How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2010 Cadillac CTS

You can replace your 2010 Cadillac CTS’s power steering fluid by removing the black reservoir cap, draining the old fluid, and refilling it with Prestone fluid.
Written by Elaine Yang
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
To replace your 2010 Cadillac CTS power steering fluid, locate the reservoir, drain the old fluid, and refill it with new Prestone fluid. You’ll be able to find the reservoir under your Cadillac’s engine cover with a black cap. 
Maybe you're driving down a street and get ready to make a left turn, but it’s difficult to turn your wheel—or worse, your car makes a loud screeching noise. If these things start happening, you should check on your Cadillac’s power steering fluid. It might be time to change it. 
While it may sound like a big task, changing out your power steering fluid is pretty simple—and with this guide from
car insurance
super app
Jerry
, you’ll be changing power steering fluid like a pro in no time.  
Read on to find out how to replace your Cadillac’s power steering fluid, which brand you should buy, what signs you should look out for to know when to replace it, and how to save money on
Cadillac CTS insurance costs
.  
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How do I replace my 2010 Cadillac CTS’s power steering fluid?

While it might seem scary—especially if you’ve never fixed a car before—changing your
Cadillac
’s power steering fluid is simple. Follow these steps:
  • Find the power steering reservoir. You’ll need to remove the engine cover and look for a black cap near the lower right-hand side of the hood. Before opening the cap, make sure to clean off the cap to prevent debris from falling into the reservoir. 
  • Remove the black cap and insert a pump. As long as you use something that can siphon the fluid out of the reservoir, anything should do the trick (a shampoo pump, turkey baster, etc.). 
  • Siphon out the old fluid. Be sure to catch any excess fluid using a container. 
  • Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap and the engine cover
And you’re good to go! By following those steps, your steering wheel should be in tip-top shape. However, if you’re feeling ambitious and want to take some extra steps, try the following: 
  • Disconnect the fluid line.
  • Drain the system completely. You can do this by wiggling your steering wheel left and right. 
However, if you’re not feeling up for it, you can simply take your Cadillac to a mechanic. Here are a couple of pros and cons to bringing your vehicle to the mechanic.
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?

All in all, if you want a professional
power steering fluid service
, you should take your Cadillac to the mechanic. This process typically takes less than an hour and should cost about $120.
If you want to save some money and don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, you should replace the fluid yourself. Power steering fluid usually costs about $10 to $20, and you won’t have to pay for a mechanic’s labor. 

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2010 Cadillac CTS?

You have various options when choosing a brand of power steering fluid for your Cadillac. We recommend using
Prestone’s power steering fluid
. This brand works well with many brands, including
GMC
,
Ford
,
Chrysler
, and
Cadillac
Here are some popular choices:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Prestone AS264 Full Synthetic
12 ounces
$9.99
Valvoline ATF +4 Full Synthetic
12 ounces
$12.99
Peak—Original Equipment Technology Full Synthetic
12 ounces
$13.29
Pentosin ATF 44
5 liters (170 ounces)
$71.99
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When do I need to replace my 2010 Cadillac CTS’s power steering fluid?

Generally, mechanics recommend that a Cadillac’s power steering fluid should be replaced every three years or 30,000 miles—whichever comes first. This way, your steering system will work smoothly without any issues. 
Sometimes, you’ll need to change your power steering fluid earlier. Look out for the following signs to indicate the need for a replacement: 
  • Weird noises when turning the wheel (screeching, squeaking, etc.)
  • Difficulty turning the steering wheel
  • Bubbles in your power steering fluid
  • Fluid leakage
  • Color change in the fluid
Keeping up with power steering fluid and
properly maintaining your car
doesn’t just make your car easier to drive, but also improves your car’s lifespan. 

How to save money on Cadillac insurance

If you’re looking to save even more money on your car, you should look into your car insurance policy and make sure you’re not overpaying for your coverage. 
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is the easiest and most effective way to find a car insurance policy that is customized for you.
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FAQs

Yes! Replacing your Cadillac’s power steering fluid will save you on labor costs. Follow these steps: remove the black reservoir cap, drain the old fluid, and refill it with Prestone fluid.
You should be replacing your Cadillac’s power steering fluid every three years or 30,000 miles. If you have trouble steering the wheel, you might need to change it sooner.
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