Easy on the Wheel (Power Steering)
March 16, 2025
Steering a vehicle these days doesn't take much effort, but if you got behind the wheel back before power steering was invented, you'd need to practically have the strength of Hercules to turn the wheel.
The first power steering systems widely available changed everything. Chrysler introduced its Hydraguide power system in 1951. The "hydra" was for a hydraulic pump. It pressurized fluid that multiplied the force applied to the steering wheel so it was easier to turn the wheels on the ground. That pump got power from a belt attached to the engine, but unfortunately it wasted a lot of energy in the process. Plus, the system of hoses and pumps required a fair amount of maintenance and repair. Some say this system provides the most "natural" steering experience of power systems.
Recently, automakers have turned to electric power steering. It gets its power from the car's electrical battery and charging system and uses an electric motor to turn the wheels. Since it's not powered by the mechanical energy of your vehicle's engine, electric power steering increases fuel economy. Electric power steering also doesn't require hoses and fluids, meaning there are fewer things that can go wrong. That means less maintenance.
There's a third system that combines both of the others, called electro-hydraulic power steering. In this system, the hydraulic power steering pump is powered by an electric motor and, some say, gives the driver that more natural feel of hydraulic systems.
Because steering is so important for the safe operation of any vehicle, it's essential to make sure yours is working the way it should. Different types of systems require different kinds of upkeep. Regular, scheduled maintenance according to the manufacturer's recommendations should help keep your steering in top shape so you can avoid any sudden steering failures. Bring your vehicle to us so a technician can inspect your steering system. And, of course, if you notice any steering problems, make an appointment right away to have those issues looked at. Now that's one stop that makes sense!
ServicePro Quick Lube
3165 I 75 Business Spur
Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783
9066353018
More articles from Service Pro Quick Lube
Automotive Tips from ServicePro Quick Lube: When to Replace a Damaged Tire
September 13, 2026
Repair or Replace? Thats a question Sault Sainte Marie drivers ask when they have tire damage. Some punctures cannot be repaired because of their size or location. Punctures larger than a quarter of an inch (6.4 mm) are considered too large to be safely repaired. Punctures in the sidewall or near... More
How to Know When to Change Your Oil at ServicePro Quick Lube
September 6, 2026
Today in the ServicePro Quick Lube auto care blog, we're going to talk to Sault Sainte Marie drivers about oil change intervals. It seems that as engine technology advances, oil change intervals become longer for ServicePro Quick Lube customers. For example, recently four of the world's largest... More
Keeping Your Car Young in Sault Sainte Marie
August 30, 2026
As Sault Sainte Marie consumers, we live in a disposable society. It's amazing all the stuff we throw away.New stuff comes out so fast in MI, and much of it is fairly cheap, so we just toss the old and move on. It seems like when we were kids our parents were real sticklers about taking care of o... More