What is a power steering service?

While your suspension helps keep your tires firmly intact with the road and proper wheel alignment maintains your vehicle on the straight and narrow, power steering keeps your vehicle's steering smooth and responsive by replacing old fluid, inspecting the pump, belts, and hoses, and flushing out contaminants. This prevents wear, leaks, and steering issues, and is typically recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Signs you need a power steering service

The heat generated by everyday driving can break down your power steering fluid. Without power steering, the wheels of the car become difficult and slow to turn - and if this happens while in motion, an accident could soon follow. You should immediately bring your vehicle to your local auto service shop if you detect any of these symptoms:

• Difficulty steering - fighting your steering wheel is clear evidence your power steering needs attention

• Whining when turning - often a sign of low or degraded fluid

• Leaking fluid - usually red or pinkish, often mistaken for coolant

Why is a power steering service important?

Power steering service helps the efficiency of your steering system and how well you are able to control your vehicle. Steering is obviously one of the most important parts of driving, and driving safely. Making sure that this system functions properly is crucial to keeping you and others safe on the road.

How often should I get my power steering checked?

When considering how often to get a power steering service, the place to start is evaluating based on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your driving conditions. A general rule of thumb is to get the service every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.