As a rule, motorists distinguish power steering fluids by the color of the fluid itself. It is worth noting that the real differences between power steering fluids are not in its color: the fluids themselves can have a different composition, differ in viscosity, the presence of additives, and the type of base. Liquids of the same color can be fundamentally different, which means that mixing them will lead to negative results. To say that if a yellow liquid is poured into the system, then you can safely pour another yellow liquid into it, is fundamentally wrong.
Power steering fluid colors
1. Red
Red power steering fluids belong to the Dexron family. However, motorists should take into account that red liquids of synthetic and mineral origin should never be mixed with each other. There are several different types of Dexrons, however, all these oils belong to the ATF class and are used mainly for automatic transmissions (much less often for power steering).
Yellow power steering fluids are usually used in vehicles manufactured by Mercedes.
3. Green
Green fluids for power steering are usually used by concerns such as Peugeot, Citroen, VAG and some others. Such fluids are not used for automatic transmissions. However, it is worth remembering that it is unacceptable to mix synthetic and mineral green liquids in one system.
Mineral or synthetic power steering fluids?
For a power steering system, the choice between mineral and synthetic fluids is unlikely to be appropriate. An important feature of the power steering is that this system contains a huge number of rubber parts for which synthetics are not suitable. Synthetic fluids are too aggressive for parts based on natural rubbers. Synthetic fluids can only be poured into such a power steering system, where all parts are designed taking into account the use of fluids of this type and have a specific composition. If the instructions for your car do not contain information that it is necessary to use synthetic fluid for its power steering, then only mineral water can be used.
Is it possible to mix different power steering fluids with each other?
Different power steering fluids can really be mixed with each other. However, if you do not want to harm the power steering system, you need to take care of following certain rules:
- synthetic fluids never mix with mineral fluids;
- if the system uses a green liquid, it is forbidden to fill it with a liquid of a different color;
- Mineral liquids of red and yellow colors can be mixed with each other.
Power Steering Fluid Change Intervals
For the power steering of most cars, PSF fluids are used exclusively. It is necessary to check the condition of the power steering fluid every 10 thousand kilometers. Many motorists, as well as specialists in the field of auto repair, note that, as a rule, a power steering oil change is required every 40-50 thousand kilometers. However, if you are not sure that the correct fluid is filled in your car, or when checking the car, the fluid gives off a burning smell, it is better to change it.
In addition, it is necessary to change the fluid in the power steering if:
- when driving a car while turning the steering wheel, you hear a meowing sound (as if wet rubber rubs against a metal surface);
- while the car is parked, when the steering wheel is turned, its barely noticeable failure is felt.
Remember that only high-quality proven fluid, its timely replacement and proper care of the power steering system can guarantee the correct operation of the car.
After what period of time the fluid in the power steering of a car should be replaced, manufacturers usually do not indicate, but it is necessary to change the oil in the steering, and most often the change is made after 50-60 thousand km of the distance traveled.
But many drivers do not know what kind of fluid is poured into the power steering, and in this article we will tell you what power steering is usually filled with on various car models.
Importance of oil in power steering
The hydraulic steering system (HPS) is designed for driving comfort and was once only used on trucks. Nowadays, more than half of all passenger cars are equipped with hydraulic power steering, and gradually cars with mechanical steering are leaving the market.
The fluid in the power steering plays an important role, it simultaneously performs several functions at once:
- creates the pressure necessary to easily turn the steering wheel;
- lubricates all steering parts;
- protects parts of the switchgear from overheating;
- does not allow corrosion to appear in the steering mechanism;
- protects rubbing parts from premature wear.
Often, the fluid in power steering is called oil or grease, as it has lubricating properties. In order to ensure high-quality lubrication of RU parts, additives are added to the liquid, and oil for power steering gears has its own specific composition, it is not suitable for an engine or mechanical transmission.
It often happens that oil is leaking from the steering system, and until repairs are made, it is necessary to add fluid to the power steering reservoir. Motorists distinguish oil by color, it is produced with a yellow, red, green tint. The red liquid is Dexron, belongs to the ATF class, is mainly used in automatic transmissions, less often in some types of power steering. Although all Dextron oils are the same in color, they have a different composition - they can be mineral or synthetic. You should be aware that in no case should mineral water be mixed with synthetics, since the transmission fluid will curdle and foam when mixed. 
You should also know that Dexron is not a brand, but just a type of oil. Dextron is produced by various companies, it can be from manufacturers:
- Mobil;
- Mannol;
- Motul;
- Valvoline;
- Ravenol;
- Liqui Moly.
