At Trust A Garage, we are on hand to help you find local, reliable garages near you. However, it is important that you understand your vehicle, so that you can drive safely and prevent potentially costly damage. We look at how power steering works, and how to tell if your power steering fluid is low.
Most drivers take the easy steering of their vehicle for granted: a small movement from your hand manages to control the whole weight of your vehicle, even at speed. The ease of steering vehicles today is down to power steering, a system which involves a number of mechanical parts, turning one small movement into a much larger one. These mechanisms are used to create hydraulic power, which enables vehicles to achieve smooth, effortless steering.
Put simply, fluid is pushed through your power steering system, translating your small action into a larger reaction. In simple terms, power steering pushes fluid through a hose, causing your wheels to turn in the desired direction.
The entire power system is dependent on your power steering fluid levels in that hose: if you have a fluid leak, or your levels are too low, you will lose hydraulic power. If this happens, your vehicle will become unwieldy; you will need to bear the full weight of the vehicle when steering, which will make turning tight corners virtually impossible.
Signs You Are Low On Power Steering Fluid
If your power steering fluid levels are low, you will lose some, or even all, of your power steering, putting yourself and others in danger. Be vigilant for signs that your power steering fluid is low:
- Irregular steering – your steering wheel feels jumpy or jerky when you are steering – particularly when driving slowly or parking.
- Noisy steering – when driving at low speeds you notice noises or screeching when you steer.
- Heavy steering – your vehicle feels heavier than normal – parking is harder work and the steering wheel feels harder to turn.
- Leaks – if you notice a puddle or stain under your vehicle – something from your engine (including power steering fluid) could be leaking.
If you notice that your vehicle is not steering as well as normal, but your power steering fluid is fine, check your tyre pressure as this can impact on the way your vehicle handles.
Even if you don’t think you have a leak, your power steering fluid could be dangerously low; as time progresses, the fluid gets broken down and clogged up with debris and dirt. If you think this could be the case, consult a local garage.
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