How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2012 Honda Civic
To replace your 2012 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid, remove the red reservoir cap, drain the old fluid, and refill it with fresh fluid.
Written by Patrick Price
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If you need to replace your 2012 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid, start by removing the red cap from the reservoir. Then, drain the old fluid and refill the reservoir with brand-new power steering fluid.
Typically, you should replace your power steering fluid every 75,000 miles or if your steering wheel starts becoming stiff while turning—whichever happens first. Also, if you ever notice a loud screeching noise when you turn your wheel, it's a sign to immediately replace your power steering fluid!
Don’t worry; changing the power steering fluid in your 2012 Honda Civic is much easier than it sounds. To help you out,
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, too!How do I replace my 2012 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid?
Replacing the power steering fluid in a 2012 Honda Civic is fairly simple. Before you start, though, make sure you have everything you need—a
fluid transfer pump
, a clean rag, a can/container to drain the old fluid into, and about a quart of fresh power steering fluid. Then, once you’ve to all your materials ready, follow these steps: - Locate the power steering reservoir. On the passenger side of the engine bay, just above the wheel well and behind the windshield wiper fluid, you’ll find the power steering fluid reservoir—you’ll recognize it by its bright red cap.
- Remove the red cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. Insert the hose from your fluid transfer pump into the reservoir.
- Pump the old power steering fluid out of the reservoir. Pump the fluid into your can/container.
- Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap. Pour the fresh power steering fluid into the reservoir, replace the cap, and wipe up any stray drops of fluid.
And it’s as easy as that! From start to finish the whole project should take you less than half an hour! If that still sounds like too much hassle, you can always take your Honda to a mechanic and have a professional do the job.
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid
Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
When changing your
power steering fluid
, whether or not you should have a professional do the job for you is just a question of personal preference. Changing the fluid yourself gives you valuable car maintenance skills and saves you between $110 and $120—which is what most mechanics would charge.
On the other hand, having a professional flush and fill your fluid means they will do the job a bit more thoroughly. Experienced mechanics disconnect the fluid lines, wiggle the steering wheel, and use more powerful pumps—all to ensure that they completely drain the old fluid.
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2012 Honda Civic?
Before you jump in and start changing your power steering fluid, you’ll need to buy the replacement fluid—and it’s important to purchase the right kind. Not all power steering fluids are the same, and using the wrong type could be disastrous.
Here are a few of the best power steering fluid products that you can use for your 2012 Honda Civic:
Power steering fluid | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid | 12 ounces | $8.37 |
Prestone Power Steering Fluid | 12 ounces | $3.43 |
Idemitsu Lubricants Power Steering Fluid | 12 ounces | $5.51 |
Royal Purple Max EZ Advanced Power Steering Fluid | 12 ounces | $5.25 |
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When do I need to replace my 2012 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid?
Most vehicles require a power steering fluid replacement every three years or 30,000 miles. The Civic, however, can go a bit longer between flushes. In general, to keep your steering system working correctly, you should only change the power steering fluid in your 2012 Honda Civic about every five years or every 75,000 miles—whichever comes first.
Of course, it will sometimes happen that you need to replace your steering fluid early. Just in case, you’ll need to keep an eye out for these issues:
- Screeching noises when you turn the steering wheel
- Stiff steering wheel or difficulty steering
- Bubbles or debris in your steering fluid
- Fluid leakage
- Steering fluid that has changed color from clear to yellow
If you notice any of these issues, change your power steering fluid immediately. Regular fluid changes and a regular
car maintenance schedule
should prevent those problems. MORE:
Car loan for Honda 2022
How to save money on Honda insurance
Taking care of your 2012 Honda Civic is an ongoing expense. Luckily, you can make a massive dent in that monthly bill by using the
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FAQs
Can I replace the power steering fluid in my 2012 Honda Civic myself?
Yes! It’s pretty easy to replace the power steering fluid in a 2012 Honda Civic. Just remove the red cap from the reservoir, drain the old fluid, and replace it with fresh power steering fluid.
How often should I replace my 2012 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid?
You should replace the power steering fluid in your 2012 Honda Civic every 5 years or 75,000 miles—whichever comes first.
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