15 Best Power Steering Fluids

Ivan Matieishyn Ivan Matieishyn
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All power steering fluids differ from one another, not only in colour but also in their characteristics: oil composition, density, viscosity, mechanical qualities, and other hydraulic indicators.

Therefore, if you are concerned about the long and stable operation of your car's hydraulic power steering system, you must observe operating rules, change the fluid in the PAS (Power Assisted Steering) system on time, and use a high-quality product. To ensure the proper operation of the power steering pump, two types of fluids are used — mineral or synthetic, combined with additives that play a major role in the operation of the hydraulic booster.

Determining the absolute best power steering fluid is quite difficult because manufacturers recommend pouring a specific prescribed brand into a particular car. However, since not all drivers strictly follow this requirement, we have endeavoured to compile a list of the 15 best power steering fluids that have garnered the most trust and gathered many positive reviews.

Note that the following fluids are generally used in power steering systems:

  • Standard ATF, as used in automatic gearboxes;
  • Dexron (II — VI), which is essentially ATF but with a different additive package;
  • PSF (I — IV);
  • Multi HF.

Therefore, our ranking of the best power steering fluids will consist of corresponding categories.

So, which power steering fluid is the best choice from those available on the market?

Category Rank Name
Best Multi Hydraulic Fluid 1 Motul Multi HF
2 Pentosin CHF 11S
3 Comma PSF MVCHF
4 RAVENOL Hydraulik PSF Fluid
5 LIQUI MOLY Zentralhydraulik-Oil
Best Dexron 1 Motul DEXRON III
2 Febi 32600 DEXRON VI
3 Mannol Dexron III Automatic Plus
4 Castrol Transmax DEX-VI
5 ENEOS Dexron ATF III
Best ATF for PAS 1 Mobil ATF 320 Premium
2 Motul Multi ATF
3 Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1100
4 Formula Shell Multi-Vehicle ATF
5 ZIC ATF III


It is worth noting that PSF hydraulic fluids from car manufacturers (VAG, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, General Motors, and others) are not included, as each has its own original oil for the hydraulic booster. We will compare and highlight only aftermarket analogue fluids that are universal and suitable for the majority of cars.

Best Multi HF

Hydraulic oil Motul Multi HF. A multifunctional and high-tech green synthetic fluid for hydraulic systems. It was developed specifically for the latest generation of cars equipped with systems such as power steering, hydraulic shock absorbers, sunroof hydraulic drives, etc. It reduces system noise, especially in low-temperature conditions. It possesses anti-wear, anti-corrosion, and anti-foaming properties.

Can be chosen as an alternative to original PSF, as it is designed for hydraulic drives: PAS, shock absorbers, etc.

Ideally suited for the following standards:
  • CHF 11 S, CHF 202;
  • LDA, LDS;
  • VW 521-46 (G002 000 / G004 000 M2);
  • BMW 81.22.9.407.758;
  • PORSCHE 000.043.203.33;
  • MB 345.0;
  • GM 1940 715/766/B 040 0070 (OPEL);
  • FORD M2C204-A;
  • VOLVO STD. 1273.36;
  • MAN M3289 (3623/93);
  • FENDT X902.011.622;
  • Chrysler MS 11655;
  • Peugeot H 50126;
  • And many others.
Reviews
  • — My Focus had a loud whining noise from the PAS pump; after changing to this fluid, the problem disappeared instantly.
  • — I drive a Chevrolet Aveo, it had Dexron fluid in it, and the pump was squealing badly. I was recommended to change it, chose this fluid—the steering became slightly heavier, but the squeal vanished immediately.
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  • Pros:
  • Approvals for almost all car makes;
  • Can be mixed with oils of the same type;
  • Designed for operation in hydraulic pumps under high load.
  • Cons:
  • Very high price tag.


Pentosin CHF 11S. A dark green synthetic high-quality hydraulic fluid used by the factories of BMW, Ford, Chrysler, GM, Porsche, Saab, and Volvo. It can be poured not only into the power steering but also into air suspension, shock absorbers, and other car systems that require such fluid. Pentosin CHF 11S Central Hydraulic Fluid is suitable for use in extreme conditions, as it has an excellent temperature-viscosity balance and can perform its functions from -40°C to 130°C. A distinctive feature is not only the premium price but also fairly high fluidity — viscosity indicators are about 6-18 mm²/s (at 100 and 40 degrees). For comparison, its analogues from other manufacturers like FEBI, SWAG, or Ravenol range from 7-35 mm²/s. It has a solid list of approvals from leading car manufacturers.

