How does power steering work?

As technology evolves, drivers want their driving experience to be as smooth as possible – and one of the most popular systems to achieve this is power steering. 

When it comes to parking, three-point turns and urban driving, power steering helps you turn the vehicle with ease.  

Read our car maintenance guide to learn more about power steering. 

What is power steering? 

Power steering is a system in your car that reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel.  

It uses hydraulic or electric assistance to help you steer more easily, especially at low speeds.  

This improves control, reduces driver fatigue, and enhances safety by making the steering controls smoother and more responsive, compared to older vehicles that do not have power steering. 

How does power steering work? 

Power steering works by using hydraulic or electric assistance to reduce the effort required to turn the steering wheel.  

It is common in all modern cars and vans. 

Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS) uses a pump driven by the engine to pressurise the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir. 

When the driver turns the steering wheel, the fluid is directed to a cylinder that assists in turning the front wheels.  

Similarly, Electric Power Steering (EPS), an electric motor does the same role instead of the hydraulic fluid.  

Electronic sensors detect the driver’s steering input and the motor provides the necessary assistance.  

In some cars, there is a hybrid system that uses an electric motor to drive a hydraulic pump.  

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Where is the power steering fluid reservoir? 

The power steering reservoir is typically located on the driver’s side in the engine bay, near the power steering pump.  

However, its exact position depends on the vehicle make and model – and the type of EPS system that it uses.  

You should look for a small, round/rectangular plastic or metal container with a cap labelled ‘Power Steering Fluid’. In some cases, it may have a steering wheel icon.  

If you cannot find the power steering reservoir, consult with the owner’s manual for the car.  

How do I check the power steering fluid? 

In order to check the power steering fluid in your vehicle, ensure the car is parked on a level surface and ensure that the engine is cool.  

Once the reservoir has been located, look for the MIN and MAX level markings on the side of the fluid tank.  

In some vehicles, there will be a dipstick which you will need to use to check the fluid level. 

If it needs topping up, use the correct power steering fluid type specified in the owner’s manual.  

Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to top up the fluid to the required level. Make sure that you do not overfill the system. 

Using the wrong fluid or incorrectly refilling the power steering fluid tank can cause damage to your vehicle. 

If you do not have the technical experience or confidence to check or top up the power steering fluid, speak to a professional mechanic.

What colour is power steering fluid? 

When you look in the power steering reservoir, the fluid should be red, pink, or clear. However, some vehicles use green power steering fluid. 

If the fluid is dirty or cloudy, it may indicate a problem with the power steering system. 

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Power steering repair cost 

The average cost for a mechanic to repair a vehicle’s power steering system is £103. However, the price you pay will depend on the make and model of your car, plus the condition of the steering unit. 

^{Source: whocanfixmycar, March 2026} 

Power steering repair cost by manufacturer  

Below is the latest data for the average repair cost to repair a car’s power steering. 

Manufacturer Average repair cost 

Audi £127 

BMW £109 

Citroen £73 

Ford £133 

Mercedes-Benz £96 

MINI £123 

Nissan £89 

Peugeot £113 

Toyota £70 

Vauxhall £94 

Volkswagen £92 

Volvo £56 

^{Source: whocanfixmycar, March 2026 (prices rounded to nearest whole number)} 

Power steering fluid change cost 

The average cost for a mechanic to replace the power steering fluid in a car is £111. This is an average price, which means you may pay more or less depending on the make and model of your vehicle.  

^{Source: whocanfixmycar, March 2026} 

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How to fix power steering 

Fixing power steering issues depends on the type of system (hydraulic, electric, or hybrid) and the location of it within the engine bay. 

Unless you have considerable mechanical knowledge and expertise, a power steering repair should be carried out by an experienced mechanic. 

Common power steering problems include: 

• Low fluid
• Fluid tank leak
• A weak or damaged car battery
• Damaged or worn connections or sensors 
• Damaged or worn pump
• Electric motor failure