What Color is Power Steering Fluid? Is power Steering Fluid Red?

Last Updated on November 20, 2024 by John Patterson

Power Steering Fluid is a necessity for the power steering system of any car. It is a kind of hydraulic fluid that plays the role of a pass-through for the power to be transferred from the steering wheel to the steering mechanism of the car.

This fluid helps to keep the mechanism of steering smooth by protecting the moving parts of the steering system.

Moreover, if you don’t use this fluid for your car, you are likely to face serious problems with your steering pump or the entire mechanism.

But you must be wondering about power steering fluid color, right?

Don’t worry, this piece of writing will help you know about the power steering fluid color and also clarify leakage detection of such and other types of fluids.

What Color is Power Steering Fluid Supposed to be? 

You may wonder, is the color of your power fluid alright? Should you be worried because it’s of a different hue from what you’ve seen in other cars? Or, because the color has changed since the time you bought it first?

Is power steering fluid red?

This confusion strikes a lot of people when they are new to handling a car. The definitive answer to such confusion is that the color of the power fluid varies from one manufacturer to another. But mostly, it is pink, red or clear.

Sometimes, as the vehicle is driven, the color may change into black or dark brown. This may indicate that the fluid has become dirty or contaminated. If the fluid is being used for very long, it’s advisable to replace it with fresh fluid.

Now let’s talk about power steering fluid leak color. 

Power Steering Fluid Leak Color

Have you ever stomped before the car to find out fluid leaking from your car, and then wondered where it is leaking from? The fluid can be leaking from power steering or anywhere else! How can you tell it apart?

Well, as mentioned before, most of the manufacturers traditionally dye their power steering fluid to be red or pink, so that it is distinguishable from other fluids when it leaks.

Some of the famous brands also produce it clear, without any color. Clear fluids may turn slightly yellow with use. So, if the fluid you see leaking is reddish, pink, clear, dark brown, or black, there is a high chance that it is from power steering.

Let’s take a look at how different colors of leaked fluid can indicate different conditions. It will help you to identify your issue quickly and act on it.

Light Brown to Black

If you ever see fluid of light brown to black color leaking from your car, it may not always be from the power steering.

There are other locations with the fluid of a similar hue. Generally, you can find motor oil to be between light brown to deep black, depending on the period it’s been used for. This kind of fluid leak can be normally seen around the center of the car.

Another possibility is that the fluid can be lube oil, especially if it’s light brown and smells like a rotten egg. This sort of leak can be found at the center or rear axle.

Light Yellow to Dark Brown

Most of the brake fluids are manufactured yellow. Therefore, noticing a leak of fluid that looks between light yellow to dark brown may hint that your brake fluid is leaking!

Now, it may confuse you on whether or not leakage of brown fluid is of brake or motor oil. You can easily judge that by examining it with your fingers. If the fluid feels slippery when you touch and rub it, it is brake fluid because motor oil is thicker than brake fluid.

And remember that leakage of your brake fluid is a serious issue and should be addressed immediately. Don’t wait over acting upon it because driving with brake fluid leaking is not safe.

Red (Or Reddish)

If the fluid is red, the possible occurrence is that your power steering fluid is leaking. As said earlier, power steering fluids are made red or pink to be distinguishable from other ones. But how to know for sure?

Firstly, inspect where the fluid is leaking off from. Most of the time, if it is power steering fluid, you will find it under the front part of your car.

You can also find fluid smeared over the power steering pump or down below the reservoir. Touch the fluid and rub it within your fingers; if it’s thin and slippery, then be sure it’s power steering fluid.

Orange power steering fluid

What if the leaked fluid looks orange? Where is it coming from? The reason behind orange-colored fluid dripping can be leakage of transmission fluid. Mostly, the transmission fluid looks somewhere between light orange to thick orange or reddish-brown.

And transmission fluid leaks from the center of your car. There is another possibility, as well. Sometimes antifreeze leaks mixing up with rust may also look orange.

However, rust mixed antifreeze should be thin in texture, and it may leak from any location around your car. If you feel so confused about it, it’s better to head to a car repair shop and let the professional handle it.

Yellow, Green, or Pink power steering fluid

Fluids of bright colors like yellow, green, and pink are for the water-cooling system most of the time. While the pink color refers to power steering fluid, it may also be of a coolant. You can tell them apart by watching for leaks at the water pump bearings and from the pump gasket.

However, bear in mind that it depends on your car’s age, whether or not to worry about your coolant leaking. If your car is old, it normally leaks drops of water from the coolant system when it gets hot. But if your car is new, coolant leaking should be investigated.

Clear Power Steering Fluid

If you see clear fluid dropping off from your car, then there are two possibilities. It can be either a power steering fluid or just normal water. Sometimes your air conditioner can pop out some water because of excess condensation. In that case, there’s nothing to worry about.

But it could be your power steering fluid as well. How to tell the two apart? It’s very simple. Just touch it. You know how the water feels, right? On the other hand, if it is a power steering fluid, it will be a little sticky. Also, you can smell it to know which one it is, because water has no smell, but power steering fluid does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Car care is more than just oil changes and tire rotations. Equally important is to also have your power steering system in tip-top shape. If you’ve observed that your steering is stiff or you hear noises while turning the wheel, check your power steering fluid next because it’s an essential part of proper vehicle steering.

