Your car is simply a collection of complex mechanical parts working together to run it. Different types of fluid are necessary for the effective operation of these mechanical systems. These systems would quickly fail without these fluids. This is because the car fluids provide the necessary lubrication and enhance the car’s performance. Two of these important car fluids are brake fluid and power steering fluid. Both are entirely different from each other and are meant to be used for different systems.
Therefore, they shouldn’t be used interchangeably, or else they will result in car damage. Before we discuss if we can use brake fluid for power steering fluid, let’s find out what these fluids are used for.
What is Brake Fluid?
One of the most crucial fluids your car needs is brake fluid. When you press the brake pedal, your car would not be able to stop without brake fluid. Instantaneous braking is what is intended.
The brake fluid is an essential component of different types of car braking systems. It lubricates the antilock braking system, brake pistons, and valves. This fluid provides hydraulic pressure to the car braking system. So, the first thing you should examine if you notice any delay or unusual sensation in your brakes is this fluid.
What is Power Steering Fluid?
The power steering fluid is yet another essential car fluid that keeps your car in good condition. Your car can steer effortlessly as a result of power steering fluid since the fluid lubricates and cools the components including
- Power steering pump,
- Gearbox,
- Valves, and
- Seals.
It’s crucial to make sure the fluid level isn’t low or empty or you will face issues such as a hard steering wheel or car stalling.
Comparison of Power Steering Fluid and Brake Fluid
Detailed below is a brief comparison of power steering and brake fluid to help determine why both of these cannot be used interchangeably.
Composition
The brake fluid is glycol-based while the power steering fluid is petroleum based. The power steering fluid is composed of various mineral oils, additives and petroleum to lower friction, fight corrosion, and increase the functioning temperature and pressure ranges.
Whereas, the following types of brake fluid have different chemical compositions:
- DOT 3 fluids are made of glycol and ether
- DOT 4 is composed of glycol and borate ester
- DOT 5 has a silicone foundation
System Compatibility
The main difference as to why we cannot use brake fluid for power steering fluid is due to system incompatibility. The power steering fluid is a lubricating fluid and is required for effective car steering. If used as a substitute for brake fluid, the power steering fluid can damage the rubber parts.
Whereas, the brake fluid is incapable of providing the required lubrication and steering performance if used as a substitute for the power steering fluid.
Heat Control
Both the power steering and brake fluids have a high heat control capacity. In addition to functioning as a pressure transfer medium, the power steering fluid also serves as a lubricant for metallic car components. For reliable performance, this fluid absorbs heat while maintaining the same viscosity.
While on the other hand, brake fluid is not required for lubricating parts. It maintains viscosity while dissipating heat. For that reason, you won’t face the trouble of a common car brake problem, spongy brakes, because of the brake fluid’s high boiling point.
What Happens If You Put Power Steering Fluid in Your Brake Fluid?
In case you accidentally put the power steering fluid in the brake fluid’s reservoir, the seals of the system will begin to swell due to contaminants of the former fluid. The brake lines get blocked as the seals swell and advance.
Take the example of the master cylinder’s return ports. This port is blocked by the swollen seals as a result the fluid returns to the reservoir when the brake pedals are released.
The brake fluid expands due to heat generated by braking. The brakes engage and the wheels lock if the expanded fluid does not go back to the reservoir. Next, you may face spongy brake pedals as one of the first symptoms of car brake failure. Complete failure of the braking system occurs when the contaminants of the power steering fluid destroy the rubber parts of the system.
What to Do If Brake Fluid Is Placed Instead of Power Steering Fluid?
If you accidentally use brake fluid for power steering fluid then you must drain the fluid immediately. If the brake fluid is not drained from the reservoir quickly it can cause major damage to the steering system. To drain the fluid, follow the steps detailed below.
- The first and most crucial step is not to engage the car engine or operate the brakes. This way all of the brake fluid poured in will remain in the reservoir without flowing through the hydraulic power steering system.
- Next, open the power steering fluid’s reservoir and start removing the fluid in a suitable container. You may use a turkey baster or a syringe for this purpose.
- To drain the fluid completely, jack up your car on jack stands and move the steering wheel. As a result, more fluid will surface in the reservoir.
- Continue turning the steering wheel and draining more fluid as it surfaces.
- Next, pour in new power steering fluid in the reservoir and drain it out as well. Repeat the same steps several times to flush out any of the remaining brake fluid.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Fill the power steering fluid in the reservoir and you are all good to go.
FAQs
What can I use as a substitute for power steering fluid?
In many older vehicles, the power steering and transmission fluids were interchangeable since they are both hydraulic. You can substitute automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for a low level of power steering fluid in your car, but this should often only be a temporary fix. In modern vehicles, it is recommended to use a fluid compatible with your car by checking your owner’s manual.
Can you mix power steering and brake fluid?
Since both the power steering and brake fluid are made of different materials you cannot mix them. Both fluids perform different functions, and mixing them might lead to issues even though they are both intended to preserve the car components and enhance car performance.
Can transmission fluid be used as brake fluid?
You cannot use transmission fluid as brake fluid as doing so will cause overheating, poor lubrication and failure of the braking system.
Here we conclude our discussion if you can use brake fluid for power steering fluid. Moreover, if you have accidentally poured brake fluid instead of power steering fluid into the reservoir, you must drain it out quickly as per the process discussed above. However, if you are unsure of flushing the fluid yourself, it is advisable to seek help from an auto mechanic. Despite following your car maintenance checklist if your car is still posing recurrent issues, it is better to switch to another car. Explore this plethora of used cars for sale in the UAE and find your ideal pick.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog for more information on car parts and accessories.
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