Can You Put Brake Fluid in the Power Steering? Absolutely Not!
As a seasoned mechanic, I’ve seen my fair share of automotive mishaps. One particularly memorable incident involved a client who accidentally poured brake fluid into their power steering reservoir. The consequences were less than ideal, to say the least.
From that experience, I realized the importance of educating drivers about the potential dangers of such mistakes. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the differences between brake fluid and power steering fluid, why they should never be interchanged, and what happens if you accidentally mix them up.
Brake Fluid vs. Power Steering Fluid: What’s the Difference?
Brake fluid and power steering fluid are two distinct fluids that play vital roles in your vehicle’s operation. Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used to transfer pressure from the master cylinder to the brake calipers, enabling you to stop your car. It is typically clear in color and hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.
Power steering fluid, on the other hand, is a hydraulic fluid that assists in steering your vehicle. It reduces the amount of effort required to turn the steering wheel, making driving smoother and more effortless. Power steering fluid is typically red or clear and is not hygroscopic.
Why You Should Never Mix Brake Fluid and Power Steering Fluid
The chemical compositions of brake fluid and power steering fluid are fundamentally different. Brake fluid contains glycol ethers and polyalkylene glycol, while power steering fluid is made from mineral oils or synthetic hydrocarbons. These differences make them incompatible with each other.
If you accidentally mix brake fluid and power steering fluid, several issues can arise:
- Brake fluid can damage power steering seals and hoses. Brake fluid is corrosive to the rubber seals and hoses in the power steering system, causing them to deteriorate and leak.
- Power steering fluid can reduce brake effectiveness. Power steering fluid is not compatible with the brake system and can reduce the effectiveness of your brakes, compromising your safety.
- Both fluids can become contaminated. If you mix brake fluid and power steering fluid, both fluids can become contaminated and require replacement, adding to the cost of the mistake.
What Happens if You Accidentally Mix the Fluids?
The consequences of accidentally mixing brake fluid and power steering fluid depend on the amount of fluid that is mixed. A small amount of contamination may not cause any noticeable problems, but larger amounts can lead to serious issues:
- Leaking power steering system. The corrosive nature of brake fluid can damage the seals and hoses in the power steering system, leading to leaks.
- Reduced braking effectiveness. Power steering fluid can reduce the effectiveness of the brakes, making it harder to stop your vehicle.
- Complete brake failure. In severe cases, mixing brake fluid and power steering fluid can lead to complete brake failure, which can be extremely dangerous.
Tips and Expert Advice for Avoiding Fluid Mix-Ups
To prevent the potentially catastrophic consequences of mixing brake fluid and power steering fluid, follow these tips:
- Always check the fluid type before adding. Before adding any fluid to your vehicle’s systems, consult your owner’s manual to determine the correct type of fluid. Brake fluid and power steering fluid containers are typically labeled for easy identification.
- Use a funnel. When adding fluid, use a funnel to prevent spills and ensure that the fluid goes into the correct reservoir.
- Don’t overfill. Never overfill any fluid reservoir. Overfilling can lead to leaks, which can contaminate the fluid with dirt and debris.
If you’re unsure about which fluid to add or how to add it, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified mechanic.
FAQs on Mixing Brake Fluid and Power Steering Fluid
- Q: What happens if I accidentally put brake fluid in my power steering?
- Q: What color are brake fluid and power steering fluid?
- Q: Can I mix different types of brake fluid?
A: It can damage the seals and hoses of the power steering system, reduce brake effectiveness, and contaminate both fluids.
A: Brake fluid is typically clear, while power steering fluid can be red or clear, depending on the vehicle.
A: It’s generally not recommended, as different types of brake fluid may not be compatible and could cause problems.
Conclusion
Mixing brake fluid and power steering fluid is a serious mistake that can compromise the safety of your vehicle. By understanding the differences between these fluids and following the tips provided, you can avoid this costly and potentially dangerous mishap.
If you’re interested in more tips and advice on maintaining your vehicle, be sure to check out our other blog posts. Let us know if you have any questions or comments below!
