The power steering fluid is essential in ensuring that the steering of your vehicle is smooth and responsive. Signs of inadequate power steering fluid include sluggish steering wheel response and harder than usual manipulation of the steering wheel. Imprecise steering wheel response could be the sign of a more complicated problem, but the primary culprit of steering problems is more commonly evidence of a system with a low level of power steering fluid. Checking the steering fluid is performed most accurately when the engine is warm; however, you can monitor the steering fluid level when the engine is hot or cold.
Pull the hood release lever under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle.
Lift the hood of the vehicle and locate the power steering fluid reservoir. The container is either translucent or metal and has a cap with "power steering" or "Power steering fluid only" printed on it.
Open the fluid container by twisting the cap counter-clockwise.
Place a lit flashlight into the opening of the translucent container to better see the level of fluid in the reservoir. Judge the level against the markings on the side of the container to determine whether or not additional fluid is needed.
Read the dipstick attached to the cap of a metal (and therefore opaque) fluid container. The dipstick will have 2 notches on the stick. If the fluid is at or near the top notch (closest to the cap) the fluid level is adequate. If the fluid level is at or below the second notch (farthest from the cap) additional fluid is requires.
Place a funnel into the power steering fluid reservoir and add power steering fluid as needed.
Replace the cap on the power steering container and close the vehicle's hood.
