What kind of oil is added to the power steering?
Car device

What kind of oil is added to the power steering?

The first cars were designed and used without power steering. This device was developed at the beginning of the twentieth century. The first concept of a car with power steering was provided in 1926 (General Motors), but it went into mass production in 197-x years of the last century.

Power steering provides the motorist with easy and reliable control of the vehicle. The system requires almost no maintenance other than periodic oil filling. What kind of liquid, how often and why to fill the power steering - read the article.

The first step is to clarify that conventional engine oil and special power steering fluids are different. Despite the fact that they are called the same, the second group has a more complex chemical composition. Therefore, you cannot fill in ordinary oil - it will harm the system.

In addition to ensuring driver comfort and facilitating his work, the fluid in the power steering system performs a number of important functions.

  1. Moistening and lubricating rubbing parts.
  2. Cooling of internal components, removal of excess heat.
  3. Corrosion protection of the system (special additives).

The oils also contain various additives. Their tasks:

  • stabilization of the viscosity and acidity of the liquid;
  • preventing the appearance of foam;
  • protection of rubber components.

Therefore, it is important to monitor the presence and condition of oil in the power steering. In principle, a car can drive for some time with spoiled oil or an incomplete amount of it, but this will lead to a breakdown of the power steering system, the repair of which will be more expensive.

Products in yellow, red and green are available for sale. Most drivers are guided by color when choosing. But you should read the composition more closely to determine the appropriate remedy. First, determine which oil is being provided: synthetic or mineral. In addition, you need to pay attention to the following indicators:

  • viscosity;
  • Chemical properties;
  • hydraulic properties;
  • mechanical properties.

It should be noted that synthetic oils are rarely used for these purposes, mainly because of their aggressiveness towards the rubber elements of the system. They are mainly used in machines for technical purposes, if permitted by the manufacturer.

Mineral oils are designed specifically for the lubrication of such systems. Their variety on the market is extremely large - from original ones produced by car manufacturers to fakes. When choosing, you should rely on the recommendations in the vehicle registration certificate. Also, the preferred oil can be indicated on the expansion tank cap.

  • Dextron (ATF) - initially it is poured into the system of an automobile of eastern production (Japan, China, Korea);
  • Pentosin is mainly used in German and other European cars.

Dextron is yellow or red, Pentosin is green. Color differences are due to special additives that make up the products.

Also, these funds differ in kinematic viscosity within operating temperatures. So, mineral retain their properties at temperatures from -40 ° C to +90 ° C. Synthetic feel great in the range from -40 ° C to +130-150 FROM.

Many car enthusiasts believe that it is not necessary to change the power steering oil during the entire period of operation. But the conditions for using the vehicle are very different from ideal, so it can dry out, seep, flow out, etc.

The change procedure is recommended in the following situations:

  • depending on the mileage: Dextron after 40 thousand km, Pentosin less often, after 100-150 thousand km;
  • when noise or other minor malfunctions appear in the system;
  • when the steering wheel turns more difficult;
  • when buying a used car;
  • when changing color, consistency, lubricant level (visual inspection).

It should be noted that it is preferable to use original products. Quality control ensures that it will carry out its functions in the RHO and will not harm it.

Mix or not?

It happens that there are remnants of liquid that it is a pity to pour out. Or the tank is 2/3 full. What to do in such cases - pour everything out and fill in a new one, or can you save money?

It is widely believed that oils of the same color can be mixed. It is partially correct, but cannot be taken as an axiom. You should also consider the following factors:

  • both fluids are of the same type (synthetic or mineral);
  • the chemical characteristics of the products are the same;
  • You can mix in the following color schemes: red = red, red = yellow, green = green.

Most often, manufacturers release the same product under different names and with the addition of impurities that do not affect its effectiveness. You can find out by studying the chemical composition. These liquids can be mixed safely.

Also, if the system used a product of a different color than the new one, it is recommended to rinse it thoroughly. When mixing different liquids, foam may form, which will complicate the operation of the power steering.

We will systematize the information about which oil should be poured into the power steering.

  1. There are two types of products - mineral and synthetic. They can be red, yellow and green.
  2. Replacement should be done after 40 thousand km (for Dextron) or 100-15 thousand km (for Pentosin), if the system is working properly.
  3. All automatic transmissions and most manual transmissions are filled with mineral oil. If you need to use synthetic, it is clearly prescribed in the data sheet.
  4. You can mix oils of the same color, as well as red and green, if their chemical composition is the same.
  5. To protect yourself from malfunctions and breakdowns of the system, you should use original products.
  6. The type of fluid required can be indicated on the lid of the fluid reservoir.

Draining and changing oil is a simple procedure that every motorist can do.

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