# HM oil on a used car? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [February 3, 2025, 5:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969 "2025-02-03T05:41:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![oilman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/91b2a8/32.png) [@oilman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oilman)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2025, 4:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/21 "2025-02-05T16:20:22Z")
there are oils that some have mentioned with detergents like pennzoil and I’ve used Royal Purple which has cleaners (more expensive at WMT for like 38 bucks for 5 qts). use them and change more often and they will clean things out. ---
**Author:** ![Georgefocus2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dbc845/32.png) [@Georgefocus2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Georgefocus2)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2025, 1:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/22 "2025-02-06T13:09:49Z")
Thanks you guys. So I dont make another post, My steering reservoir is black, not talking about the fluid, but thats also black. Anyway, you cant see the line levels like some see through reservoirs. I dont know if im putting too much or too little of fluid. It also started leaking from a hose and the reservoir makes noises and bubbles when its filled up to the top. Could it be that I was using the wrong type of fluid? I overlooked and i thought i could use any type. My vehicle calls for Marcon V ATF. I was using regular steering fluid. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/48514_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2025, 2:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/23 "2025-02-06T14:05:00Z")
> [@Georgefocus2](#): > > It also started leaking from a hose > [@Georgefocus2](#): > > My vehicle calls for Marcon V ATF. I was using the oreillys brand and then supertech, both being regular Did the packaging for the O’Reilly’s and Supertech fluid state that they are compatible/comply with Mercon V? If not, that could be the reason for leaking seals. > [@Georgefocus2](#): > > the reservoir makes noises and bubbles when its filled up to the top You shouldn’t be filling the PS reservoir to the top. Doesn’t the owner’s manual illustrate the level to which the PS fluid should be added? Doesn’t the cap have a little integral dipstick? ---
**Author:** ![Georgefocus2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dbc845/32.png) [@Georgefocus2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Georgefocus2)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2025, 5:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/24 "2025-02-06T17:34:19Z")
It doesnt say on both bottles but i can double check. Im assuming that the manual is talking about the see through reservoir when its stating the low and high levels lines ( on other models) and theres no dipstick or anything to tell me the level. Its a really small reservoir. Ill post a pic ---
**Author:** ![Georgefocus2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dbc845/32.png) [@Georgefocus2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Georgefocus2)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2025, 5:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/25 "2025-02-06T17:40:16Z")
![17388635860452542707003158623753](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/4/e/4e2ea65760fbd95d2fd1d43cbfab258beb915962.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2025, 6:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/26 "2025-02-06T18:03:34Z")
My **guess** the cap should incorporate a dipstick. ![IMG_2833](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/b/0/b0ccb886822d6ea1381b532fb73109258486019f.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/48514_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2025, 6:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/27 "2025-02-06T18:12:20Z")
> [@Purebred](#): > > My **guess** the cap should incorporate a dipstick. Yup! It should… > [@VDCdriver](#): > > Doesn’t the cap have a little integral dipstick? It appears that there are aftermarket replacement caps that do incorporate a little dipstick. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/48514_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2025, 6:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/28 "2025-02-06T18:16:05Z")
> [@Georgefocus2](#): > > It doesnt say on both bottles but i can double check. Since it appears that you don’t know the maintenance history of this car, I think it would be a good idea to take it to a mechanic to see where the leak(s) is/are coming from, for a flush of the PS system, and then having him put the correct Mercon V into the system. When the car is there, it might also be a good time for a trans fluid change, as well as a brake fluid flush. Unless you know for sure that both of those things were done within the last 3 years or so, then it’s time to do them now. ---
**Author:** ![Georgefocus2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dbc845/32.png) [@Georgefocus2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Georgefocus2)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2025, 7:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/29 "2025-02-06T19:09:01Z")
Ok thank you ill do that. Idk why in the auto stores computer it was saying that it was ok to use regular power sterring fluid, the clerk said, just use macron V is better. I should have listen to him. I did order the parts ( all new) from Autocare because my local store was charging over 500 for all those pieces. ---
**Author:** ![Georgefocus2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dbc845/32.png) [@Georgefocus2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Georgefocus2)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2025, 12:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/30 "2025-02-07T00:38:23Z")
Is it save to add the mercon V mix with the incorrect fluid? So the power system or hydraulic system gets what it needs and it doesnt go bad before the items get delivered and find a mechanic. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2025, 2:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/31 "2025-02-07T14:31:02Z")
> [@Georgefocus2](#): > > Is it save to add the mercon V mix with the incorrect fluid? Use the correct fluid to always be on the safe side. What does the owners manual say? ---
**Author:** ![Georgefocus2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dbc845/32.png) [@Georgefocus2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Georgefocus2)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2025, 4:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/32 "2025-02-07T16:08:50Z")
![Screenshot_20250207_090517_Drive](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/2/c/2c48891a176d766c066713fd0233ca37763af52e.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Georgefocus2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dbc845/32.png) [@Georgefocus2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Georgefocus2)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2025, 4:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/33 "2025-02-07T16:09:18Z")
![Screenshot_20250207_090706_Drive](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/7/1/71a5c30b0339049aa57f9438484772f2f99178a4.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Georgefocus2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dbc845/32.png) [@Georgefocus2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Georgefocus2)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2025, 4:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/34 "2025-02-07T16:12:37Z")
Fill between those lines. Theres no lines. Aftermarket reservoir? The new one i ordered looks the same as the one i current have. Hopefully it comes with a dipstick which i didnt know that existed lol ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2025, 4:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/35 "2025-02-07T16:16:06Z")
If you have the wrong fluid in there, remove as much as you can (a turkey baster works), fill it to the appropriate level with Mercon V, run for a few minutes while turning the steering wheel right and left, turn off the car, repeat a few times. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2025, 4:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/36 "2025-02-07T16:18:16Z")
Not all power steering reservoir caps have dip sticks. Like yours. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/6/4/641a9b611c3d9aeeecbe12025d7138d64f0857a2.jpeg) Tester ---
**Author:** ![Georgefocus2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dbc845/32.png) [@Georgefocus2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Georgefocus2)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2025, 5:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/37 "2025-02-07T17:41:52Z")
Thanks but how will someone know whats the correct level with these types of reservoirs? ---
**Author:** ![Georgefocus2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dbc845/32.png) [@Georgefocus2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Georgefocus2)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2025, 5:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/38 "2025-02-07T17:42:31Z")
Thanks Ill try to do that today before a mechanic works on it. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2025, 6:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/39 "2025-02-07T18:01:29Z")
There appears to be fluid level indicator in the reservoir itself. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/6/5/65aa30269943ef6e14dd028a18657833cbdbe496.jpeg) Tester ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2025, 6:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969/40 "2025-02-07T18:51:20Z")
The owner’s manual indicates there’s a way to see the level, look familiar? ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/9/a/9a8a38d50f2d962de28f55fc288f42f86a1a986f.png) [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969.md?page=1) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hm-oil-on-a-used-car/198969.md?page=3)