For many drivers, the benefits of power steering are something that is taken completely for granted; this is no surprise because the technology has been around for so many years. We understand that not everybody can be expected to understand how and why power steering works, but a little bit of knowledge goes a long way in helping our customers plan ahead for their auto repair, and keep their overall costs down. The basic workings of your power steering are essentially a shrunk down hydraulic system.

All systems like this work on the principle of a closed system, which amplifies the force you exert on the steering wheel to steer the vehicle. More important than knowing how the system works, is how to catch a problem in its early stages. Power steering problems are relatively limited in scope, but can have serious effects on the drivability of your car.

Cracked Hoses – Purely from the ravages of time, the hoses of your power steering system are slowly degraded. If they are not replaced before they crack and leak, you can expect a problematic driving experience and a whole bunch of hydraulic fluid on your hands or on your driveway.

Slipping Drive Belt – accompanied by a squealing noise, when you take sharp turns, a slipping drive belt means that the belt which drives the hydraulic system is beginning to fail. Consider this loud, annoying squealing to be an excellent early warning system which allows you to keep your vehicle in top condition.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to your power steering is that, just like your air conditioner, it is a closed system. Almost all of the problems with power steering come up when there is some kind of leak, so it is extremely important to make sure that all the hoses in the system are kept in good health, and replaced as soon as any issue is discovered. We understand that our customers are interested in quality work, at an affordable price. On top of that, we strive to help our customers to lower the overall cost of maintenance by letting you know ahead of time what kind of repairs will be needed in the future.