There are also many other companies producing ATF oil.
Yellow power steering fluid was originally intended for Mercedes cars, and it was almost never used on other car models before. The fluid poured into the power steering Ford, Renault, Opel, Hyundai, Nissan, Audi, Kia, etc., green, is used more often than others, but it is not suitable for automatic transmissions. The oil with a green tint belongs to the PSF class, and the additives in its composition differ from those found in the ATF fluid.
To understand how transmission fluids differ from oils for power steering, it is enough to study the table of oil functions for hydraulic boosters and for automatic transmissions. 
Before adding oil to the power steering, you should find out what kind of liquid is filled in the car. Often the contents are determined by color, for example, only green or red (pink) liquid is poured into the Ford Focus-2. Having determined the color, the car owner finds out that only two compositions are used at Focuses:
- WSS-M2C204-A - green shade;
- WSA-M2C195-A - red.
It is undesirable to use something else in Ford Focus GUR, but you should be aware that it is permissible to mix red Dextron-type mineral oils with each other in case of emergency.
Green and yellow liquids cannot be mixed; when they are combined, foaming occurs. But if the Mercedes car owner has a desire to replace the yellow grease in the steering system with green, it is necessary to flush, and then the power steering will work normally, without any problems. It is allowed to mix Dexron mineral water with yellow mineral liquid, nothing bad happens. To understand a little about what can and cannot be mixed, you can look at the compatibility tables of auto chemicals from various manufacturers.
Group one.
Here are oils that are conditionally interchangeable with each other - they are very similar in composition, only they are produced by different manufacturers. If the issue is approached strictly, these fluids should not be mixed, but the mixing of the compositions will not affect the power steering resource, and the steering system will work properly. 
Group two . In this table, liquids can only be mixed with each other; they are not compatible with other oils. But if you flush the system, they can be used in other power steering.
Group three
. Fluids in this category may only be used if they are approved by the vehicle manufacturer. Group oils cannot be filled in if they are not recommended by the manufacturer, but they are interchangeable with each other. 
Another important point is that "synthetics" are rarely used in hydraulic boosters, the synthetic composition corrodes rubber seals and oil seals. Therefore, such fluids are used provided that their use is permissible by the vehicle manufacturer.
There are a lot of various auto chemicals on the Russian market; automotive oils for hydraulic boosters are presented in a wide range. Products differ significantly in price, and original formulations are always more expensive. But if a product is sold cheaper, this does not mean at all that it is of poor quality. In many cases, auto chemicals have a higher price just because the company is very well known all over the world, but is it necessary to overpay only for the brand?
You can buy power steering fluid at any store that sells consumables and auto parts for cars, wholesale companies and small retail outlets also sell oils. By the way, the possibility of running into a fake is not excluded, so you should purchase goods from trusted organizations with a good reputation that have been operating on the market for several years. Most often, power steering fluid is sold in packages with a volume of about 1 liter, and such containers are very convenient, since power steering in a car basically requires from 600 to 900 ml of oil. To imagine the order of prices for products in 2017, we will give a few examples. The cost of green fluid for power steering:
Here are the approximate prices for some ATF oils (Dextron):
- ATF 220 Mobil, liter canister - 450-500 rubles;
- XADO ATF, 1 liter - 800-850 rubles;
- Divinol ATF Premium, 1 liter - 820-870 rubles.
The industry also produces various synthetic fluids, among inexpensive products it is worth noting Total Fluide Lds - the product is used in the hydraulic systems of Citroen cars. This oil is orange in color, has a high viscosity index, has a low pour point and excellent lubricating properties, well protects power steering parts from corrosion. The price of a 1 liter package is about 500-500 rubles. But it should be remembered that synthetics cannot be mixed with mineral oils.
Mostly in all modern cars there is such a mechanism as power steering - power steering. At first it was created for use on heavy vehicles in order to facilitate control. Later, its application spread to all other cars, which, of course, became a definite plus in improving driving comfort and safety.
The value of power steering in steering
First of all, a few words should be said about the importance of power steering. Its most important function, of course, is to facilitate steering, respectively, reducing the effort when turning the steering wheel. By reducing the steering gear ratio, the number of steering turns is also reduced.
In addition, shocks are softened when driving on poor road surfaces and a feeling of the road is provided.
When is it necessary to change the oil?