This popular brand PSF is used on the assembly line by German automotive giants. It can be used safely in the PAS systems of almost any car, with the exception of some Japanese models.

Approvals:
  • DIN 51 524T3
  • Audi/VW TL 52 146.00
  • Ford WSS-M2C204-A
  • MAN M3289
  • Bentley RH 5000
  • ZF TE-ML 02K
  • GM/Opel
  • Jeep
  • Chrysler
  • Dodge
Reviews
  • — Not a bad fluid, no metal shavings formed, but it is very aggressive towards aluminium, plastic, and seals.
  • — After changing it on my VOLVO S60, the steering immediately became smoother, and the PAS operation became quieter. The howling sounds at full lock disappeared.
  • — Decided to choose Pentosin, even though it's pricey, confidence in the car is more important... It's -38°C outside again, and everything is running smoothly.
  • — I live in a region with harsh winters. In the cold, the steering used to turn as heavily as a lorry's. I had to try many different fluids. I did a frost test once, taking 8 popular brands of ATF, Dexron, PSF, and CHF. The mineral Dexron turned into plasticine, PSF was better, but Pentosin turned out to be the most fluid.
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  • Pros:
  • Extremely inert fluid, can be mixed with ATF, although it provides maximum benefit only in its pure form.
  • Sufficiently frost-resistant;
  • Can be used on both budget cars and premium class vehicles.
  • Record holder for compatibility with various seals.
  • Cons:
  • Does not eliminate pump noises if they existed before replacement; it is only designed to maintain the existing condition.
  • Quite a high price.


Comma PSF MVCHF. Semi-synthetic hydraulic fluid for power steering, central hydraulic systems, and adjustable pneumatic-hydraulic suspensions. It can also be used in some electronic stability programs, air conditioning systems, and convertible roof hydraulic systems. Compatible with Dexron, CHF11S, and CHF202 specification fluids. Like all multi-fluids and some PSFs, it is green. Widely available on the market.

Suitable for certain models of: Audi, Seat, VW, Skoda, BMW, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Mercedes, Mini, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Saab, Volvo, and MAN which require this type of hydraulic fluid.

Extensive list of recommended applications in most European vehicle makes, including both passenger cars and trucks.

Meets the following specifications:
  • VW/Audi G 002 000/TL52146
  • BMW 81.22.9.407.758
  • Opel B040.0070
  • MB 345.00
  • Porsche 000.043.203.33
  • MAN 3623/93 CHF11S
  • ISO 7308
  • DIN 51 524T2
Reviews
  • — Comma PSF is comparable to Mobil Synthetic ATF. It doesn't freeze in severe frost; the packaging says down to -54. I don't know about that, but at -25 it flows without problems.
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  • Pros:
  • Has approvals for nearly all European cars;
  • Performs well in the cold;
  • Complies with Dexron specifications.
  • Cons:
  • Unlike similar PSF from the same brand or other analogues, this type of hydraulic fluid cannot be mixed with other ATF and power steering fluids!


RAVENOL Hydraulik PSF Fluid — hydraulic fluid from Germany. Fully synthetic. Unlike most Multi or PSF fluids, it is the same colour as ATF — red. It has a consistently high viscosity index and high resistance to oxidation. Produced on the basis of hydrocracked base oil with the addition of polyalphaolefins and a special complex of additives and inhibitors. It is a special semi-synthetic fluid for the power steering of modern cars. Besides power steering, it is used in all types of transmission (manual, automatic, gearboxes, and axles). According to the manufacturer, it possesses high thermal stability and can withstand low temperatures down to -40°C.

If it is not possible to buy the original hydraulic fluid, this is a good choice for a Korean or Japanese car at a pleasant price.

Compliance with requirements:
  • Citroen/Peugeot 9735EJ for C-Crosser/9735EJ for PEUGEOT 4007
  • Ford WSA-M2C195-A
  • HONDA PSF-S
  • Hyundai PSF-3
  • KIA PSF-III
  • MAZDA PSF
  • MITSUBISHI DIAMOND PSF-2M
  • Subaru PS Fluid
  • Toyota PSF-EH
Reviews
  • — Changed it on my Hyundai Santa Fe, poured it in instead of the original because I don't see the point in paying double. Everything is fine. The pump doesn't make noise.
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  • Pros:
  • Neutral towards rubber sealing materials and non-ferrous metals;
  • Has a stable oil film capable of protecting parts in any extreme temperatures;
  • Affordable price per litre.
  • Cons:
  • Mainly has approvals only from Korean and Japanese car manufacturers.


LIQUI MOLY Zentralhydraulik-Oil — green hydraulic oil, a fully synthetic fluid with a zinc-free additive package. Developed in Germany, it guarantees the flawless operation of hydraulic systems such as: steering gear with power assistance, hydropneumatic suspension, shock absorbers, and active engine damping support systems. It has multipurpose applications, but not for all major European car manufacturers, and lacks approvals from Japanese and Korean factories.

It can also be applied in systems designed for traditional ATF oils. The product achieves maximum efficiency when not mixed with other fluids.

A good fluid that you can safely pour into many European cars; simply indispensable in regions with harsh winters, but the price tag makes it inaccessible for many.

Meets approvals:
  • VW TL 52146 (G002 000/G004 000)
  • BMW 81 22 9 407 758
  • Fiat 9.55550-AG3
  • Citroen LHM
  • Ford WSSM2C 204-A
  • Opel 1940 766
  • MB 345.0
  • ZF TE-ML 02K
Reviews
  • — I live in the north, drive a Cadillac SRX. When it was below -40 there were problems with hydraulics. Tried pouring Zentralhydraulik-Oil, although there is no approval, only Ford, risked it, driving for the fourth winter, everything is OK.
  • — I have a BMW, used to use original Pentosin CHF 11S, but since last winter switched to this fluid, the steering turns much lighter than on ATF.
  • — On my Opel, I drove 27,000 km in a year in a temperature range from -43 to +42°C. The power steering doesn't hum at start-up, but in summer it seemed that the fluid was a bit thin, as when turning the wheel whilst stationary, there was a sensation of the shaft rubbing against rubber.
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  • Pros:
  • Good viscosity characteristics over a very wide temperature range;
  • Versatility of application.
  • Cons:
  • Considering the high price tag and decent characteristics, it has a small number of approvals and recommendations for use in different car brands.


Best Dexron Fluids

Semi-synthetic transmission fluid Motul DEXRON III is a Technosynthese product. This red oil is designed for any systems requiring DEXRON and MERCON standard fluids, namely: automatic gearboxes, power steering systems, and hydrostatic transmissions. Motul DEXRON III possesses easy fluidity in severe frost and maintains a stable oil film even at high temperatures. This transmission oil can be used where the application of DEXRON II D, DEXRON II E, and DEXRON III fluids is recommended.

Dexron 3 from Motul competes well with the original from GM and even surpasses it.

Complies with standards:
  • GENERAL MOTORS DEXRON III G
  • FORD MERCON
  • MB 236.5
  • ALLISON C-4 – CATERPILLAR TO-2

Moderately priced.

Reviews
  • — Replaced it on my Mazda CX-7, now the steering wheel can be turned literally with one finger.
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  • Pros:
  • Ability to cope with its task in a wide range of temperatures;
  • Applicability in PAS systems requiring several Dexron classes.
  • Cons:
  • None observed.


Febi 32600 DEXRON VI for the most demanding automatic transmissions and steering columns with power steering requiring Dexron 6 class transmission fluid. Also recommended for replacement in mechanisms requiring DEXRON II and DEXRON III oils. Manufactured (and bottled) in Germany from high-quality base oils and a latest-generation additive package. Of all the presented fluids for power steering, ATF Dexron has the most suitable viscosity for use in PAS as an alternative to special PSF fluid.

Febi 32600 is the best analogue of the original fluid for both automatic transmissions and power steering of German car manufacturers.

Has a range of the latest approvals:
  • DEXRON VI
  • VOITH H55.6335.3X
  • Mercedes MB 236.41
  • Opel 1940 184
  • Vauxhall 93165414
  • BMW 81 22 9 400 275 (and others)

Mid-range pricing.

Reviews
  • — Bought for my Opel Mokka, no complaints or any changes for the worse. Good oil for a reasonable price.
  • — Changed the fluid in the PAS of a BMW E46, initially bought Pentosin, but a week later the steering became heavy. Changed it again but to Febi 32600, have been on it for over a year, everything is excellent.
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  • Pros:
  • Can be used to replace a lower class Dexron fluid;
  • Has a decent viscosity level for a universal ATF in both the gearbox and PAS.
  • Cons:
  • Approvals mainly for American and European automotive giants.


