Top 5 Questions To Ask Your Mechanic About Car Steering Maintenance

Steering maintenance is a crucial part of vehicle upkeep. Without your steering system in top shape, your vehicle could have problems or even be unsafe. Many accidents happen because the steering failed. To protect yourself and your family, you need regular steering maintenance.

Here are five questions to ask your Logan area mechanic about steering maintenance.

1.What type of steering system do I have?

There are three types of power steering systems. These are hydraulic power steering (HPS), electric power hydraulic steering (EPHS), and fully electric power steering (EPS). Understanding which power steering system you have is important. HPS systems tend to need more maintenance because the hydraulic steering pump is always engaged when the vehicle is running. This results in more wear-and-tear and more emissions.

EPS systems are preferred. They have lower emissions and need less maintenance. EPHS, as a hybrid of the HPS and EPS systems, is somewhere in the middle. When you understand how your power steering works, you will be better able to determine the right maintenance schedule for it. Your Logan area mechanic can help you with this information.

2.What are the signs of a steering problem?

Several signs point to a steering problem. Make sure you ask your mechanic about them early. Catching a problem before it causes a steering failure is crucial.

Some signs of a steering problem include:

Problems turning the steering wheel.
Vibration or looseness in the wheel.
Pulling to one side of the road.

3.Why is power steering fluid important?

Power steering fluid is the medium that transfers power in your vehicle. It is a type of hydraulic fluid. It lubricates the steering system, which makes it easy for you to turn the wheel. Without power steering fluid, you would struggle to steer your vehicle.

4.When do I need to change the power steering fluid?

Power steering fluid does not need to be changed as often as the other fluids in your vehicle. For example, engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or so. Brake fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles or so.

On the other hand, the power steering fluid does not need to be changed on a regular schedule. Having a mechanic flush the fluid periodically is a good idea. But, often power steering fluid is left off of vehicle maintenance checklists. Your Logan area mechanic can let you know the ideal time to change it.

5.What other steering maintenance do you recommend?

An occasional flush of the power steering fluid is not the only maintenance your steering system will need. Another regular maintenance is needed to keep your steering in tip-top shape. Your mechanic can tell you the steering maintenance they recommend.

Some maintenance options could include: