GM Power Steering Fluid Review – Why It’s the Best in 2023?
The power steering is one of the most crucial parts of a vehicle. It makes steering your vehicle easier and with so much comfort. However, for power steering to work adequately and efficiently, it needs to be kept lubricated at all times. It's this lubrication that pressures the transmission, and that is why you can steer your vehicle with less effort.
With various power steering fluids in the market, making the wrong choice is inevitable. However, with a GM power steering fluid, you can go no wrong. There are no risks or damages of whatsoever that is associated with using this power steering fluid.
What is a power steering fluid?
Like earlier explained, power steerings need some forms of lubrication to enhance efficiency. Power steering fluid is a vital element in the functioning of a power steering. It's what makes the power steering work as it should. It provides balance in the system, transmits the required pressure appropriately, and prevents the total breakdown of your steering system.
What is the power steering fluid used for?
It merely ensures that your power steering works as it should. It transmits power to the steering system and helps create the necessary pressure that will push your vehicle's piston. This pressure is what turns the wheels. That means without power steering fluid like GM, and you will find it so much difficult to steer your vehicle. You would risk the power steering system to a lot of damages like wear and tear, corrosion, etc.
Types of power steering fluids
Power steering fluids are hydraulic fluids, just like brake fluids. They can either be silicone-based fluids, mineral oil-based fluids, or synthetic-based fluids. Synthetic-based fluids are mostly used because they transmit well at low temperatures, which improves lubrication. These different types of power steering fluids are used for various power steerings. You must use the one that's suitable for your power steering. Using the wrong one could damage your power steering system.
GM Power Steering Fluid Review
Genuine General Motors Cold Climate Power Steering Fluid
This power steering fluid is a GM synthetic power steering fluid, which means that it will flow better at extremely low temperatures.
GM is a known brand for producing quality and exceptional power steering fluids, and this one is no exception. It has increased oxidation stability, prevents corrosion, improves lubrication, and improves power steering response.
It's a cold climate power steering fluid, which means that it works in freezing temperatures without any problems.
Features
Pros & Cons of GM Power Steering Fluid
Pros
Cons
Why Is GM Power Steering the Best Choice?
GM power steering fluids are designed to ensure superior performance. They are used in all vehicles with power steering, including cars with Power Assisted Steering (PAS). They are easy to use. You don't need any particular tutorial on how to use this high-power power steering fluid. With GM power steering fluid, wear and tear, corrosion, and power system damages are all prevented.
How To Choose GM Power Steering Fluid
Start by identifying if the fluid is compatible with your vehicle. It’s either you check your car’s manual or look in the hood of your car, on the cap of your vehicle’s fluid reservoir. Once you discover this type of fluid is the recommended type, go ahead and top up with GM power steering fluid.
How To Add Power Steering Fluid
- First of all, locate the reservoir cylinder. This is where the power steering fluid is stored.
- Check the fluid's level to determine the amount you are going to top. There is a dipstick attached at the bottom to the cylinder's cap. This is what you use to check.
- Add the GM power steering fluid. Top to the appropriate level and be careful not to overfill.
How Does Power Steering Fluid Work?
Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid. It helps steer your vehicle by the power of hydraulic actuators. Actuators are hydraulic cylinders inside the system that connects the steering wheel and that which drives the wheels. These hydraulic actuators are responsible for controlling energy to the steering process. This working mechanism is what reduces the amount of effort that you apply to your steering wheels. The effort-response mechanism is almost accurate because of this power steering fluid.
If there is no power steering fluid, you will risk damaging the power steering system. You could also ruin the rack, pinion, and pumps. There is also a high risk of exposing your power steering to wear and tear and corroding the system.
How To Check If You Are Low on Power Steering Fluid
Checking the level of power steering fluid is simple. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir in the bonnet of your vehicle. It’s usually plastic most times with a labeled cap. The cylinder itself has some markings that indicate the minimum and maximum level of steering fluid. If the cylinder is translucent, that means you can see the level of the power steering fluid. Then, you can determine if you are low or not.
However, if it's not translucent, you can use the dipstick that is attached to the bottom of the cap. The dipstick contains markings itself. Dip it, and if you see that the power steering fluid is below a specific marking, that means you are low on power steering fluid.
This is the general way of checking on most vehicles. If you are unsure of this process, refer to your car’s manual.
How To Determine the Type of Power Steering Fluid Your Vehicle Use
You can determine the type of power steering fluid that your vehicle use in two ways - by looking at the cap of the power steering fluid reservoir and checking your car’s manual. The recommended type of fluid it should use is usually indicated there.