Mannol Dexron III Automatic Plus is a universal all-season transmission oil. Intended for use in automatic transmissions, torque converters, power steering, and hydraulic clutches. Like all Dexron and Mercon fluids, it is red. Carefully selected additives and synthetic components ensure the best friction properties during gear changes, excellent low-temperature characteristics, and high anti-oxidising and chemical stability throughout the service life. It has decent anti-foaming and air displacement properties. The manufacturer claims that the transmission fluid is chemically neutral to any sealing materials, but tests have shown that it causes corrosion of parts made of copper alloys. Made in Germany.

Product has approvals:
  • ALLISON C4/TES 389
  • CATERPILLAR TO-2
  • FORD MERCON V
  • FORD M2C138-CJ/M2C166-H
  • GM DEXRON III H/G/F
  • MB 236.1
  • PSF applications
  • VOITH G.607
  • ZF-TE-ML 09/11/14

Very affordable price.

Reviews
  • — I pour Mannol Automatic Plus into my old saloon, it withstands frost of minus 30. No complaints about noises or difficulty turning the wheel; the power steering operates quietly on this fluid.
  • — Have been using MANNOL ATF Dexron III in the PAS for two years now, no problems at all.
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  • Pros:
  • Viscosity is barely dependent on operating temperature;
  • Low price.
  • Cons:
  • Aggressive towards copper alloys.


Castrol DEXRON VI — red transmission fluid for automatic gearboxes. Low-viscosity transmission oil designed for operation in modern automatic transmissions with maximum fuel efficiency. Manufactured in Germany from high-quality base oils with a balanced additive package. It has approvals from Ford (Mercon LV) and GM (Dexron VI), and also exceeds the requirements of the Japanese standard JASO 1A.

If it's not possible to buy the original ATF Dexron for a Japanese or Korean car, then Castrol Dexron 6 is a worthy replacement.

Complies with specification:
  • Toyota T, T II, T III, T IV, WS
  • Nissan Matic D, J, S
  • Mitsubishi SP II,IIM, III, PA, J3, SP IV
  • Mazda ATF M-III, M-V, JWS 3317, FZ
  • Subaru F6, Red 1
  • Daihatsu AMMIX ATF D-III Multi, D3-SP
  • Suzuki AT Oil 5D06, 2384K, JWS 3314, JWS 3317
  • Hyundai/Kia SP III, SP IV
  • Honda/Acura DW 1/Z 1

Competitively priced.

Reviews
  • — On my Aveo it says to pour Dexron 6 into the PAS. I picked up Castrol Transmax DEX-VI in the shop, seemingly only for automatic transmissions, but they said it's good for the power steering pump too. I was guided by budget constraints—not the cheapest, but not too expensive either. There is very little info and reviews on this fluid, but I have no complaints, the wheel turns without noise or difficulty.
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  • Pros:
  • Additive package providing good protection against corrosion of copper alloys;
  • Complies with many specifications of the majority of global car manufacturers.
  • Cons:
  • No information regarding application in hydraulic transmissions and power steering units specifically.


Transmission oil ENEOS Dexron ATF III can be applied in Steptronic, Tiptronic, automatic transmissions, and power steering systems. High thermal-oxidative stability is capable of ensuring transmission cleanliness for over 50,000 km. The red ENEOS Dexron III fluid, resembling raspberry-cherry syrup, contains special anti-foaming additives with good air displacement properties. Complies with the latest requirements of GM Dexron manufacturers. Usually found for sale in 4-litre metal tins, but 1-litre ones are also found. Can be manufactured in Korea or Japan. Frost resistance is at the level of -46°C.

If choosing oil for an automatic gearbox, ENEOS ATF Dexron III could be in the top three, but as an analogue for PAS, it only rounds out the top five best fluids.

Small list of approvals and specifications:
  • DEXRON III;
  • G 34088;
  • Allison C-3, C-4;
  • Caterpillar: TO-2.

Price usually per 0.94l tin.

Reviews
  • — Been using it for 3 years, changed it in both the gearbox and the PAS on a Mitsubishi Lancer X and Mazda Familia. Excellent oil, doesn't lose its properties.
  • — Bought it to change in a Daewoo Espero automatic gearbox, after partial filling have been driving for over half a year, observing no problems.
  • — Poured it into a Santa Fe gearbox; for me, Mobil is better, this one seems to lose its properties faster, but that's only relative to the automatic transmission, haven't tried how it behaves in the PAS.
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  • Pros:
  • One of the best lubricating properties;
  • Withstands very low temperatures well.
  • Cons:
  • Aggressive towards parts made of copper alloys.


