Power steering is a crucial component in a car that plays a significant role in enhancing driving comfort. With this device, drivers no longer need to exert excessive effort in controlling the vehicle, particularly during parking, making turns, or maneuvering on the roads.
In addition to providing comfort, power steering does not require frequent specialized maintenance. Consequently, many car owners become complacent and seem indifferent to its condition.
However, a damaged power steering system not only leads to discomfort but also poses serious risks while driving. Similar to other components, power steering, whether hydraulic, electric, or semi-electric, is susceptible to issues if mishandled. Unfortunately, many car users tend to overlook this fact, either due to lack of understanding or negligence.
There are several incorrect driver habits that contribute to power steering problems. Here is an explanation of these habits:
1. Incorrect wheel position during parking.
A common mistake made by car drivers is failing to straighten the front wheels while parking. For instance, the front wheels may be slightly turned or misaligned.
Although it may appear trivial, such misalignment can cause leaks in vehicles equipped with rack and pinion-type power steering. When the wheels are turned or in a turning position, the rubber components in the rack steer are prone to tearing, allowing dirt to enter the power steering system, ultimately affecting its proper functionality.
2. Over-rotating the steering wheel for an extended period.
Another unintentional habit among drivers is excessively turning the steering wheel to its maximum limit while making turns. They often rotate the steering wheel to the maximum extent, which may result in loud noises.
Repeatedly doing this for three to five minutes or more can damage the rack pinion steer rubber. The excessive rotation raises the temperature in the rack pinion steer, making the rubber prone to tearing.
This applies not only to hydraulic power steering but also to electric or semi-electric power steering, which also has a maximum rotation limit.
3. Insufficient tire pressure and worn-out suspension components.
Insufficient tire pressure, below the manufacturer's recommended standards, makes the car more difficult to handle, as the friction between the tires and the road surface increases.
This increased friction puts additional strain on the power steering, requiring its components to work harder. Consequently, if low tire pressure persists for an extended period, the power steering may suffer damage.
Likewise, worn-out components in the car's wheel area, such as bushing arm, ball joint, tierod, bearing, shock absorber, and others, can also contribute to difficulty in wheel control. This, in turn, forces the power steering to work harder, leading to potential damage if this situation continues for an extended period.
4. Delayed oil change.
For cars with hydraulic power steering, the power steering fluid or oil plays a vital role. This fluid provides hydraulic pressure to the power steering system when the driver uses it.
Therefore, if the oil becomes old or decreases in volume and is not replaced or refilled promptly, the power steering may quickly deteriorate. Remember that oil can go bad or its chemical composition can change over time.
Particularly if the oil level in the reservoir has decreased, leaving gaps or space for the oil to chemically react with air, the oil can rapidly deteriorate. To identify potential issues with the oil, observe its color; if it turns dark, consider replacing it, even if there is still a substantial amount.
Oil can also deteriorate quickly due to high temperature changes caused by high pressure from the oil pump. It is advisable to change the oil in the car every 25,000 kilometers, even if there are no signs of damage.
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