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If your power steering has ever gone out, you’ve likely been shocked to discover just how much more difficult it is to maneuver your vehicle in the right direction. Modern cars need their power steering systems which relies on power steering fluid to keep things running smooth. Without it, the car can be downright impossible.
Suffice it to say, power steering leaks are no good. They’re not the end of the world, though. In fact, power steering stop leaks can be just what you need to keep things operating smoothly. They don’t replace an actual repair, but they can buy you some time until you can afford one or get to a shop. Check out our buyers guide to read more about the best options available.
Summary List of Best Power Steering Stop Leaks
- Best Overall: BlueDevil Products 00232 Power Steering Stop Leak
- Best Value: Prestone AS262 Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak
- Best High-End: Lucas Oil 10011 Power Steering Stop Leak
- Honorable Mention: STP 17925 Power Steering Fluid & Stop Leak
- Honorable Mention: Bar’s Leaks 1630 Power Steering Stop Leak
Our Methodology
We took our sweet time reading up on all of the top options out there for power steering stop leaks. There are many solutions to choose from, but the ones on here all received great ratings from professionals and consumers. We then organized our list by price, quantity, the amount of cleaning and anti-corrosion additives, and more. For more on how we select products, read this.
Best Power Steering Stop Leaks: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: BlueDevil Products 00232 Power Steering Stop Leak
Pros
- Works in many different power steering systems
- Reconditions seals
- Just pour in and go
Cons
- May take several miles, or days, for it to work
The BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Lea fluid makes it easy to put an end to leaking power steering fluid. The solution is made up of the company’s ‘Pour ‘n Go’ formula for simple and quick application to get you back on the road faster without the steering wheel tightening up.It works to recondition hardened or worn rubber seals, loosening them and making them more pliable. It’ll both address leaks as well as improve the condition of the power steering fluid and reservoir. The formula also seals rack and pinion systems as well as differentials.
While it may be quick and simple to pour into the power steering fluid reservoir, it may take a few days until you see results. It’s not a “pour and wait a few minutes” kind of solution. You’ll need to drive your car for a few miles to see if it will actually work.
Best Value: Prestone AS262 Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak
Pros
- Contains anti-foaming and anti-rust agents
- Replenishes seals
- Great price
Cons
- Doesn’t work in all power steering systems (check compatibility before use)
- May take time to show results
Prestone AS262 Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak is a product that works great at not only preventing leaks but also stopping them from happening while you drive. The manufacturer calls it a high-grade oil and a multitude of additives to strengthen it for a guaranteed no-leak, smooth operation.
This power steering stop leak works well in any temperature or climate; it won’t clog up in winter months, or make the reservoir sticky in the summer. One of the best benefits of this compound is it corrodes rust and comes with an anti-foam agent so you don’t get that rush of foam coming back at you while filling the reservoir.
It is on the less expensive side when it comes to power steering stop leaks, and that’s not always a good thing. While it does a great job at filling leaks, it works best on smaller holes. So, if you want to fill larger leaks, you’ll want to invest in more of the product.
Best High-End: Lucas Oil 10011 Power Steering Stop Leak
Pros
- Works well in most cars, but especially older cars
- Top-notch cleaners and seal replenishers
- One bottle can treat several vehicles
Cons
- Priced a little higher than the others
Lucas Oil 10011 Power Steering Stop Leak is a solvent-free solution. And though it comes in a smaller container, it does a great job at stopping leaks. It combines with gas-extracted additives with special oils to fill holes and prevent loss of power steering fluid.
Another great feature of this power steering leak stop is it fights to prevent and reduce slack, squeals, and hard spots in worn rack and opinions. That gets rid of the annoying groan of your steering wheel and gives you a more pleasant time driving. The added components make it especially great for older cars since the high-quality additives break down rust and corrosion and fill leaks quickly.
While the saying “great things come in small packages” makes sense with this power steering leak stop, the size of this bottle is also a bit of a negative. It may only last a few weeks, leaving you to buy more bottles that are more expensive than other brands.
Honorable Mention: STP 17925 Power Steering Fluid & Stop Leak
Pros
- Replenishes seals
- Compatible with most power steering fluids
- Inexpensive
Cons
- May require several bottles for treatment
STP is a well-known manufacturer for car enthusiasts, and STP Power Steering Fluid & Stop Leak helps ensure your steering won’t drag on you when you need it most. The fluid protects against everyday wear and tear and uses a 2-in-1 compound to get every seal in working order again.
The liquid also revitalizes dried, hardened, and shrunken seals with its special formula conditioner. Another benefit of this particular fluid is it is completely compatible with most power steering fluids. You may also save some cash if you buy online rather than at the store.
However, it may only be good enough to repair small leaks as opposed to larger ones. You may also end up needing multiple bottles as the container is on the small side.
Honorable Mention: Bar’s Leaks 1630 Power Steering Stop Leak
Pros
- Works with many different fluids
- One bottle treats larger capacities
- Inexpensive
Cons
- It might take several bottles or applications to see a difference
If you’re looking for a good high-quality power steering stop leak from Bar’s Leaks, consider the company’s Grey offering. While you will only get an 11-ounce bottle, the price is certainly worth it, as is the fluid. This power steering repair is reliable and effective on small leaks and even some larger ones. It stops and seals leaks, restores O-rings, and works with all other types of stop leak fluids. One bottle treats up to 3 quarts of fluid.
However, it doesn’t work all that quickly. It may take a few applications or a few hours before you see any significant results. You may want to stock up, as the bottle is small and you may end up using a lot.
Our Verdict
If you need a great power steering stop leak fluid for your car, we recommend checking out BlueDevil’s Power Steering Stop Leak 00232. However, you can save some cash and still get one of the best power steering stop leak solutions we found with Prestone’s AS262 Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Does this product act like normal power steering fluid?
A. While many are a mix of power steering fluid and stop leak fluid, not all will be combined together. It’s best to get a separate bottle of power steering solution to use after pouring in the stop leak fluid.
Q: Can I pour the solution directly into the power steering reservoir?
A. Many products allow you to pour the liquid in without emptying the contents beforehand. However, there are some brands of power steering stop leak fluid that will have you empty the previous liquid before filling it with the new solution. Read the bottle carefully before applying.
Q: Is this a permanent fix to leaks?
A. While power steering stop leak fluids may seem like a permanent solution to a problem, they only last a short amount of time. To truly fix a leak for good, you will need to take the car to a mechanic to get a better understanding of the leak.
Q: Can you drive a car with a power steering leak?
A. Technically, you’ll be able to continue driving your car while leaking power steering fluid for a while. However, as the fluid leaks out and isn’t replaced, the pump dries up — and that’s when your steering gets tough, leaving you unable to move your vehicle without brute force. It’s better to take action as soon as you suspect a leak rather than wait. Waiting too long could leave you stranded or with costly repairs.
Q: Is power steering stop leak bad for your car?
A. As long as you choose a power steering stop leak product that’s suitable for your car and its power steering system, it’s perfectly safe to use. Damage and potential problems only happen when you choose an incompatible product.