Best ATF Fluids for PAS

Mobil ATF 320 Premium fluid has a mineral composition. Application area — automatic transmissions and PAS requiring Dexron III level oils. The product is designed for freezing temperatures of 30-35 degrees below zero. Can be mixed without consequences with red ATF fluids of Dexron 3 classification. Compatible with all common sealing materials used in transmission mechanisms.

Mobil ATF 320 will not only be an excellent choice as an alternative for filling an automatic gearbox but also a decent option, in terms of behaviour and characteristics, in a power steering system.

Complies with specifications:
  • ATF Dexron III
  • GM Dexron III
  • ZF TE-ML 04D
  • Ford Mercon M931220

Price is generally affordable.

Reviews
  • — I drive a Mitsubishi Lancer, at 95k mileage I poured in Mobil ATF 320. Everything is fine. The power steering really started working quieter.
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  • Pros:
  • ATF 320 is well suited for older PAS pumps;
  • Does not harm rubber seals;
  • Can be used for topping up.
  • Cons:
  • Not designed for use in northern regions where the temperature drops below -30°C.


Motul Multi ATF — 100% synthetic red oil, developed for any modern automatic transmissions. Designed for operation in power steering systems and hydrostatic transmissions where the use of fluids meeting Dexron and MERCON norms is foreseen. Replaces ATF under the Dexron III standard. A leader in tests for viscosity stability, low-temperature properties, and protective functions; moreover, it has high operational properties. Compared to special fluids for power steering, it loses out significantly in viscosity characteristics at positive temperatures — 7.6 and 36.2 mm²/s (at 40 and 100°C respectively), as it is calculated more specifically for gearboxes.

This French ATF fluid meets standards Jatco JF613E, Jalos JASO 1A, Allison C-4, ZF — TE-ML. It has a large list of specifications and approvals for all car makes, but one needs to check the technical data to see if it fits the approval for the power steering of a specific model.

List of popular approvals:
  • MAZDA JWS 3317;
  • Audi G 052 182, TL 52 182, G 052 529;
  • Lexus/TOYOTA ATF type WS, Type T-III, Type T-IV;
  • Acura/HONDA ATF Z1, ATF DW-1
  • RENAULT Elfmatic J6, Renaultmatic D2 D3;
  • FORD MERCON
  • BMW LT 71141
  • JAGUAR M1375.4
  • MITSUBISHI ATF-PA, ATF-J2, ATF-J3, PSF 3;
  • GM DEXRON IIIG, IIIH, IID, IIE;
  • CHRYSLER MS 7176;
  • and others.

Price is correspondingly high.

Reviews
  • — It fits perfectly on a Volvo S80, although I poured it into the automatic gearbox, not the PAS, but still, compared to Mobil 3309 ATF, this behaves much better in winter. Not only did it become livelier and the shifts smoother, but the jerks that were there before also disappeared.
  • — I drive a Subaru Legacy, couldn't buy the original fluid, chose this one as it matched the approvals. Flushed the whole system with a litre, then poured a litre in. There used to be a hum at full lock, now everything is normal.
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  • Pros:
  • Not only prevents extraneous noises but also cures them after using other ATF oils.
  • Recommended by European, Asian, and American manufacturers.
  • Can be mixed with oils of the same type.
  • Cons:
  • High price;
  • Calculated more for operation in automatic gearboxes.


Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1100 — is a universal German hydraulic fluid based on hydrocracked synthesis oils with a package of high-performance additives. Liqui Moly ATF 1100 is intended for both automatic gearboxes and power steering. Can also be used for topping up in systems where corresponding ATF specifications apply. ASTM colour — red. When choosing it as a fluid for PAS, one needs to carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations, as the fluid has a high viscosity index.

Meets approvals:
  • Dexron IIIH
  • Dexron IIIG
  • Dexron IIE
  • Dexron IID
  • Dexron TASA (Type A/Suffix A)
  • Ford Mercon
  • ZF-TE-ML 04D
  • MB 236.1
  • ZF-TE ML02F

If it fits the specification, instead of the original fluid – this is an excellent option for little money.

