Even the smallest leak in the power steering system can make your steering wheel hard to turn. This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, especially when navigating tight corners or driving at low speeds. Luckily, power steering stop leaks can help patch up the leak until you can go to the mechanic.
The market is full of power steering stop leak fluids from different brands, so deciding which one to get can be hard. Here are some of the best power steering stop leak products to consider:
This power steering stop leak is specifically designed to be easy to use. You just pour it into the power steering fluid reservoir and let it do its thing. The BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak reconditions any hardened rubber seals. It’s also compatible with various power steering systems.
However, the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to work. This means you might have to drive your car for a while before you notice any results.
The Prestone Power Steering Fluid + Stop Leak gives you the best of both worlds with Stop Leak additives as well as anti-wear protection. It’s specifically formulated to refresh seals and prevent them from wearing or corroding over time.
The Prestone Power Steering Fluid + Stop Leak works great with small leaks, but it might not work on larger holes. It can also take a while before the results kick in.
According to its manufacturer, Lucas Oil Power Steering Stop Leak is 100% guaranteed to work. This solvent-free solution comes with gas-extracted additives that can fill holes to stop the leak in your power steering system. It also corrects rack and pinion issues by reducing any slacks, squeals, and hard spots.
It’s a bit more expensive than other power steering stop leaks on the market, but the manufacturer does offer a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work for your vehicle.
The STP Power Steering Fluid + Stop Leak is a two-in-one product that reconditions worn seals and protects the power steering pump from wear. It contains a ZDDP anti-wear agent, foam inhibitors, and other additives that allow it to serve as an alternative to regular power steering fluid.
According to STP, it’s compatible with all approved power steering fluids, but you should still consult your owner’s manual just to be on the safe side.
Unfortunately, the bottle is a bit small, which means it might not be enough for severe leaks. A big leak might need several bottles of the STP Power Steering Fluid + Stop Leak to be fully resolved.
Bar’s Leaks Power Steering Stop Leak is a concentrated formula that can treat around four to five quarts of oil per bottle. It reconditions seals, gearboxes, and pumps. It’s also compatible with all types of power steering fluids.
Unfortunately, it comes in an 11-ounce bottle, which means you might need to stock up on a few bottles if you’re dealing with a big leak. It can also take a while before it works.
A power steering stop leak works best as a temporary fix until you can take your car to a mechanic. Of course, it won’t fix everything wrong with your power steering system, but it can save your vehicle from further damage if you get the right product for your car.
However, because it’s just a short-term solution, you’ll have to address the root of the problem sooner or later. If you wait too long, the leak might get worse.
The exact process will depend on the product you’re using, but you usually just have to pour the power steering stop leak straight into the reservoir.
After pouring the product into the tank, you typically have to drive for a while to let it circulate. Some products will require you to drain the power steering fluid first before filling the tank.
Be sure to read the instructions on the packaging before using the product.
It’s hard to predict how long a power steering stop leak will work. While some products might claim it’ll only take a few hours, the truth is that the exact time can vary depending on several factors.
If the leak in your power steering system isn’t too bad, then you can expect the power steering stop leak to work faster. In some cases, however, the product can take up to 2 days or 100 miles of driving before results kick in.
A power steering system with severe damage might need a second treatment, though it might be better to consult a mechanic if the first application doesn’t work.
Driving with a power steering leak is a bad idea. A power steering leak can make it hard to control your vehicle, especially at slow speeds. This means you’re at greater risk of losing control of your car and crashing into another vehicle.
A leak in the power steering system can also damage the power steering pump and other parts of your vehicle. This can lead to a pricey repair bill, so it’s best to stop a power steering leak as soon as possible.
The exact price of a power steering stop leak can vary depending on several factors, including your vehicle’s year, make, and model. In general, however, you can expect power steering stop leaks to cost anywhere between $10 to $260.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.