Performing regular maintenance on your vehicle can go a long way in ensuring its longevity. One of the often overlooked yet crucial maintenance tasks is changing the power steering fluid. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple power steering fluid change procedure for a 2008 Honda Civic.
Before you begin, make sure to have a 12-ounce bottle of power steering fluid, a funnel, and an evac system. The cost of the bottle from the dealership is relatively low, making it an affordable preventive maintenance task.
The Power Steering Fluid Change Process
1. Use the evac system, which comes in various brands and sizes, to remove the old power steering fluid from the reservoir. This simple process involves using vacuum to draw out a portion of the old fluid, leaving the rest of the fluid in the system.
2. Refill the reservoir with the new power steering fluid using a funnel to avoid spillage. Be cautious not to overfill the reservoir; you can refer to the max and min lines on the reservoir to ensure the appropriate fluid level.
Important Considerations
While performing this task, it’s crucial to handle the system components with care. The power steering reservoir contains a fine mesh screen that acts as a filter for incoming fluid, catching any potential contaminants. Be mindful not to puncture this screen while carrying out the fluid change.
Additionally, when using the evac system, if you encounter air being drawn instead of fluid, adjust the hose to ensure proper fluid extraction. This simple maintenance task can be performed every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or at least once a year, contributing to the prevention of power steering pump failures.
Benefits of Regular Power Steering Fluid Changes
By regularly changing the power steering fluid, you can mitigate the risk of debris accumulation that may lead to pump and rack and pinion failures. Over time, old and contaminated fluid can cause significant damage to the power steering system, making this simple and inexpensive maintenance task all the more essential.
Final Thoughts
Performing a power steering fluid change on your 2008 Honda Civic is a straightforward process that can potentially save you from costly repairs down the line. By investing a small amount of time and money in this preventive maintenance, you can contribute to the long-term health of your vehicle’s power steering system.
Thank you for reading, and remember to prioritize regular maintenance for your vehicle’s optimal performance and longevity.
What power steering fluid is recommended for a 2008 Honda Civic?
The power steering fluid recommended for a 2008 Honda Civic is a 12-ounce bottle available at the dealership for $4.35. It is a simple and cheap preventive maintenance procedure.
How often should the power steering fluid be evacuated and refilled?
The power steering fluid should be evacuated and refilled between every 10,000 and 15,000 miles, or at least once a year. This simple procedure can help prevent power steering pump failures and other issues in vehicles.
Is there a risk of damaging the power steering system when performing the evacuation and refill?
When performing the evacuation and refill of the power steering fluid, it is essential to be careful not to puncture the fine mesh screen in the reservoir, which acts as a filter for incoming fluid. Additionally, care should be taken to avoid overfilling, and it is recommended to use a funnel to avoid spills.
Why is it important to perform regular evacuation and refill of the power steering fluid?
Regular evacuation and refilling of the power steering fluid can help prevent failures in the power steering pump and protect the system from contaminants, especially in the event of a rack and pinion failure. This simple and inexpensive maintenance procedure can contribute to the longevity and proper functioning of the power steering system.