Have you ever wondered why your steering wheel is so easy to turn? Well, the reason is your power steering system, which functions with the help of hydraulics. Every single turn and little correction you make on the road is done with the assistance of power steering. Therefore it has to be well-kept and maintained.
Changing Power Steering Fluid
Keeping in mind that power steering fluid procedures are performed rarely, doesn't mean that it has to be ignored. A flush and refill of the hydraulic oil is done, and the results are noticeable right away. Despite its simplicity and importance, it is commonly not included in your auto repairs and maintenance, so be sure to remind them from time to time. Our advice is to at least get a thorough inspection of the system once a year
Symptoms To Look Out For
All signs are very noticeable because they can be felt or heard while driving. We will give you three of the most obvious ones and what they mean.
Stiff Steering Wheel
One unmissable sign is a stiff, hard to turn steering wheel. This can be caused by a leak in the system of not enough fluid. The dangers it presents are wider turn angels, slower maneuvering, and drifting to one side just to name a few.
Loud Noise While Steering
Loud squeaking can indicate problems with the steering mechanism. While the cause may vary, it can happen by unwanted contact between components, unlubricated parts, or even a totally drained-out system. This unmistakable noise can save you time from further complications.
Leaking Hydraulic Fluid
Having a puddle of oil on your driveway is very frustrating. One of the reasons may be a leak in your power steering assembly. While you drive your car on the road there are no clues that a problem like this one might be present. That's why you should have a look at your driveway, every so often. If there is a suspicious-looking stain on the asphalt be sure to visit a mechanic and get it checked out.
To put it short, the answer is yes. As you service and maintain all other systems on your vehicle, you should add this one to the list once in a while. If you have any worries or questions, please contact Inmon Automotive and we’ll be glad to help