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Power steering fluid for Honda: Stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance with Prestone Honda Power Steering Fluid. It is formulated for low and high mileage Honda and Acura vehicles. Helps stop squeaks and protects against breakdowns caused by wear, oxidation and foaming. This automatic power steering fluid also flows in sub-zero temperatures to help provide optimum performance in cold weather. Its anti-wear additives help extend the life of your power steering system. This Prestone Honda power steering fluid comes in a 12 fl oz bottle and has a screw-on cap for spill-free storage. Use as part of a fully regulated maintenance system.
Prestone Honda Power Steering Fluid:
Designed for use in high and low mileage Honda and Acura vehicles to help stop squeals
Formulated to help protect against pump failure caused by wear, oxidation and foaming.
Flows in sub-zero temperatures to help ensure cold weather steering performance
The bottle contains 12 fl oz of Prestone steering fluid and has a screw cap for spill-free storage.
Model # AS267Y
1 pack
The Importance of Flushing Your Power Steering Fluid
In order for your power steering system to work well, all the individual parts will need to work well and be properly lubricated. To keep your power steering system lubricated, you must keep it clean and maintain it properly. When you receive a flush of power steering fluid, the certified technician will drain all of the existing fluid and then replace it with a fresh batch.
The dangers of delaying service
If you haven’t done a power steering fluid flush in a while, it’s important to schedule this service as soon as possible. When you’re done rinsing the fluid out, you’ll make sure your power steering is properly lubricated. This will help the power steering to work well and could prevent problems from occurring in the future.
When you have problems with your power steering and you don’t have a fluid discharge, it could end up being a problem for you. Without clean power steering fluid, there will be a lot of friction in the system. This could end up causing a lot of damage to individual parts, which may require more extensive repairs. Also, it will eventually be very difficult to even turn the steering wheel until the repairs are done.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE THE POWER STEERING FLUID IN A HONDA CAR?
Have you ever tried to drive a car that doesn’t have power steering? If so, then you know how crucial this system is to modern driving.
It goes without saying that power steering makes your driving experience better, easier and safer for those inside the car and on the road.
This system will inevitably experience wear and tear and potential damage if not maintained properly.
So how often should you change the power steering fluid in your Honda? And how will you know when the fluid is dirty? Is it really necessary to rinse the liquid?
These are important questions to ask, and we’ve got all the answers below!
HOW TO DETERMINE WHEN YOU NEED TO CHANGE THE POWER STEERING FLUID IN A HONDA
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Experts recommend changing your power steering fluid every 80,000 to 100,000 miles or every 2 to 3 years. However, it depends on your car and the way you drive it.
But there is no need to guess! Below are some valuable methods to help determine how often to change the power steering fluid in your Honda.
SEE OWNER’S MANUAL
You can find all the information you need on caring for your car in your owner’s manual. This includes how often you need a power steering fluid change.
It will most likely also present formulation recommendations for optimal performance.
INSPECT THE FLUID
The color and consistency of the fluid can indicate if it is time for a change. To inspect the fluid, you will need to do the following:
- Run your car for a few minutes.
- Open the hood and take out the dipstick.
- Check the color of the fluid. Golden fluid is a good sign, while a darker color means damaged old fluid, especially if it has a burning odor. Dirty colored fluid can cause poor performance or even prevent your power steering from fully working.
- Take a look at the fluid in the reservoir. Small particles in the fluid indicate contaminants and sludge in the system.
If you notice any of these signs, you should flush the used oil and replace it with fresh power steering fluid.
POWER STEERING PUMP
Do you hear loud or strange noises coming from the power steering area? It probably means that your fluid is contaminated, making it difficult for the pump to run smoothly.
The fresh fluid should stop any extraneous noise and help prevent any problems on the line.
DIFFICULTIES WITH THE DIRECTION
Having difficulty turning the steering wheel is a major warning sign of a problem with your power steering fluid.
Common problems that cause this include fluid being too low, old, or contaminated.
If you don’t fix the problem as soon as possible, you risk significantly damaging your system, which could ultimately lead to a traffic accident.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHANGING THE POWER STEERING FLUID
If you understand how your car’s power steering pumps work, you’ll know exactly why a fluid change is so important.
