How to Maintain Power Steering Fluid Levels in a Hyundai Santa Fe

Check the power steering fluid when you check other fluid levels on your Hyundai Santa Fe for every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Check the levels of your power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid and coolant as well.

Park your vehicle on a level surface when preparing to perform a fluid check, and wait for the engine to cool. Warm power steering fluid or an inclined surface can result in an inaccurate reading of the power steering fluid level.

Locate the power steering fluid reservoir in the engine department. The power steering fluid reservoir should be clearly labeled, as are the fluid level markings on the reservoir.

Check that the power steering fluid is higher than the low level mark and remove the cap and add fluid to the reservoir if necessary. Add fluid slowly to avoid filing the reservoir over the maximum level mark.

Inspect the other power steering components like hoses and clamps when you check the power steering fluid levels, looking for worn, broken or cracked places that might result in a leak.