Back to all

Get Where You're Going with Power Steering Service in Powell

March 17, 2019



Today we're going to talk about power steering service in Powell. If you took an informal poll around Powell you'd probably find that most vehicle owners have never heard of power steering service. That's not surprising. Even though power steering is standard on every vehicle, most people in Powell aren't aware that it needs periodic service.

If you're younger than a certain age, you've probably never driven a vehicle without power steering. To get an idea of the difference; if you've ever cut a board with a hand saw, you know it's a lot of work. Using a power saw is easy-peasy by comparison.

Without power steering, your arms have to do all the work to steer the wheels, and that's hard, especially around downtown Powell. That's why old cars had such big steering wheels: to get enough leverage to steer.

Most vehicles in Powell have a hydraulic power steering system. The serpentine belt from the engine powers a pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid. This actuates a hydraulic cylinder that provides power to help steer.

Some vehicles in Powell use an electric pump to pressurize the fluid rather than a belt driven pump. We're also seeing vehicles with electric motors providing the power assist, not using power steering fluid at all. We'll see a lot more electric systems as more hybrids and electric vehicles hit the market.

At least for now, the vast majority of power steering systems use power steering fluid that needs to be serviced. The fluid needs to be changed for a couple of reasons. For one, it attracts moisture. Water has different hydraulic qualities than power steering fluid, and that makes a difference in steering performance. Water is also corrosive and can damage power steering components. The fluid also just gets dirty and needs to be changed. Removing the old fluid and flushing out the system gets rid of dirt and deposits. The clean, fresh fluid lubricates and provides better corrosion protection.

So ask your Powell service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Powell or check your owner's manual to see when power steering service is recommended. It'll extend the life of your power steering components.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Powell
7854 Smoky Row Road
Powell, Ohio 43065
614-792-0770
http://www.tuffypowell.com

More articles from Tuffy Powell

Engine Air Filter from Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Powell

April 21, 2024

Many Powell drivers have found themselves in the following situation: They go to get their oil changed and their friendly service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Powell recommends a new engine air filter. They say yes, but don't know what an air filter is or what it does.If this has happene... More

Why Alignment Matters (Vehicle Alignment Maintenance)

April 14, 2024

It's one of those things that can happen on a multi-day road adventure or a quick trip to the grocery store. You hit a pothole, go too fast over a speed bump, nail a curb. When it happens, you think, "I wonder if that was hard enough to do any damage?" But things seem ok and you continue on yo... More

Shake It up in Powell!: Why Wheel Balancing

April 7, 2024

Our vehicles are not massage chairs. While we may enjoy a good vibration in an overstuffed recliner, we generally want as smooth a ride as possible in our vehicles. One way to achieve this is to keep a vehicle's wheels in balance. When a tire is mounted onto a wheel, it is usually out of balance... More