These pumps are hydraulic pumps that multiply the force applied by the driver through the steering wheel. Power steering fluid is essentially a type of hydraulic fluid, and for power steering to work smoothly, the fluid must be clean.
It is normal for the fluid to become dirty and contaminated over time, especially if you use your car several times a day. Contaminated fluids create significant friction and eventually begin to act as abrasives. If ignored, this can damage the pump seals or steering rack, which is not cheap to replace.
DO MODERN CARS USE POWER STEERING FLUID?
Currently, many modern vehicles are built without hydraulic pumps. Instead, steering is controlled by electric power steering. motor.
These high-tech cars don’t use any power steering fluid.
DO HONDA CARS REQUIRE A SPECIAL POWER STEERING FLUID?
It is essential that you only use genuine Honda fluid in your Honda vehicle. Use of non-Honda fluids can cause deterioration and reduce system life.
Using a legitimate product, like our Genuine Honda PSF-S Power Steering Fluid, will ensure optimal vehicle performance and peace of mind.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO TO KEEP YOUR POWER STEERING SYSTEM IN GOOD CONDITION?
Make sure you always use a high-quality, proven product, as there are hundreds of options on the market, and not all of them are effective. You can find the best chemical additives and original Honda oils and fluids on our website.
Honda Power Steering Fluid: What To Buy And Where To Find It
With so many auto parts and auto products that you will eventually need to purchase, the sheer number of options available can be very confusing. To the untrained eye, they all look the same and seem to function the same, with the only major difference being price.
However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. You must purchase a power steering fluid that is optimized for your vehicle; Hondas are actually some of the most demanding out there in this regard. Getting the right Honda power steering fluid requires some specific knowledge, which is why CoPilot is here to help!
Why you need the right power steering fluid
Power steering fluid is an essential component of any working steering system. Cars require new, quality power steering fluid so you can drive safely. This fluid is what makes the wheels turn easily and precisely when you turn the steering wheel, making your car move the way it’s supposed to. However, not all power steering fluids are created equal. Different fluids will have different chemical compositions tailored to specific types of vehicles, so you can’t use just any power steering fluid in your car.
It is essential that you use one specified by your manufacturer or at least one that clearly indicates its compatibility with the make of your vehicle. Using the wrong power steering fluid can cause excessive damage to your car by blocking the steering system and causing loud noises, corroding the seals that keep the fluid in the car, and destroying the pump. Therefore, it is important to avoid using incompatible power steering fluid.
Steering Issues – Obviously, you will have steering issues if you are low on fluid. You will find that the wheel becomes stiff and hard to turn. The steering wheel can also feel heavier at low speeds and maneuvering becomes cumbersome.
Jerky Wheel: As you spin the wheel, you will feel some jerky and not-so-smooth movements. For example, when turning right, the wheel may jerk to the left and vice versa. It is not a good thing because you will be accident prone.
Wheel lockup – Few things are more stressful than experiencing a wheel lockup while driving. When low on fluid, the steering system goes through reduced pressure to lock the wheel. Fortunately, this symptom is more likely to occur at low speeds than when driving on the interstate, but it is still dangerous.
Visible Leaks: Low power steering fluid level may be a sign of a leak. Power steering fluids are usually reddish, darkening over time and taking on a maroon hue. Make it a habit to look under your Honda and check for puddles of fluid.
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What type of power steering fluid is best for your Honda?
While a lot of auto manufacturers may use many types of power steering fluids, Honda is a little different. It is never recommended to use a power steering fluid for a car that is not compatible. Still, the list of recommended power steering fluids for Honda is relatively small. This is because Honda has implemented a robust and complicated OEM power steering system in their cars that requires specific types of fluids with a higher viscosity than most.
Many of the options you’ll find topping lists for the best power steering fluids aren’t ideal for Honda cars, either because they cause them to perform suboptimal, or worse, cause damage to their systems. For this reason, we won’t be able to recommend many power steering fluids for Honda, but the ones we will recommend are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Now that we’ve established that, let’s move on to the best Honda power steering fluids:
Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid. The manufacturer’s recommended power steering fluid for Honda vehicles comes directly from the source. This fluid was designed to work specifically for Hondas, and it shows. If you go for this, you can expect not only a great job of maintaining your car, but also less wear and tear and more precise steering. We highly recommend buying Honda power steering fluid because it’s not that much more expensive than aftermarket alternatives and it’s the safest bet if you want exceptional performance.
