Best Power Steering Stop Leaks: Prevent the Steering Wheel from Locking Up on Your Drive (2024)

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 — otherwise, you could find yourself struggling to get to the side of the road when your steering fails or locks up. However, instead of crossing your fingers and hoping your power steering continues to operate smoothly, you can use a power steering stop leaks fluid for a little peace of mind.

These additives, which are mixed right in with your power steering fluid, can help prevent problems that cause loss of power steering capability. If your power steering system is leaking, leaving behind oil puddles under your car, or your steering system’s warning light is illuminated on your dash, you need to add power steering stop leaks fluid now. It could keep your vehicle drivable and safe — and it can help you avoid costly repairs. Check out our buyers guide to read more about the best options available.

Summary List of Best Power Steering Stop Leaks

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

The BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak 00232 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. The liquid fills the spots where leaks are frequent and improves the condition of the power steering fluid and reservoir.

The formula also seals rack and pinion systems as well as differentials. A great feature about this power steering stop leak is it can be used on both diesel and gasoline engines. The liquid also works to recondition hardened or worn rubber seals, loosening them and making them more pliable.

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 the steering wheel continues to lock up or offers more freedom of movement.

Best Value: Prestone AS262 Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak

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 10008 Power Steering Stop Leak

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

STP is a well-known manufacturer for car enthusiasts, and STP Power Steering Fluid & Stop Leak helps ensure your steering wheel won’t lock up 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

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

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 locks up, 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.