Enhancing Your Driving Experience: Basics of Power Steering

Many people don’t realize it used to be a lot harder to steer a vehicle. The force required by the driver to make a turn or even just keep driving straight was significantly more than it is today. The invention of power steering took a lot of pressure off our forearms, but the system requires maintenance to stay in shape. 

At Pacana Family Tire & Repair, our automotive power steering repair and maintenance services prioritize safety and convenience. From power steering fluid replacement to a minor repair, our results-oriented service team will put you first at every turn. Here’s what you should know about your vehicle’s power steering system and how we can help.

What Does Power Steering Do? 

Power steering is all about making it easier to steer your vehicle. This doesn’t just mean less physical exertion for you. Power steering allows the driver to focus on the road. Power steering enhances the comfort and efficiency of the entire driving experience, making it indispensable to the modern automobile industry.

There are three varieties of power steering: 

1. A hydraulic power steering system, which is built on pressurized power steering fluid. The system’s power steering fluid pump manually feeds fluid into the power steering system to make turning the wheel an undemanding job. 
2. An electric power steering system, which takes up less space and uses fewer parts than a hydraulic system. The electric system also uses less power and is less bulky than the hydraulic system, helping the vehicle’s fuel economy. 
3. Hybrid power steering works like a combination of the two. It uses electrical motors to control the hydraulic power steering pump. 

These systems have distinct advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation. For instance, hydraulic systems take up more space and reduce fuel economy, but they are less likely to fail. Hybrid power steering systems may be a viable option for someone who wants improved reliability without sacrificing too much fuel economy. 

Power Steering Fluid: Why It Matters

Power steering fluid is the fluid used in the vehicle’s pressurized steering system. The fluid is a boon to overworked arm muscles, making driving easier. 

The wrong power steering fluid can be terrible for your vehicle. Besides lowering performance, the wrong steering fluid can cause serious engine damage, needing a costly repair to recover from. Given the risks, it's better not to try replacing power steering fluid levels yourself. Take the vehicle to Pacana Family Tire & Repair for a complete diagnosis, and we can maintain and replenish your power steering fluid levels safely. 

Warning Signs of Power Steering Problems 

Power steering isn’t the most complex part of a vehicle’s machinery, but it demands regular maintenance. Depending on the power source used, power steering systems might demand greater or lesser maintenance intervals for optimal performance. 

Signs of trouble with your own power steering system include: 

• Steering wheel control that feels very loose, as though the wheel hardly connects to the rest of the vehicle. The looseness might be in just one or two areas of the wheel. 
• A wheel that makes grinding or whining noises when you use them. This is often a sign that the power steering rack has worn down with time. These noises can also mean you need your power steering pump replaced.
• Unidentified fluid leaks under the vehicle. A power steering leak is a common culprit here. Pacana Family Tire & Repair’s team of auto mechanics can diagnose your power steering fluid levels and conduct a fluid flush to get you back on the road quickly. 

At the first sign of trouble, take the vehicle to Pacana Family Tire & Repair for a full diagnostic. Our expert team has the tools necessary to identify power steering problems before they turn into a major crisis. Maintenance not only makes your vehicle more efficient but also improves its safety.

Pacana Family Tire & Repair: Helping With Power Steering Maintenance Solutions

Pacana Family Tire & Repair has years of experience offering superior automotive repair services to our friends and neighbors in Jamestown, TN. We can pinpoint any problems with your power steering system and perform a full repair when needed.

For quality power steering service, simply contact us at 931-879-8491 to schedule a service appointment. We’ll be happy to get you back on the road.