Idemitsu PSF Universal Power Steering Fluid. If you don’t want to buy the original Honda power steering fluid, Idemitsu offers a decent alternative. This is one of the few power steering fluids that works well with Honda cars. Idemitsu has done a solid job simulating Honda’s power steering fluid here, making it a worthy substitute if needed. This option is less expensive than Genuine Honda fluid and is known to help reduce noise in the steering system and maintain good lubrication.
Autozone Honda power steering fluid. Autozone has built a power steering fluid intended to meet the requirements of Honda’s steering systems. It works almost as well, but we can’t recommend it highly because it’s no less expensive. In fact, compared to the price of Honda fluid on their parts direct website, it is more expensive. This means that it is a suitable option if you must buy it, but there is no reason to.
This list may seem small, but we really can’t stress enough how important it is that you use a power steering fluid that complements your Honda’s sophisticated steering system. Unfortunately, the options are few and far between. The good news is that both of the fluids mentioned above will work for all Honda models, so you don’t have to worry about getting one tailored to your specific Honda vehicle.
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Where can you buy the right Honda power steering fluid?
While power steering fluid options may seem intimidating, luckily you can get most of them in the same places. You must first check the Honda direct parts website for Genuine Honda fluid. You can order online for a fairly low price here, making it a great place to buy a Honda power steering fluid.
Another safe way to buy power steering fluid is to always go to any reputable auto parts center, such as Autozone or O’Reilly Auto Parts. These places sell most types of power steering fluid, along with a variety of other car maintenance products. You can also buy most types of power steering fluid from major retailers like Walmart or Amazon, including all of the ones we’ve mentioned above.
So, are you in the market for a used vehicle? We went ahead and prepared some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.
Other things to know about Honda power steering fluid
It’s inconvenient that you have so few options for purchasing a Honda power steering fluid, but it’s for good reason. This brand is known for its superior steering feel from the OEM power steering system used on its models, which requires a specific chemical mix to work properly. You’ll find it worth your while to find the right power steering fluid when you feel the effect it has on your Honda’s highly technical internal systems, allowing you to drive with greater accuracy and precision.
And as we always recommend, consulting with a trusted expert can only be good. In this case, you should read your Honda’s owner’s manual and see what they have to say about the proper power steering fluid to use. They likely have the same recommendations, but it’s usually worth checking out.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I ADD THE WRONG FLUIDS TO MY CAR?
We can look back through history at a long list of dynamic duos who made a good match, both in fiction and in real life. We remember famous names like Abbott and Costello, Oscar and Felix, or Bert and Ernie. Or maybe Batman and Robin, or Frodo and Sam, or Calvin and Hobbes. The list could go on for a long time with characters that just fit the bill.
But there are some characters, like Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, whose chemistry turned into a dangerous cocktail when they mixed. The same could be said (albeit to a much less dramatic degree) when you mix the fluids in your car.
In order for your vehicle to function properly, there are several fluids that help in cleaning, cooling, lubricating, and hydraulics. Each fluid is carefully developed for its purpose: engine cooling and lubrication, power transmission, braking and more. And each fluid is kept separate in its respective system.
From time to time, the fluids in your car need to be replaced or replenished as part of routine vehicle maintenance. For example, your engine oil might need to be “topped up” if you find that the level is a little low between oil changes. Or you may need to add some solvent to the windshield washer reservoir. In every case where you can add fluid, it is essential that you add the correct fluid. Installing anything else could cause damage and make the system ineffective or inoperable.
So how do you avoid a mix-up between Bonnie and Clyde? Well, here are some mismatches to avoid…
Motor oil
Motor oil is often referred to as the lifeblood of an engine. All the metal components inside, moving at thousands of revolutions per minute, would die a quick and painful death if it weren’t for the thin layer of lubrication that motor oil provides between them. For your engine to have proper lubrication, it is necessary to use the right oil.
