Though it may not have been essential for a 60-something Ford truck or Mustang, power steering comes standard on all modern vehicles. Without power steering, you would find it almost impossible to turn the steering wheel and get your vehicle to go in the direction that you desire. When there is a problem with your power steering, you are at an increased risk of being involved in an auto collision. Therefore, it is imperative that you get an inspection from a professional car repair service if there are signs of trouble. Here are some indications that your power steering system is failing.
Problems Turning the Steering Wheel
If you are having to exert more effort than the normal effort to turn the steering wheel, then there is a good chance that you are dealing with a failing hydraulic system. There are many reasons why this may be happening, including malfunctioning pumps and loose belts. In some cases, you may feel vibrations within the wheel. Due to the broad range of causes, you will likely have trouble identifying the exact issue yourself, so it is a good idea to schedule an inspection at your local car repair service.
Squealing Sounds While Driving
When you are driving slowly or making a turn, do you hear a squealing or screeching sound? If so, the sounds may be coming from your power steering system. The noise that you are hearing is often due to the belt slipping, meaning that there is not adequate tension and you may end up losing control while driving down the road. Keep your ears open for these noises, particularly when you first start up the car since this is the most common time for the noises to occur.
Low Levels of Power Steering Fluid
If you are worried about your power steering system, keep a close eye on your fluid levels. Unless you have a leak, the levels should not go down significantly. So, if you notice that your levels are drastically low or you see splashes of red (the color of power steering fluid) beneath your parked car, you should take your vehicle to the nearest car repair shop for a thorough inspection to determine what the problem is.
Power steering is not something that you want to play around with, as it can lead to a serious accident if it goes out on your vehicle. If you notice any of the aforementioned issues, contact a car repair service near you for assistance.
Share