Back to all

Get Where You're Going with Power Steering Service in Clinton Township

March 8, 2020



Today we're going to talk about power steering service in Clinton Township. If you took an informal poll around Clinton Township 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 Clinton Township 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 Clinton Township. That's why old cars had such big steering wheels: to get enough leverage to steer.

Most vehicles in Clinton Township 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 Clinton Township 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 Clinton Township service advisor at Tuffy Clinton Township 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 Clinton Township
19535 15 Mile Rd
Clinton Township, Michigan 48035
586-792-6660
http://www.tuffyclintontownship.com

More articles from Tuffy Clinton Township

Regular Schedule or Severe Service Schedule at Tuffy Clinton Township?

April 21, 2024

Today's Tuffy Clinton Township article focuses on severe service maintenance. Many Clinton Township drivers are not aware of them and yet there are also very vocal advocates in MI who think that severe service schedules apply to everyone. Somewhere between a complete lack of awareness and the di... More

Save Fuel by Watching Your Weight

April 14, 2024

Most Clinton Township drivers are all talking right now. Better gas mileage. Fewer emissions. MI folks want to save the environment and our pocketbooks.And we Clinton Township drivers all know or should know that preventive maintenance will help maintain maximum fuel efficiency. But is there so... More

How to Radiate Cool (Radiator Care)

April 7, 2024

There's nothing that radiates cool like a vehicle radiator that's helping to keep your engine running at the proper temperature. You don't have to baby it, but you can't simply ignore it, either. Let's take a quick dive under the hood to let you know what the radiator is doing. It takes the he... More