The power steering is powered by oil, so it is important to monitor its condition. Manufacturers announce different periods of planned replacement: someone claims that it will be enough to change the power steering fluid once every three years, while others talk about a period of one year. In this case, you must rely on the information given in the operating instructions.
Periodically, you need to check the oil level, which must correspond to a certain volume, indicated by the corresponding mark on the tank.
If the oil volume is below normal, then failures begin to occur in the operation of the mechanism. This is expressed in the following: the steering wheel is harder to rotate, it becomes difficult to keep it in one position, and extraneous sounds are heard. In this case, it is necessary to add oil.
Also, the period of replacement is affected by the activity of the operation of the car. If the power steering fluid has darkened, changed color, or has a burning smell, this is a signal that it is time to replace it.
What oil to choose?
Power steering fluid is referred to as PSF. It comes in three colors: yellow, green and red. Previously, only red was produced. It is similar to automatic transmission oil, but the difference lies in the presence of different additives.
It is forbidden to mix products of different composition. So, green oil is not allowed to be mixed with others. Red can be combined with yellow. At the same time, it is recommended to fill in the same type of liquid in order to avoid the formation of lumps and clots.
An important condition: the fluid poured into the power steering must comply with the recommendations for a particular vehicle. Information about this is in the service book, but if it is not on hand, then you can contact the seller in the auto parts store. By the VIN number, he can determine which oil is suitable in a particular case.
Red power steering fluid (Dexron family) is rarely used in power steering. It is mainly used for automatic transmissions. For example, in Mercedes, yellow oil is often used. Peugeots have green power steering fluid. Ford, like other American cars, mainly uses red oil in the power steering system.
Necessary tools for self-changing oil
Changing the fluid in the power steering is carried out using the following tools:
- Large syringe or rubber bulb.
- Socket wrench ten.
- Container (a plastic bottle will do).
- Pliers.
- Flexible tube with a diameter of about 6 - 7 mm.
- Jack.
- Rags.
Complete replacement
According to some dealers, the oil in the power steering system should safely last throughout the entire operation of the car. But after all, it is a consumable material, which means that it undergoes aging in the process of its use and can no longer fully perform its functions.
Often, drivers wonder how to change the fluid in the power steering? You will need an assistant to complete this procedure. Replacing the fluid in the power steering is not particularly difficult, and every motorist is quite capable of carrying out this procedure on their own.
The procedure will be as follows:
- First of all, it is necessary to raise the front of the car with a jack so that the front wheels are in the air, and also install the supports. This is necessary so that the power steering pump does not experience excessive loads, as well as for free rotation of the wheels when the engine is turned off.
- Pre-protect belts and other engine parts from oil by covering them with rags.
- Open the tank cap.
- With a syringe with a flexible tube attached to it, remove the liquid from the tank to the filter.
- Using pliers, loosen the clamps on the pipes and unscrew the fastening bolts with a socket wrench.
- Disconnect the hoses from the tank, remove it and rinse if necessary.
- Next, remove the return pipe (return) and place the free end in a pre-prepared plastic container. In order for the liquid to flow out of the system, it is necessary to slowly turn the steering wheel to the left and right. This is how fluid is removed from the system. At the same time, you should not turn on the engine, because otherwise, although the process will go many times faster, air may enter the system.
- Now we move on to the suction hose that goes to the pump. It is necessary to insert a funnel into the hose and pour fresh liquid through it. In this case, you need to turn the steering wheel until clean liquid comes out of the return line.
- After that, you need to return everything to its place: reinstall the tank and other elements. Before this, as necessary, it must be washed and checked for defects.
- Add liquid to the tank to the required level. Turn the steering wheel, then start the engine and turn it again. It is necessary to ensure that air bubbles disappear from the tank.
- After turning off the engine, lower the car and add fluid again to the MAX mark.
Partial replacement
This method is simpler, but less efficient. How to change the fluid in the power steering partially?
- We close the place under the tank with a rag to avoid getting oil on the parts.
- Similarly to the first method, we jack up the car.
- Remove the tank cap, suck out the liquid with a syringe (pear).
- Fill with new fluid to the correct level.
- We start the engine and then slowly turn the steering wheel in both directions until it stops.
- It is necessary to add oil again and repeat the procedure until the oil in the tank is clean.
Thus, changing the oil is not a complicated procedure; it can be done without the help of specialists. The whole process will take no more than half an hour.
