Oil is one of the main components of power steering. It performs many functions, and therefore it is necessary to take seriously the choice of fluid for the hydraulic booster and to replace it in a timely manner.
The content of the article:
- Variety of oil
- Purpose
- Should you mix oil
- When to change
- How to choose the right one
- Pricing
Lubrication of car mechanisms is one of the main conditions, since without this they will simply wear out and disappear. But it is also worth remembering that sooner or later the oil needs to be replaced. With insufficient understanding of how to choose and replace oil, you can simply ruin the mechanisms.
Oil types
Power steering oil can be distinguished according to several criteria. First of all, depending on their composition. In this case, there are two types of oil. The first is synthetic. It is quite rare to find it, as it has a number of disadvantages. It contains special substances that negatively affect materials made from rubber. As a rule, this type of liquid is used only when it is allowed to fill it in the instructions.
The price for this type of oil is quite high. The second type of power steering fluid is called mineral. In contrast to the first type, mineral oil is very popular with drivers. The main advantage of this type is that the substances included in the composition do not spoil the rubber and thus do not damage the parts. Another plus is the low cost.
Also, the oil can be distinguished by its color. There are three types: red, yellow and green. Each species has its own specific properties. For example, red oil is commonly used for automatic transmissions. Therefore, it has another name - transmission or hydraulic. The red oil belongs to the Dexron family of transmission fluids. It is important to pay attention to the composition as there are mineral and synthetic red oils.
Cars such as Nissan, Toyota or Hyundai use this type of fluid. The second type is usually used regardless of the type of gearbox. Mostly it is filled in by drivers of a car like Mercedes. And finally, the third type is characterized by the fact that it is used only in a manual transmission. As a rule, it is chosen by the owners of Peugeot, VAG and Citroen cars.
The main tasks of the oil
Oil performs one of the main functions in the power steering. First of all, it serves as a link between the piston and the hydraulic pump. It ensures long-term operation of all parts of the power steering device, preventing corrosion and oxidation, thanks to the components that make up its composition. Also, an important function is that it prevents the elements from rubbing by lubricating them, it also prevents them from heating up and thus prevents the parts from overheating. In general, we can conclude that the oil ensures the correct operation of all components, protecting them from various types of damage. In the case of its insufficient level or its poor quality, it can harm the whole system.
Mixing oil
The most important rule about mixing oils is that you need to fill the car with either synthetic or mineral oil. They cannot be mixed in the way that each species differs in viscosity, composition, and when mixed, properties can be lost or, in the worst case, lead to a breakdown of the power steering system. Also, green oil cannot be mixed with other types, however, red and yellow are allowed to be mixed.
The need for replacement
The service life of each type of oil is different, but there are general criteria that make it clear that the power steering oil needs to be changed. First of all, we are talking about changes in the quality of the oil. A burning smell or a tarnished color will naturally indicate a poor condition of the oil.
Also, difficulties in turning the steering wheel can be triggered by poor quality. In all cases, the only correct solution is to replace it. In the absence of any signs of unsuitability, it is changed about once a year.
How to choose oil
The most important rule that must be followed when buying is the careful selection of quality oil. Basically, their price is quite considerable, but a low-quality product can threaten the following consequences. First of all, this applies to the situation when the oil heats up to 100 degrees. When using a good fluid, the temperature will not affect its properties in any way, however, with low quality, the oil will curdle or simply stop the operation of the entire power steering system.
This will make it harder to turn the steering wheel, and the system itself will have to be repaired. Hazardous substances can also be released that will threaten the health of the driver and passengers. In low-quality oils, various substances are mainly mixed, which are prohibited to use. Thus, by buying cheap products, you risk your health.
Today there are a huge number of types of oil for power steering. For many cars, the instructions indicate which type should be used. If this information is available, it is better to adhere to it, but otherwise you should study the properties of each type of oil and choose the best one depending on the type of gearbox and the car itself. The most important thing is not to skimp on liquid.
Sometimes, in case of sudden situations, it becomes necessary to urgently fill the oil. In its absence, it is allowed to fill in another type of liquid, but for a short time. After that, it is necessary to thoroughly flush the entire power steering system in order to avoid mixing different types of fluid and fill in a new one.
Oil cost
Depending on the manufacturer and the type of oil, the cost will differ. For example, the price of synthetic oil ranges from $ 10 to $ 40. The cost of the mineral oil will be around $ 10.
