Engine oil functions as a thin film between the engine parts. It prevents the engine from frequent shutdown. Besides, it protects the vehicle from overheating. Moreover, with the right engine oil, you can boost the engine performance and prolog the engine lifespan.
But can you put engine oil in the power steering?
What is the difference between motor oil and power steering fluid?
Power steering fluid lubricates the power steering, and the engine oil lubricates the engine parts. With the combination of these two oils, you can enhance the driving experience. However, due to almost similar functionalities, many car owners think they can use the engine oil and power steering fluid interchangeably. But if you do, it will harm your vehicle’s engine. For example, adding the motor oil to the power steering will swell the seals. Besides, it will affect the vehicle’s performance and make the whole driving experience terrible. That is why you should never add engine lube in the vehicle’s power steering.
Can You Put Engine Oil in Power Steering?
Now that you know why you should never add motor oil to the power steering, you should know the differences between the two.
Difference between the Motor Oil and Power Steering Fluid
The primary difference between the motor oil and power steering fluid is in the oil additives. For example, Honda Power Steering Fluid has some special additives, making it only suitable for power steering. Apart from the additives, there is a difference in the causticness and viscosity. Usually, engine oil is less caustic compared to the power steering fluid. And if you compare the viscosity, engine oil has higher viscosity than the power steering fluid.
What Happens When You Put Engine Oil in Power Steering?
When you mix the motor lubricant with the power steering oil, it will contaminate the fluid. And if you still add this contaminated power steering fluid in the power steering, seals will swell. Besides, your car’s power steering will be affected, and you will have a hard time running your vehicle.
Types of Power Steering Fluids
· Automatic Transmission Fluid or ATF
This type of power steering fluid was used in the late 70s and 90s. In that era, car brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, and GM-recommended the ATF to use in the power steering. However, automatic transmission fluid isn’t used that much today and isn’t available in every car shop.
· Non-Synthetic Power Steering Fluid
Older vehicles that use the automatic transmission fluid can also use the mineral power steering lubricant. Similar to the ATF, most car manufacturer companies don’t recommend using the mineral power steering lube in the vehicle.
· Synthetic Power Steering Fluid
Almost every European and Japanese vehicle uses this synthetic power steering fluid, and this type of oil is available in every car shop. So, if you are driving a Japanese or European car, you should use this type of power steering fluid in your vehicle.
Why Should You Add Power Steering Fluid to the Vehicle?
The use of the power steering fluid in a vehicle isn’t mandatory. However, when you add the power steering fluid, you can have a more enjoyable driving experience.
Adding the power steering fluid to the vehicle will protect the vehicle’s power steering from wear and tear. Besides, it will give protection to the vehicle pumps and pinions. Moreover, with the right power steering fluid, you can protect the steering against corrosion and minimize the noise level.
Apart from these, power steering fluid helps prevent car leaks and heavy repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wrong Fluid in Power Steering
If you have mistakenly mixed the engine oil with the power steering fluid, the fluid has been contaminated. Here, you will have to drain the steering lube and use a new one.
While researching power steering fluid and engine oil, we discovered that the Lubeguard Synthetic Power Steering Fluid is one of the finest power steering fluids available on the market. It has all the required additives, which boost the vehicle’s performance.
Before adding the power steering fluid to your vehicle, check the car manual for compatibility. You should never add any engine oil or power steering fluid that is not recommended in the car’s manual. Otherwise, there will be a risk of your car’s warranty getting void. Besides, it can even damage your vehicle.
After checking the power steering fluid compatibility, you will have to add the lube to the power steering. The process of adding power steering fluid is very. However, if you feel uncomfortable, you can take your car to a nearby car mechanic shop and add the power steering lube to your vehicle.
Yes, you can drive your vehicle without adding the power steering fluid to the car. But if you want to get the best out of your vehicle and enjoy the driving experience to the fullest, you should add the power steering fluid to the power steering. It will smoothen the driving motion and protect the steering wheel from corrosion and other damages.
If you want superior performance and run the vehicle at low temperature, you must add synthetic power steering fluid to your car.
Conclusion
Can you put engine oil in power steering? – No. Although using power steering fluid isn’t mandatory in vehicles, if you want superior performance from your car, you should add it to your vehicle. However, while adding such fluid to the car steering, ensure that it is recommended by your car manufacturer. Otherwise, there is a chance of your car’s warranty getting void.
