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What can I use instead of power steering fluid?

Can you help settle this debate? My friend says that you should never use anything but power steering fluid in a car, but I remember something my grandfather said about substituting another fluid. What can I use instead of power steering fluid?

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Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Actually, both your friend and grandfather are correct. If your car’s power steering fluid is low, you can use automatic transmission fluid (ATF); however, this should be a temporary solution in most cases. Both your power steering system and your transmission are hydraulic, so that is why the two fluids are somewhat interchangeable. But be sure to install the correct power steering fluid as soon as you can. Why? Because you run the risk of damaging the components in your power steering pump.
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