All You Need to Know about Power Steering Fluid

Properties of Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid, a hydraulic transmission and lubricant of the aid. Its very important to understand how power steering fluid works:

The viscosity helps that the fluid flows smoothly and evenly, providing a consistent function through various temperature ranges.

Temperature Tolerance enables the fluid to stay intact from changing climatic conditions and high temperature in the power steering system.

Steering System Lubrication: Steering components need to be lubricated to protect them and ensure their longevity.

How to change power steering fluid?

It is essential to have your power steering fluid changed regularly to ensure the best quality of performance. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Locate the Reservoir: Find the power steering fluid reservoir under the hood — typically on the driver’s side, near the firewall or engine.

Siphon Out the Fluid: With a turkey baster or siphon pump, remove some of the old fluid in your reservoir.

Replenish with New Fluid: Add the prescribed power steering fluid to the reservoir and fill the line on the side of the container.

Capped Reservoir: Make sure the cap is securely back on the reservoir so that water cannot leak out.

Following these steps continuously will ensure smooth steering as well as avoid wear and tear in essential components.

How to flush power steering fluid?

Flushing power steering fluid is a more complex process than just changing it. Here’s how to do it:

Raise Vehicle and Get it Off Its Wheels using jack stands (The weight cannot be on the wheels to turn)

Remove the Return Hose & place it in a drain pan to collect old fluid

After that, you will start the Engine and turn the steering wheel right and left. This forces the old fluid out.

After draining all the old fluid, reconnect the Return Hose.

After following the fluid changing steps above, FILL WITH fresh fluid.

Flushing the system prevents any contaminants or debris from remaining in the system.

Can you use transmission fluid for power steering fluid?

Transmission fluid is not the same as power steering fluid, but it can do the same job in some cars. However, check the manual of your car and also look for what the manufacturer has suggested or making sure not to damage the system.

Where does power steering fluid go?

Power steering fluid goes into a reservoir near the power steering belt in the engine bay.

Can you use ATF for power steering fluid?

Some vehicles can use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for the power steering fluid as long as it’s approved by the manufacturer. Before you give a substitute to your fluids, be sure always to check out your manual of the car.

How do you check power steering fluid?

Checking Power Steering Fluid:

Find Reservoirand open the cap sticker

Check Fluid Level with the dipstick on top of the cap or marks along the side of a reservoir.

Check the condition of Fluid – Normal Vs; Fluid that is cloudy or discolored may need to be changed.

How much is power steering fluid?

Depending upon the brand and formulation, power steering fluid commonly costs around $5 to $20 per quart.

Is power steering fluid the same as transmission fluid?

No, they are not the same. These are both hydraulic fluids, but they are not the same because each is designed for a specific application in automotive systems.

Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps in making it easier to steer the vehicle, especially at low speeds and when parked.

Is power steering fluid universal?

Power steering fluids are not all universal. Since some vehicles use different types of fluids, you should look at your vehicle manual to be sure.

Can you use brake fluid for power steering?

Brake fluid is also slightly similar to power steering fluid but should never serve as a substitute due to its aggressive characteristics that can damage the steering system.

Does the fluid from power steering catch fire?

Power steering fluid is not highly flammable, but it burns easily so avoid situations with flames or high heat close by.

What kind of power steering fluid do I need?

Check your car’s owner manual to see what kind of power steering fluid is recommended for your particular type of vehicle.

How to Maintain Your Power Steering System?

So what can keep the driving experience smooth, is the right power steering fluid. Having periodic checks, alterations and towards flushing is part of a normal automobile preservation which can help you get the longest lifestyles out of your steering equipment. Make them part of your vehicle maintenance and benefit from effortless, smooth steering on every drive.

What color is Brake Fluid?

Read this brake fluid color guide to know the detail.

What color is Transmission Fluid?

Read this transmission fluid color guide to know the detail.

What color is Honda Power Steering Fluid?

Now, while most of the power steering fluids are dyed red, pink, or clear, there are always some exceptions. Some manufacturers dye it in different colors for a variety of reasons, such as Honda. Honda dyes its power steering fluid to be golden, like oil.

What kind of color is Maxlife Valvoline Power Steering Fluid?

Maxlife Valvoline power steering fluids are mostly of amber color. They come with a stop-leak feature, which helps prevent leakage from the power steering fluid reservoir or anywhere else. By the way, this power steering fluid is not usable for Honda vehicles.

What color is Dexron II Power Steering Fluid?

Some manufacturers produce fluids that are usable both as power steering fluids or Auto Transmission Fluids, such as the Dexron series. Dexron II ATF is of red color. There are other grades of Dexron fluids as well that you can use according to your needs.

Final Words

Like all the types of fluids your car has, power steering fluid is important for your car.

To keep your car running smoothly, you should check your power steering fluid regularly and replace it from time to time.

It is recommended that the power steering fluid be changed every four to five years, or after driving it for around 50,000 miles.

Again, if you notice your fluid to be dirty, turning brown or black, don’t wait too long.

Drain the old fluid out and replace it with fresh fluid as early as you can.

Try to use fluids of good brands with a stop leak feature, because those are likely to save your cost by preventing the leakage.