Accurate development of the mechanisms responsible for the maneuverability of the car is one of the main parameters of safe driving. It is important that all components and parts included in the steering work without failure. A few years ago, the device of the steering system was simple and reliable, but after the massive introduction of hydraulic boosters, motorists have to take extra care of this element, which has a direct impact on driving. It is not so difficult to maintain the hydraulic booster in good condition - it is enough to fill it with high-quality oil when it is required. In this article, we will consider what kind of liquid to fill in the hydraulic booster, and also what are their differences, except for colors, cost and brands.
Why pour special fluid into the power steering
The main task of the hydraulic booster is to make the steering wheel “lighter” for the driver, so that it is more comfortable for him to drive the car. Without a special fluid for the hydraulic booster, it will not be able to work, because during the operation of the system, the fluid is driven through all its components. 
We can say that oil is poured into the power steering, and there will be some truth in this. Indeed, the liquid for this mechanism is based on oil, but it contains a number of special additives, and ordinary engine oil should not be poured into the power steering tank.
The fluid in the hydraulic booster performs a number of tasks that are standard for automotive oil:
- Cools parts rubbing against each other, removing heat from them and preventing overheating;
- Lubricates the parts included in the system;
- Protects system components from corrosion.
The main function of the fluid in the power steering is to transfer forces from the pump to the piston, which allows the system as a whole to work.
As we noted above, in fact, power steering fluid is oil, which means that it can be classified in a standard way into mineral and synthetic. But if you are the owner of a passenger car, then you are unlikely to need synthetic power steering oil. In most cases, it is used on technical vehicles, while mineral power steering fluid is poured into city cars.
It is quite simple to explain why it is mineral oil that is poured into the hydraulic booster reservoir - it easily performs all the tasks assigned to it, while allowing not only metal parts to avoid corrosion, but also the rubber elements of the system not to dry out. As for synthetic oil, it can only be poured into the power steering reservoir if recommended by the car manufacturer. This is due to the fact that such a fluid contains rubber fibers, which lead to cracks in the rubber components of the steering system.
What is the difference between power steering fluids
Any automotive fluid has a number of basic parameters that affect its price and properties. The main characteristics for power steering fluid are as follows:
- Properties of additives that are in its composition;
- Hydraulic and mechanical properties;
- Viscosity.
When choosing a power steering fluid, you should look at these parameters, focusing on the ideals recommended by the car manufacturer.
Another important parameter of the steering fluid is its color. On sale you can find liquid in 3 colors: green, yellow and red. It is important to note here that power steering fluids of the same color can be mixed with each other. At the same time, there is an important rule: never mix mineral and synthetic oils, it also applies to power steering fluids.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the differences in steering fluids of different colors in more detail:
- Red. This color indicates that a similar fluid is (in most cases) used for an automatic transmission. It can be either mineral or synthetic, and when buying red oil, it is important to check this parameter. You can mix red power steering fluid with yellow, but not with green.
- yellow. This is a universal power steering fluid that can be found in automatic and manual transmissions. As noted above, the yellow oil provides for miscibility with the red variation.
- Green. Green Power Steering Fluid can only be used in manual transmission vehicles. It must not be mixed with oils of other colors.
The parameters of viscosity, the presence of additives and other properties are minimally different for power steering fluids of the same color. That is why when buying oil for topping up the power steering reservoir, first of all, you need to look at its color, and not at other indicators.
Why You Can't Save When Choosing Power Steering Fluid
When choosing a power steering fluid, you should pay attention to well-known manufacturers of car accessories. It is better to purchase such consumables in specialized stores for motorists, since it directly affects traffic safety. Poor quality power steering fluid may have the following disadvantages:
The driver has to replace and top up the power steering fluid infrequently, and the less justified is the savings on it. Purchase oils with additives that are produced by well-known companies that have all the necessary certificates for the production of such consumables.
Recently, we considered - what steering racks currently exist, read interestingly. One of the most common at the moment is a rail with a power steering or power steering. As it is put, it is clear that there is a liquid in it (the prefix "HYDRO"), thanks to which it actually "strengthens" the steering wheel! But what is this composition? What is poured and should it be changed? Let's analyze in detail...
At first, I would like to note that the hydraulic booster really makes life much easier for the driver, especially for heavy vehicles, such as buses, dump trucks, and corny heavy SUVs. Power steering is a wonderful invention, but it requires attention, not only do you need to frequently check the condition of the anthers, you need to change and fill in the correct fluid! About her that will be my article.
What is the liquid inside for?
