Toyota Power Steering Fluid [Best Picks and What to Know]

If you drive a Toyota, there’s no doubt it’s because you enjoy how well it handles. It drives great and delivers an optimum level of performance while keeping you safe on the road. But what you get out of a car depends on what you put in it, and these magnificent machines maneuver the way they do thanks to regular boosts of Toyota power steering fluid.

So, what is the best Toyota power steering fluid? Here are my top picks:

  1. Prestone AS269 Power Steering Fluid
  2. Red Line 30404 Power Steering Fluid
  3. Valvoline DEXRON VI/MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid
  4. Idemitsu PSF Universal Power Steering Fluid
  5. Royal Purple 06320-6PK Max Automatic Transmission Fluid

Read on to learn more about these Toyota power steering fluid products, their features, and more.

Toyota Power Steering Fluid [Best Picks and What to Know]

Toyota Power Steering Fluid

There are several top-shelf power steering fluids available in the market. Certain brands are specially formulated for a particular range of cars.

If you own a Toyota vehicle, make sure that the power steering fluid you choose is compatible with your car.

What Are the Best Toyota Power Steering Fluid Products?

For me, the top five Toyota power steering fluid products are the following:

  1. Prestone AS269 Power Steering Fluid
  2. Red Line 30404 Power Steering Fluid
  3. Valvoline DEXRON VI/MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid
  4. Idemitsu PSF Universal Power Steering Fluid
  5. Royal Purple 06320-6PK Max Automatic Transmission Fluid

Let’s briefly talk about each of these products:

1. Prestone AS269 Power Steering Fluid

Prestone Power Steering Fluid is engineered especially for Asian vehicles, including:

  • Toyota
  • Honda
  • Mazda
  • Suzuki
  • Nissan
  • Subaru
  • Hyundai
  • Kia
  • Infiniti
  • Lexus
  • Acura
  • Other Asian-manufactured cars.

Fluid Life of 10,000 Miles

A fluid life of 10,000 miles, two times that of conventional fluids, extends the time between fluid replacement. This power steering fluid is excellent for your Toyota, ensuring it is protected for a long time.

Premium Full-synthetic Formulation

A premium full-synthetic formulation, Prestone Power Steering Fluid is designed to operate in extreme and low temperatures. It protects against foaming, wears, and corrosion. This way, it sustains optimum performance and provides exceptional oxidative stability for a long engine life.

Features 2X Anti-Wear Protection

It features 2X Anti-Wear Protection which enhances system life and protects clogs, squeals, and pump failures.

2. Red Line 30404 Power Steering Fluid

Compatible with Several Car Brands

You can use the Red Line Power Steering Fluid on cars that run on automatic transmission fluid (ATF) like Dexron II-III, Mercon, Ford Type-F, or M2C138-CJ. It is compatible with several car brands, including:

  • Toyota
  • Mitsubishi
  • Nissan
  • Mazda
  • Ford

Lower and Stable Viscosity

This Toyota power steering fluid features a lower and stable viscosity. It is a lightweight but efficient fluid that avoids power loss. Also, it provides continuous high pump output appropriate to most power steering units. 

Improved Wear Protection

Red Line Power Steering Fluid has improved wear protection. It is resistant to thermal breakdown, foaming, and evaporation.

As for its high-temperature viscosity, it is 50% greater. Its high-temperature evaporation is 1/5. At the same time, the oxidation of petroleum-based power steering fluids is 1/4.

Helps Prevent High-temperature Steering Fade

This power steering fluid helps prevent high-temperature steering fade and difficulty in steering at low temperatures. Its more excellent resistance to heat helps prevent boil-over. Also, it helps to prevent squealing and leakage.

3. Valvoline DEXRON VI/MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid

Dexron ATFs have long been the primary power steering fluid for Toyota cars.

Approved by Toyota

Meanwhile, Valvoline Dexron-VI ATF is the brand’s newest upgrade. This product replaces Dexron-II and Dexron-III. It is fully compatible with vehicles that run on those fluids. Also, it is approved by Toyota itself.

Premium Synthetic Base Stock Formulation

Valvoline Dexron-VI ATF was developed with a premium synthetic base stock formulation. This ATF also features advanced additive technology.

Designed for General Motors’ Modern Automatic Transmissions

It is designed for General Motors’ modern automatic transmissions. It provides consistent shift performance for both old and new GM transmissions.

Outstanding Oxidative Stability Under Harsh Conditions

This product offers outstanding oxidative stability under harsh conditions. It reduces the buildup of sludge and varnish. Also, it extends fluid life and prevents fluid breakdown at higher operating temperatures.

4. Idemitsu PSF Universal Power Steering Fluid

toyota power steering fluid type

One of the Most Versatile Power Steering Fluids

Idemitsu PSF Universal Power Steering Fluid is one of the most versatile Toyota power steering fluids in the market. It is compatible with a wide number of vehicle types.

Can Also Be Used in Other Brands

While it works best with Toyota cars, you can also use it for other car brands, including:

Advanced Formulation Technology

The advanced formulation technology of this PSF provides excellent protection to the whole power steering system. It delivers smooth performance under the most extreme operating conditions.

Can Perform at Low Temperatures for Easy Flow

Also, it can perform at low temperatures for easy flow. At the same time, it protects against cavitation and gets rid of squealing and squawking.

Special Friction Technology

Its special friction technology ensures efficiency and noiseless operation. Plus, it has a vigorous anti-wear and inhibitor chemistry which enhances component and fluid durability.

Also, it has exceptional compatibility with gaskets, seals, and internal components. This reduces the likelihood of a power steering fluid leak and ensures smooth performance over extended interludes.

