If you want to save a few bucks on car maintenance, there is always the option of doing some things yourself. Checking and refilling fluids on your certified Ford is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your car running smoothly. But most car owners often forget about the power steering fluid. You might think you can do without this luxury if it happens to stop working. But chances are you’ve never tried to drive a vehicle without power steering capability after driving one that does have that feature.  Here are some things you should know about checking and filling your power steering fluid.

• It’s best to check the power steering fluid when the engine is cold. Many of the newer cars, however, have markings on the reservoir that show where the level should be when the engine is either hot or cold.
• The power steering fluid reservoir is usually on the passenger’s side. Look for the word “steering” on the cap or anywhere on the reservoir.
• Many newer vehicles have clear or nearly transparent reservoirs so you can simply look at the level without taking off the cap. Wipe the reservoir clean so you can get an accurate reading.
• If you must remove the cap, wipe it clean first. Dirt can mess up the power steering system.
• Once you remove the cap, you’ll see a dipstick attached to it. Wipe the dipstick clean and put the cap back on tight. Then remove it again and see where the level is for the most accurate reading.
• If the level is low, simply pour some more power steering fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the “full” or “max” level. Check your owner’s manual to see if any special types of fluid must be used.
• Reattach the cap tightly and you’re done.

It seems so simple, but power steering is one of the most important features you can have on a car. Be sure to maintain the fluid level to avoid any unexpected problems.