The whole system is actually built on it, it is precisely because of its pressure that a comfortable turn of the steering wheel is created. If you go, then the principle is - a syringe! "Oh, how" - you say, "why the syringe." Yes, everything is just guys, it also has a body, a piston, and a rod connected to the piston, which goes right - left. That's how the steering rack is built!
Now imagine that you are feeding liquid under pressure into the syringe, let's say any ordinary water, the piston will begin to deviate. Also in the power steering rack, we pump liquid into the body, it pushes the piston alternately either from one side or the other, it deviates either to the right or to the left, depending on where you turn the steering wheel.
This pressure is created by a vane pump, and the liquid is stored in a special container. It is she who is entrusted with the main work, without her the system would not function!
It is worth noting that the pressure inside the rail is huge, it reaches 50 - 100 BAR (technical atmospheres). Therefore, there is such an easy turn of the steering wheel, in fact, almost with one finger, regardless of your physical fitness.
Power Steering Fluid Types
Now they are mainly distinguished by their colors, but in fact, as in the history of antifreezes, the color does not always carry the main characteristics. However, there are big differences in:
- Viscosity
- Composition
- Mechanical and hydraulic properties
- Temperature and chemical composition
As usual, manufacturers indicate their characteristics for each specific type, usually they directly indicate the properties that the liquid should have, and what color it will be secondary.
In a little more detail, I would like to tell you about the compositions, because at the moment there are only two main areas:
- mineral oils . A lot of rubber products, oil seals, and o-rings are used in the device of a rail with a hydraulic booster. All of them can fail due to external factors, such as temperature, in summer it can be very high, because the rail is located next to the engine. Rubber from high temperatures cracks and cracks, so that this does not happen, it is mineral oils that are used.
- Synthetic fluids . They are used, but less often than mineral water. The thing is that rubber fibers may be present here, which adversely affect the seals, rail seals. However, now more and more rubber products are made with the addition of silicone, so the use of synthetics is growing. Still, you should look at the book on the operation of your car or consult with an authorized dealer. Only then can synthetic fluids be poured, that is, a strict recommendation or tolerances are needed.
How and with what can you mix?
The question is complex, however, there are few hints from manufacturers in power steering oils. Now there are only three primary colors of liquids, red, green and yellow. They differ like this:
- Red color . Often this is a liquid that is used in machines, currently the most advanced, mainly consisting of synthetic compounds.
- Yellow . In fact, it is also oil for an automatic machine, but here it is more universal, it can be poured into both power steering and automatic transmission. Mostly minerals are used.
- Green . One of the very first compositions. It can be either mineral or synthetic. It can also be poured into the hydraulic booster and transmission, however, only a mechanical non-automatic transmission. More viscous composition.
Mixing - personally, I would never experiment, that is, I would fill in my own oil that is filled with me! But anything can happen - it is usually recommended (allowed) to mix two types close to each other, for example, red and yellow. Nevertheless, both of them can be used in automatic transmissions. If a green color is added to the power steering, then it can only be mixed with itself, neither red nor yellow will suit it! Because it is also designed for mechanical transmissions, and here are other characteristics.
So what is better to pour?
Guys, you can’t experiment here, you need to follow the tolerances that the manufacturer shows you. After all, any wrong oil or composition can turn your hydraulic booster into a jammed assembly! This must be remembered, there are a few simple rules that will help you in choosing:
- Compliance with the brand of car. We select exactly for your car.
- Mixing only with similar formulations
- Withstanding high temperatures, you need to pay attention to this, because oils can warm up to fairly high levels, especially in summer. As some manufacturers recommend, they should keep about 100 degrees Celsius.
- Fluidity. For many machines, really liquid formulations are needed, otherwise the pump simply will not pump.
- fluid resource. How much should she work?
As you can see, there are really tough requirements, which is why ATF fluids from automatic transmissions are often used, they are durable, withstand high temperatures, and are available for mixing.
What else I want to say in conclusion, many do not change the fluid for years until the rake flows! Guys, this is not right, because it also wears out, loses its properties, precisely because of its wear, and anthers can break, because lubrication will not occur as it should. Therefore, in order to extend the life of the hydraulic booster, it is DESIRABLE to change the fluid completely every two to three years!
Table of some brands
| MARK | BRAND OF LIQUID |
| FORD FOCUS 2 | Green - WSS-M2C204-A2 Red - WSA-M2C195-A |
| RENAULT LOGAN | Elf Renaultmatic D3 or Elf Matic G3 |
| Chevrolet CRUZE | Yellow-green - Pentosin CHF202, CHF11S and CHF7.1 Red - Dexron 6 GM |