5. Royal Purple 06320-6PK Max Automatic Transmission Fluid

High-performance Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid

Royal Purple Max ATF is a high-performance synthetic automatic transmission fluid. It promises increased power, crisper shifting, and improved fuel economy for Toyotas and many other car brands.

Fully Compatible with Various Vehicles

It is fully compatible with various vehicles that use other power steering and transmission fluids. These include Dexron and Idemitsu-run cars such as:

  • Toyota
  • Honda
  • Mazda
  • Honda
  • Hyundai

Offers a Longer Fluid Life

Royal Purple Max ATF offers a longer fluid life with more oxidation stability than other transmission fluids. It has a low friction coefficient and high film strength. This helps to dramatically reduce the heat and wear on the transmission system to extend its life.

Mix with Other Types of Automatic Transmission Fluids

You can mix Max ATF with other types of automatic transmission fluids. Flush out the current oil and refill the transmission with Max ATF for best results.

What Is Power Steering?

Increase the Driver’s Control and Handling of a Car

The power steering system helps increase the driver’s control and handling of a car. It uses engine power to reduce the effort required to turn the front wheels. 

Two Types of Power Steering Systems

There are two types of power steering systems:

1. Electric System

An electric system uses an electric motor and multiple sensors. This way, it can detect the force applied by the driver to the steering wheel.

2. Hydraulic System

A hydraulic system uses a fluid in applying hydraulic pressure to the steering system. This then helps turn the wheels of the car. It is this system that requires the use of power steering fluid.

What Is Toyota Power Steering Fluid?

Power steering fluid is an important ingredient in a vehicle’s steering system. A hydraulic fluid enables the driver to steer and turn the car with minimal effort.

It creates a hydraulic connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. This decreases the amount of effort needed to turn the wheels. 

Aside from this, Toyota power steering fluid lubricates the moving parts inside the steering system of the Toyota. It suppresses foaming. Also, it prevents corrosion in the steering pump and power steering gear. This then keeps the car working at peak level.

The Toyota power steering fluid color is usually red, pink, amber, light, and/or clear. If the fluid is dark brown or foamy, this means you have to change it.

How to Find the Right Power Steering Fluid for Your Car

best toyota power steering fluid

Helps Maintain the Stability of the Steering System

Power steering fluid is essential. It helps maintain the stability of the steering system. Toyota steering fluid also ensures that you can steer your car properly, easily, and safely.

There are different fluid brands available. But each will have a distinctive chemical composition attuned to a certain type of vehicle. Suffice to say that you need to be very particular with the steering fluid you want to use on your car.

Use a Power Steering Fluid Specified By Your Car Manufacturer.

It would be wise to use a power steering fluid specified by Toyota. Or, at the very least, use one that is clearly stated to be compatible with your vehicle’s type.

Using a Wrong Steering Fluid Will Lock up the Steering System

If you use the wrong steering fluid, you risk locking up the steering system. You could also cause extensive damage to your car. This includes corroding the seals, which keep the fluid in.

Getting the right power steering fluid for your car is extremely important. It should not be taken for granted. Fortunately, Toyota vehicles are compatible with a wide array of fluid brands. You will have plenty of options to choose from. It’s just a matter of finding which fluid works best for your car.

What Is the Difference Between Power Steering Fluid and Automatic Transmission Fluid?

The main difference between power steering and automatic transmission fluids (ATF) is that the latter contains friction modifiers and detergents. The ATF’s detergents are responsible for keeping junk out of the transmission. This is crucial in avoiding damage to the hydraulic valves.

The friction modifiers help keep the heat as the pumps and valves in the hydraulic systems are operating. However, both include the same seal substances which resist hydraulic fluid degeneration.

In conjunction with its additives, the heat of the ATF can increase in high-temperature regions. This is because of their additions, which could hinder the power steering actuator and fluid pump.

Can Automatic Transmission Fluid Be Used in a Steering Pump?

Most automobile manufacturers utilize specialized power steering (PS) fluids to get the best results out of their steering systems. Some PS systems also make use of ATFs to provide power assistance.

Fill caps usually have inscriptions like “Use automatic transmission fluid.” Sometimes, you’ll find “Use Mecron” or “Use Dexron.” The chemicals of ATFs help in keeping your PS system clean.

They’re safe to use in systems designed to run on ATF. But you should not use them in systems that require PS fluid instead of ATF.

Another disadvantage of using ATF is that recommended PS fluids aren’t costly. They’re as easily accessible as tranny fluid. So, you won’t be saving money by using ATF on your system.

Can Automatic Transmission Fluid Be Mixed with Power Steering Fluid?

PS fluids and ATF are both hydraulic fluids. This means that mixing them isn’t a problem. But swapping the wrong fluid types in certain car models may cause the gears to malfunction. Avoid combining PS fluid with ATF unless done on purpose.

Conclusion – Toyota Power Steering Fluid [Best Picks and What to Know]

So, to reiterate, what is the best Toyota power steering fluid? Here are 5 of the most reliable options:

  1. Prestone AS269 Power Steering Fluid
  2. Red Line 30404 Power Steering Fluid
  3. Valvoline DEXRON VI/MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid
  4. Idemitsu PSF Universal Power Steering Fluid
  5. Royal Purple 06320-6PK Max Automatic Transmission Fluid

The best choice is usually the one manufacturers recommend when choosing the right power steering fluid compatible with your vehicle. When it comes to Toyota cars, though, you have a much larger set of options before you.

Ultimately, your choice of power steering fluid won’t come down to cost, popularity, or name value. But on which one works the best with your car.

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