Remember, using the wrong power steering fluid can be fatal since different types of power steering systems use various power steering fluids. For example, a hydraulic power steering system may use a separate power steering fluid that is different from manual or electric power steering systems. If you don't identify the type of power steering system that your car use, you may likely use the wrong power steering fluid. That could cause inadequate lubrication that would lead to wear and tear and corrosion.
How To Replace Your Power Steering Fluid
Replacing your vehicle's power steering fluid is easy. Some car manufacturers state the interval at which power steering must be changed. That's because every automotive fluid has a certain lifespan.
To replace your power steering fluid, you will need a fluid transfer pump. You will also need a pair of gloves, shop towels, and goggles if you wish. This pump will help you remove the fluid from the reservoir and empty it in a catch can. If you don't want to use a fluid transfer pump, a turkey baster will suffice.
Next, you will need to locate the steering fluid reservoir. It's usually in the bonnet of most vehicles. For confirmation, check your car's manual. Remove the cap of the reservoir, dip one end of the fluid transfer pump into the fluid. Position the other end, so that it's inside the catch can.
At a point, you may be unable to empty the fluid into the catch can because it will be too low Turn the ignition key to the "ACC" position. This will enable your steering wheel to lock without activating the power steering pump. This process will push the power steering fluid into the reservoir, and then, you can drain the fluid.
After draining the fluid, then get ready to replace it. Pour the new power steering fluid and fill it to the recommended level. Avoid over-filling the reservoir tank. Once you are done, cover the tank with its cap. Turn the steering wheel in a lock-to-lock fashion. Start the engine and allow 10-20 seconds to run. Then, drive for some minutes to ensure that the level of fluid is adequate.
Power Steering Fluid
GM Power Steering Fluid Review FAQs
1. What happens if I run out of power steering fluid?
Driving your vehicle for long periods without power steering fluid is risky and could damage the pumps and pinions. Power steering fluid lubricates the pumps, and if it's not there, the pump will be dry. Friction and heat will be the resultant effect, which is not good. Your power steering will be making all sorts of noises and be jerky.
2. Can I drive without power steering fluid?
You will risk driving your car if you don't use a power steering fluid. You will not only endanger the power steering system to wear and tear but system damages and corrosion.
3. Is GM power steering fluid synthetic?
Some GM power steering fluids are synthetic, but partially. GM calls them Cold Weather Fluids, and they work excellently.
4. What is equivalent to GM power steering fluid?
GM power steering fluids are top quality fluids that I'm sure you won't need to go about looking for alternative fluids. However, you will find a host of other GM power steering fluid alternatives on auto stores.
5. How often should I change my power steering fluid?
It depends on how frequently you use your vehicle. On average, car manufacturers recommend changing it every 3- 6 months. However, if you notice a change in color, debris in the fluid, a burning smell, or noises, then it's an indication that you need to change the fluid. Also, if you notice that steering your vehicle is becoming quite difficult, it may be a sign that you need to change it.
Some vehicles come manuals, stating the intervals and specific periods when you need to change your power steering fluid. So do make sure you refer to it as well.
6. Why is my power steering fluid level always low despite topping it regularly?
There is a possibility that you may have a fluid leak somewhere. Take your vehicle to a mechanic for further examination and possible solutions.
7. Can I use hydraulic oil instead of power steering fluid?
Either a hydraulic fluid or power steering fluid will work fine. However, it will take hydraulic oil longer time, more temperature, and pressure to flow and cavitate.
8. What causes the steering wheel to be stiff?
If you discover that you are having a hard time turning your wheels, it could be that you are either low on power steering fluid, haven't serviced your vehicle, or you have a low tire pressure. Improper wheel alignment could also be the cause. You must take your car to a mechanic for proper inspection.
9. What can you use instead of power steering fluid?
The best substitute for power steering fluid is Automatic Transmission Fluid, better known as ATF. A lot of car manufacturers recommend ATF as an alternative to power steering fluids.
10. Is replacing power steering fluid necessary?
Replacing power steering fluid is totally at the owner's discretion. It is not generally listed as standard practice in maintaining a vehicle. However, if your car manufacturer state otherwise in the manual, do ensure that you replace it at the recommended time.
Final Verdict
Power steering fluid is essential to the performance and functioning of your vehicle. It is the key that ensures the smooth running of your car while driving. Without it, it will take you forever to get to your destination. In the process, your vehicle may suffer some damages. That is the reason why you need GM power steering fluid.
GM power steering fluid is a ready-to-use fluid that will give your power steering precisely what it needs. It is engineered to ensure that your vehicle's steering system isn't deficient in a fluid. This authentic fluid also prolongs the life of the power steering system by preventing it from being corroded, work less efficient, damaged, and worn-out.
