Maintaining your car requires attention to the car as a whole, as all the various components and systems greatly affect one another. For instance, when you begin to notice problems with your power steering it is common to also notice uneven tire wear patterns, often requiring tire replacements or rotations. Your power steering system plays a critical role in your car’s performance. When the power steering begins failing, it can cause serious issues with your driving experience. Therefore, it is critical to take care of your power steering, properly maintaining it year round. If you’re not sure how to best care for your power steering, don’t panic—in this article we’ll go over why it’s important to maintain your steering and include a few tips on how to best do so.
Why Maintaining Your Power Steering System is Important
If you’ve ever experienced driving a car that does not have power steering, then you know just how valuable and important power steering is for the modern driver. Power steering allows the driver to turn the car with ease, and when it fails it can significantly impact the driving experience—so much so that it can cause accidents.
Tips on How to Take Care of Your Power Steering System
The power steering system is made up of several different components that each require maintenance and servicing—at the very least ongoing inspections to ensure they’re working properly. The control unit, fluid pump, hoses, and hydraulic fluid itself, are just a few of the components that need to be checked regularly. Here are a few tips on how you can best keep these parts working well on a regular basis.
Keep Fluid Clean and Full
Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that without which your power steering cannot work effectively. This fluid must be kept clean and full at all times. You shouldn’t lose power steering fluid, so it’s important to keep an eye out for leaks at all times. Furthermore, if the fluid becomes contaminated it can significantly hinder its effectiveness and cause further problems with other system parts. You should have your reliable automotive specialist check the clarity of the fluid regularly.
Inspect and Replace Pump When Needed
Your power steering utilizes a hydraulic pump to help the fluid flow properly through the system. If the pump fails, then the system cannot be lubricated. It’s best to have the pump inspected on a routine basis, or at the very least follow your maintenance plan to know when you’ll need to service or replace your power steering pump.
Inspect Hoses
Hoses can cause serious problems in various systems of your car—not just the power steering system. The hoses help the hydraulic steering fluid flow through the system, and it’s very common for these hoses to crack and wear over time—especially when exposed to fluctuating weather conditions. Having all the hoses throughout your car inspected for cracks or wear is always a good idea.
Keep an Eye Out for Symptoms of Failure
Any time you experience concerning symptoms in your car, it is especially critical to bring it in to your automotive specialist for a follow up right away. Some of the most common symptoms associated with power steering failure include: odd noises while turning, difficulty steering smoothly, and a tight-feeling steering wheel. If you notice any of these symptoms in your power steering, it’s important to have it checked out right away to prevent further damage and to ensure your safety.
How Dell’s Can Help You
Here at Dell’s Service Center, we specialize in European auto repair for brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Saab, and Volvo. Serving clients from all over the areas of Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sturgeon Bay, WI, we have an excellent reputation in our community for honesty, integrity, and trustworthy work. Power steering issues are common in all modern cars, and we are proficient in diagnosing and repairing such issues accurately and quickly. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of power steering failure, or would simply like to get ahead on your auto maintenance, please call us directly. We look forward to restoring your European car, and ensuring your safety on the road.