Reviews
  • — Poured Top Tec ATF 1100 into the PAS of my Daewoo at 80k mileage, now passed the hundred mark, no pump noises have occurred.
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  • Pros:
  • Can be used for topping up, mixing with another ATF;
  • Excellent oil for those PAS systems where increased viscosity is required;
  • Good price.
  • Cons:
  • Has only Dexron specifications;
  • Applicable largely only to American and some European and Asian cars.


Formula Shell Multi-Vehicle ATF — transmission fluid produced in the USA, can be used in PAS where the manufacturer recommends pouring Dexron III. A good product at a very modest price, distinguished by balanced low-temperature properties. It also has improved anti-oxidising and anti-corrosion properties, resistance to high and low temperatures, which allows the transmission to work reliably in any climate. Can be used in manual gearboxes of some cars, as well as in hydraulic power steering systems with a specific specification.

Together with Motul Multi ATF, the Shell fluid showed one of the best results in independent tests for its application in an automatic gearbox. Like any ATF, it has a vivid red colour.

Complies with specifications:
  • Type A/Type A Suffix A
  • GM DEXRON
  • GM DEXRON-II
  • GM DEXRON-IIE
  • GM DEXRON-III (H)
  • Ford MERCON

Price is very attractive.

Reviews
  • — Poured into an Impreza, everything was fine until severe frosts, but when it hit -30, the fluid foamed and the pump started to howl.
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  • Pros:
  • Good thermal and oxidative stability;
  • Inexpensive fluid with good technical characteristics.
  • Cons:
  • According to approvals, it fits a very small number of car makes; can only be poured where Dexron 3 is required;
  • High viscosity level fits well in automatic gearboxes, but worse for PAS pumps.


ZIC ATF III — semi-synthetic bright raspberry-coloured oil based on YUBASE VHVI base oil. Designed for operation in automatic gearboxes and power steering. It has balanced operational characteristics, which allows the use of the fluid in both new and older cars. Excellent adhesion and oil film strength enable both the automatic box and the power steering unit to work well under high-temperature conditions. It has low volatility at high operating temperatures.

Complies with approvals:
  • ATF III G-34088
  • GM Dexron III H
  • Ford Mercon
  • Allison C-4 Toyota T-III
  • Honda ATF-Z1
  • Nissan Matic-J Matic-K
  • Subaru ATF

Sold in 4-litre canisters.

Reviews
  • — I use ZIC in the automatic gearbox and power steering on various cars, TOYOTA, NISSAN makes. Although it's budget-friendly, it lasts for a couple of years. Performed reasonably well both in winter operating conditions and under high loads on the automatic transmission.
  • — Poured it in at the beginning of summer, the pump worked without humming in the heat, and the rack worked perfectly. At low temperatures, it also showed itself reasonably well; after the engine warmed up, the power steering worked excellently, without hiccups or jamming. When the budget is limited, you can safely take this oil.
  • — Been driving for 5 years on semi-synthetic ZIC Dexron III VHVI, no leaks, never topped up, change every 2 years along with the reservoir.
  • — After changing on a Subaru Impreza WRX car, the steering became heavier.
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5
  • Pros:
  • Ideal for high-mileage cars because it is inexpensive and possesses high viscosity.
  • Good anti-wear properties.
  • Cons:
  • Too thick to use as a PAS fluid in northern regions.
  • Inconvenient that a one-litre canister is very hard to find on sale; offered mainly only in 4-litre canisters.


Since the design of the power steering includes parts made of various materials: steel, rubber, PTFE — when choosing a suitable fluid, you need to look at the technical data and consider the compatibility of the hydraulic oil with all these surfaces. It is also important to have additives that ensure better friction between mating surfaces.

You should pour strictly the type of fluid (mineral or synthetic) recommended by the car manufacturer into the PAS. Synthetic oils can be aggressive towards the rubber parts of older cars designed for mineral oil. However, in modern cars, synthetics are often used, and replacing them with mineral fluid is impermissible (especially in cold regions).

If you want to buy a truly high-quality product, and not a fake, and then complain that the fluid is bad, it is advisable to enquire about the availability of quality certificates for the products.

Can power steering fluids be mixed?

When topping up (rather than completely changing) the fluid in the power steering reservoir, you need to follow a few simple rules:

  • Mixing mineral and synthetic fluid is impermissible!
  • Green power steering fluid must not be mixed with fluids of other colours!
  • Mixing mineral Dexron IID with Dexron III is allowed, but considering that the manufacturer uses identical additives in these two fluids.
  • Mixing yellow hydraulic fluid with red, of the mineral type, is permissible.

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