WHAT DOES POWER STEERING DO?

For those of you who have driven a vehicle without power steering, you know how helpful it is having it versus not. Power steering is a mechanism that helps the driver to steer and turn the vehicle more easily. Now-a-days, power steering is a common feature in nearly every modern vehicle. The power steering pump works on a special steering fluid, similar to other key fluids that are used to operate vehicles such as transmission fluid. 

WHAT IS POWER STEERING FLUID?

Power steering fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid designed specifically for use in power steering systems. The main purpose of power steering fluid is to act as the pass through which power is transferred from the steering wheel to the vehicle’s steering mechanism, as well as acting as a lubricant to protect moving parts within the system. The power steering fluid is contained in a linkage of sealed pipes and reinforced hoses that are connected to a series of pistons. When one piston is pressed down into the power steering fluid, it forces the fluid level to rise in another part of the system. It is not recommended that you drive without power steering fluid, because it can start to cause damage to the pump, resulting in larger problems. 

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR POWER STEERING PUMP IS FAILING

There are several signs that can alert you that your power steering pump might be failing you. If you hear the power steering in your car start making a whining noise, you should check the power steering fluid in your vehicle. If it is low, then that can be another sign there might be a leak, which can cause your pump to go bad and affect the steering column. Driving your vehicle in the winter months when it is cold can also help you decide if your pump is going bad. If your steering wheel becomes stiff when you are driving, it might indicate a trip to the mechanic. There might also be squealing and groaning noises coming from underneath the hood when you make sharp turns or when you first start up your vehicle. If any of these symptoms progress you should not shrug them off, as it can be hard on your car and cause major wear and tear.

HOW TO HANDLE POWER STEERING FAILURE

Although it is rare, power steering failure can happen and can be quite alarming if you are not aware of steps you can take to be safe. Moving to the side of road is the first thing you should do if your power steering quits on you while on the road. If your power steering goes out, you will notice that you have to press on your brakes harder. Once you get pulled over and get the vehicle shut off, restart the vehicle and see if the steering wheel resets and moves freely. To avoid power steering failure, you should check your car’s fluid on a regular basis and have your vehicle serviced by one of our technicians if the fluid is leaking or discolored. You can operate your vehicle without power steering, however, it is difficult and can be unsafe if you are not used to it. Repairing or replacing the pump as well as changing the fluid as soon as possible is the safest caution you can take.

Proper Oil Changes by Proper Professionals

One of the most important things you can do for your car is to have the oil changed. Engine oil coats and protects the inner surfaces of the moving engine parts and helps to keep them cool and clean. Although your car has a cooling system to keep the car from overheating, the additional cooling of the engine oil helps to keep the parts from overheating and suffering from excessive friction so that they will last longer. You will be able to save money on car repairs by having your mechanic to perform regular oil changes for you. ASE master mechanics can perform this and other general car maintenance tasks for you with the greatest amount of professionalism and skill. 

All the Types of Oil

When you walk into an auto parts store, you will see a number of different brands, types, and weights of oil from which to choose. Your mechanic will know which oil is best to use for your car and the region in which you live. You will find three types of engine oil on the market: conventional, synthetic, and blended. Conventional oil is produced naturally in the earth while the synthetic is produced in a laboratory. Blended oils are a combination of both conventional and synthetic oils. The synthetic and blended oils were created in part to extend the length of time between oil changes. The weight of the oil refers to its thickness, or how quickly the oil flows between the moving engine parts. The grade is the alphanumerical notation of the weight. Oil can be single-grade or multi-grade, which means that the oil can have a single level of viscosity or a multiple levels of viscosity. Your owner’s manual will tell you which oil is in your car.

Frequency of Oil Changes

Car owners over the years had faithfully clung to the adage of changing the oil every 3,000 miles and once before the winter set in. With the advent of synthetic and blended oils, you will have more time between oil changes than you would if you used a conventional oil. Some oils tout that you can go over 30,000 miles between oil changes. When your mechanic checks your oil, they will be able to tell you when it is time for your oil to be changed. They will denote your service dates in your file and keep you on track with all of your general car maintenance tasks. 

Oil in Winter

Because engine oil offers lubrication and protection for the sensitive inner moving parts of the engine, it is very important that you monitor its condition, especially in the winter. Your mechanic will use the oil that is appropriate for the climate in your area. If you live in an area that gets very cold in the winter, you should make sure your mechanic checks your oil before winter fully sets in. The oil not only lubricates and protects the engine; it also helps to keep it clean and to keep it from overheating. When you notice that the oil has become darker and thicker, it may be getting close to the time for an oil change. When you have your oil changed, your mechanic may also perform other maintenance tasks, such as fluid checks, tire pressure checks, or a bumper-to-bumper inspection. Checking your oil will keep you on the road and is a powerful weapon in your winter safety arsenal for your car. 

Electrical Systems for a Shocking Winter Performance

The slower pace of winter could lull some people into a false sense of security when it comes to winter safety. They may have completed winter inspections, oil changes, fluid checks, and even headlight polishing and fail to dedicate some attention to the smaller systems in the car. One of the most important systems in your car is the electrical system. Electrical systems are the powerhouses of the car. This system consists of the alternator, battery, spark plugs and wires, and a fuse box. Once you learn the purpose of this system,
you will be better able to appreciate it and more prone to include it in your winter safety inspections.

What is the Electrical System?

The electrical system commonly is comprised of a battery, spark plugs, spark plug wires, an alternator, and a fuse box. These parts supply power to the rest of the car. If the electrical system is malfunctioning, the car will not start. The battery provides electricity to the alternator, which is connected to the battery by a belt. The alternator produces the electricity that controls the charge that is being stored in the battery. The power that is being produced is AC power. This type of power is not compatible with the needs of the car. In order to power electrical devices, such as the engine controls and the ignition, a belt connects the alternator to the engine and the alternator converts the AC power that it produces into DC power. The fuse box is usually located on the driver side of the car close to the floor. This small box contains fuses for each electrical component to your car.

Basic Battery Information

The battery is a closed environment that houses six cells stacked with positive and negative lead plates that are separated by insulators. The cells sit in a solution of sulfuric acid and water. The energy to power the car comes from the cells inside the battery. The battery also provides power for devices such as the radio, defroster, windshield wipers, and the heating system. The easiest way to do this is to turn on your headlights before you switch the ignition. If you notice that your lights are brighter after you turn on the car, then you may have an issue with the battery. You can also use a voltmeter, which is a device that measures voltage. A low reading would mean that the battery needs charging.

The Small Things You Can Do

Open the door to the fuse box and make sure that all of the fuses are still good. You will be able to discern if a fuse is blown because the filament inside will be broken. If one of the fuses blows, replace it with a new one. You can find them at your local auto parts supply store. Ask the clerk to help you locate the ones you need. Make sure that the replacement fuse is of the same voltage as the one you are replacing. Using the wrong voltage can cause expensive damage to your car. Consult your driver’s manual or local ASE master mechanics if you are unsure about which fuse to use. You should inspect the spark plugs and wires to make sure that they are firing as they should and replace any worn or damaged ones.