Vehicle manufacturers design each engine to run on a specific type and viscosity, or grade, of oil. Viscosity (grade) is basically a measure of the thickness of the oil and is indicated by a code: 5W-30, 5W-20, 0W-20, etc. The higher the number, the thicker the oil; the lower the number, the thinner. The type of oil refers to whether it is a synthetic oil product made artificially in a laboratory or a conventional oil. Where one engine might require a viscosity of 5W-30, another might need 0W-20; one cannot be substituted for the other. And while some engines come from the factory with synthetic oil installed, others rely on regular old conventional oil.
So where is the concern when it comes to adding motor oil?
Well, first of all, no other lubricant will work for you in your engine; no cooking oil or other similar product will do. Feel free to switch between brands of oil (such as replacing the stock oil with Mobil 1), just make sure you use a quality motor oil.
And make sure it’s the same viscosity. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will tell you what grade is needed on your engine. If the oil you add is too high in viscosity, it won’t be able to get into the tight spaces between engine components. If, on the other hand, it is too low in viscosity, it will fail to form a consistent lubricating film and will invite metal-to-metal contact.
Many manufacturers are switching to synthetic motor oils as original equipment, especially for those engines that require the lower viscosities (ie 0W-20 or 0W-16). Synthetics offer several advantages in addition to potential low viscosity. They are able to last longer between each oil change, known as an extended oil change interval. Because they are artificially created in a laboratory, synthetic oils are more uniform and hold up better than their conventional counterparts. They also include advanced additives to clean and protect the interior of your engine.
If your engine came with synthetic oil, replace it with synthetic oil. Instead, if you have conventional oil, you are free to use either one. It’s perfectly fine to switch from conventional oil to synthetic oil (and vice versa) as long as the manufacturer doesn’t call for a synthetic one. And there is no danger in mixing the two; they are compatible. Just remember, if you add conventional oil to the synthetic, you reduce the effectiveness of the synthetic. So don’t do that if your engine requires synthetic oil.
Finally, if you are considering the use of aftermarket oil additives to improve the performance of your motor oil, you may want to think again. Some vehicle manufacturers advise against it, and in some cases, the use of oil additives may void your new car warranty. Also, modern motor oils have all the additives they need right from the bottle, especially if the product is synthetic.
power steering fluid
Motor oil is important given the importance of your engine. But it is not the only liquid that is subject to incorrect refilling. Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that allows electrical assistance when you turn the steering wheel. Some vehicles have electric assistance that is based on an electric motor connected to the steering shaft, but most power steering systems are hydraulic and require power steering fluid.
If you’re topping off your fluid, your owner’s manual (or reservoir cap) may suggest that you can substitute automatic transmission fluid (ATF) instead of power steering fluid. That’s because the two are very similar in composition. For decades car owners have been adding ATF to their power steering fluid reservoirs.
But that is not always the case. Some systems are based on a mineral oil based fluid that is not ATF compatible. If you make the replacement when that is the case, it could cause damage to the system, including deterioration of the seals and leaks.
Make sure ATF is recommended as a replacement for your power steering fluid before using it.
automatic transmission fluid
Although ATF and power steering fluid are similar and (in some cases) compatible for use in your power steering system, that is not the same as saying they are completely interchangeable. They only have a composition and properties similar to a hydraulic fluid, not for all the other functions needed in your automatic transmission. There, the ATF must also function as a lubricant, coolant and cleaner. Power steering fluid doesn’t do those things and should never be used in your transmission.
As a side note, your ATF should never be overfilled. Overfilling your transmission can cause excessive pressure and air to be introduced into the fluid, causing the fluid to lose its lubricating ability and causing your transmission to overheat and fail. For this reason, manufacturers are increasingly moving toward transmissions that are not user serviceable.
Brake fluid
Of course, your engine is essential for your car to move. This is your transmission. And its power steering keeps you moving in the right direction. But none of that matters much if you can’t stop when you get there.
Your brakes are the most important safety feature on your vehicle. The brake system is made up of a hydraulic pump (the master cylinder) that applies force against the brake fluid in an array of tubes that lead to each wheel when you press the brake pedal. That brake fluid serves to transfer pressure from the pump to the brake pads which slows and stops the wheels and the car. Therefore, the brake fluid must be in good condition, clean and free of air and moisture.
Adding something other than fresh (not expired) brake fluid to the brake reservoir will decrease the effectiveness of your brake system. Some drivers mistakenly add ATF to the braking system as they would power steering. This is a definite no-no! ATF will wear down master cylinder seals and other system components, cause leaks, and destroy your brake system.
engine coolant
Also known as “antifreeze” for its ability to withstand low temperatures, engine coolant serves to regulate the operating temperature of your engine. The combustion process produces a significant amount of heat, too much, in fact. Your engine has an optimum operating temperature where it works most efficiently, usually around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature rises above the mark, the coolant circulates through the engine block and takes the heat with it when it leaves, losing that heat to the environment through the radiator. When the engine cools down, the thermostat (a device that senses and regulates temperature) closes, preventing coolant from circulating.
The basic ingredients that make up engine coolant are ethylene or propylene glycol and water. It also includes additives to help prevent corrosion of engine components. The balance of coolant to water is around 50/50 and you should stay there.
Over time, some of the coolant in your engine will evaporate, so topping it off is necessary by adding coolant to the tank or overflow reservoir, or possibly to the radiator itself. When you do, be sure to use a pre-mixed product or mix a concentrate with the same amount of water. If you add only water, your engine could overheat and the water could freeze in the cold and destroy your engine. Too high a concentration of coolant can also cause overheating. (Note: Never add engine coolant to a hot engine!)
Windshield wiper solvent
Most bottles of solvent meant to clean your windshield have the word “antifreeze” printed somewhere on the label. This is because the washer solvent must be able to withstand freezing in the winter. That’s not because it’s a suitable replacement for engine coolant. Don’t use washer solvent on your radiator like a certain automotive writer’s fifteen-year-old version did decades ago.
But don’t use plain water either. Washing machine solvent contains chemicals to remove contaminants and prevent streaks on the glass; not the water And the water will freeze when it gets cold. Also, avoid household products, as they can also cause scratches, but more importantly, they can damage your car’s paint and introduce noxious fumes into the passenger compartment.
How nice it would be if every association was benevolent. But we know that this is not always the case. And it would be so simple if all systems in a vehicle used the same type of fluid. That way there would be no cause for concern, nothing to confuse. But the world just doesn’t work that way, and neither does your car. Be sure to avoid creating a cocktail of incompatible chemicals when adding fluids to your car.
FAQS
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T CHANGE YOUR POWER STEERING FLUID?
If you don’t remove the dirty fluid and replace it when necessary, it can lead to problems in other parts of your car. It’s common for parts of your car’s system to wear out, leaving debris and sludge moving around in parts of your vehicle.
This friction can cause parts like o-rings, seals, and other internal power steering components to wear and leak. A leak in your system can cause serious damage, especially to the steering pump.
As mentioned above, a reservoir with too little fluid will make your car difficult to drive and you may hear a strange noise when turning corners.
If you continue to ignore draining and replacing the fluid regularly, your car could break down while you’re on the road, which is the last thing you want to happen when you’re driving.
HOW LONG DOES A POWER STEERING CLEAN TAKE?
If you do it yourself, it should take 1-2 hours, depending on the state of the liquid.
You will need to follow these steps:
- Raise the front of your vehicle with a car jack.
- Drain the fluid reservoir.
- Disconnect the power steering fluid return hose by removing the clamps.
- Allow the fluid to drain while turning the steering wheel from left to right until it stops dripping.
- Bleed the system with fresh fluid by filling the reservoir halfway and running the engine. Continue turning the wheel from side to side.
- Turn off the engine when the fluid coming out is the same color as the fluid you are pouring; the system is clean.
- Reconnect fluid return line and fill reservoir.
theyS HONDA SYNTHETIC POWER STEERING FLUID?
Yes, the original Honda power steering fluid is synthetic. Synthetic fluid flows more smoothly at low temperatures, improving pump lubrication and increasing system life.
CAN DIRTY POWER STEERING FLUID CAUSE PROBLEMS?
Absolutely. Dirty or contaminated fluid can cause serious damage to your vehicle’s system if left untreated. Dirty fluid is corrosive, which means it can cause parts to wear, leading to broken seals and fluid leaks.
If you do not replace it for a long time, it can cause problems with the steering of your car, making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. At its worst, it can cause total system failure, causing your vehicle to break down and stop working.
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