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Bolster The Performance Of Your Vehicle’s Power Steering

It’s easy to take power steering (PS) for granted. We have become accustomed to being able to control our vehicles with our index finger, forgetting the thousands of pounds of metal that we’re navigating through our steering wheel. If you’d like a reminder regarding how difficult it would be to steer without power, let your vehicle coast down your driveway with the engine off. You’ll likely struggle to turn the wheel.

Below, we’ll briefly explore the two types of power steering systems: rack and pinion and recirculating ball. We’ll use that introduction as the framework on which to get more performance from your PS system.

Two Types Of PS Systems

All types of PS work with hydraulics. Your car’s engine drives a belt which powers a hydraulic pump. The pump places hydraulic pressure on a small bit of fluid, which ultimately allows you to steer without effort.

Rack and pinion systems are the most common type of steering found in today’s cars. It uses a gearset that is attached to the steering shaft. A pinion gear is attached to the shaft and moves a rack as you turn the wheel. A tie rod sits on the end of the rack and connects to a steering arm, which controls the movement of the tires.

A recirculating ball system is commonly found in large pickups and SUVs. It uses ball bearings within threads that are located between the steering shaft and rack. As the rack moves up and down, the hydraulic pressure allows you to turn right and left, respectively.

Tips For Getting More Performance

Power steering systems feel differently on various types of cars. For example, giant domestic vehicles have a softer feel to the wheel. It’s almost “spongy.” Meanwhile, some of the German vehicles (e.g. BMWs) are more responsive to your commands.

There are plenty of steps you can take in order to get the most from your PS system. First, make sure your treads are healthy by periodically rotating your tires. You should also check the tire pressure every two or three weeks.

Second, if you make a turn and realize that you’re going too fast, avoid applying your brakes. Using your brakes can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Instead, simply take your foot off the gas pedal and allow the friction of your tires and the momentum of your car to reduce your speed.

Third, remember that your PS system relies on your engine to drive the belt which powers the hydraulic pump. Be prepared to exert force in the event that your engine stalls while you’re driving.

Your vehicle’s power steering system is unlikely to fail; they’re built to last for many years. That said, if you notice a sluggish response in the wheel, wandering back and forth, or a high-pitched squeal when turning the wheel, take your car to a mechanic. Your PS system may need repairs.

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Diagnosing Different Types Of Engine Problems

Engine problems are always disconcerting. It’s all but impossible to tell at first glance what the issue is and how much it will cost to fix. If your water pump fails, you’ll have a good idea regarding the cost of a replacement. Same with a timing belt, alternator, and battery. Your engine is a completely different matter. Problems can cost very little (for example, a single failing spark plug might cause a misfire) or a lot (as is the case with a complete overhaul).

Even though there are hundreds of factors that can cause the assembly to perform poorly, the major issues can be categorized into three groups. In this article, I’ll explain how the air-fuel mixture, poor compression, and a lack of sufficient spark can impact the performance of your engine.

The Air-Fuel Mixture

The 4-stroke combustion process requires a certain air-fuel mixture in order to perform well. While your engine is constantly sucking in air, your car’s computer is instructing your fuel injectors to deliver a specific amount of gas. The air and gas are sent to the combustion chamber where the mixture is compressed and ignited.

There are a number of things that can go wrong. For example, you may run out of gas which starves the combustion chamber of fuel. Or, the air intake valve may fail, preventing air from entering the chamber. The injectors may be clogged, which prevents enough fuel from being delivered. Or, the gas may be contaminated. Each of these circumstances can influence your engine’s ability to operate.

Compression Problems

The air-fuel mixture enters the combustion chamber through the intake valve. Then, the valve closes, thereby sealing the chamber. A piston begins to rise, compressing the mix. Once the piston has risen most of the way, a spark plug ignites the compressed mix, and exhaust is allowed to escape through the exhaust valve.

A few things can impact the level of compression within the chamber. The intake and exhaust valves may fail to close. If that happens, the chamber won’t be completely sealed and the air-fuel mix cannot be compressed properly. The piston rings can be severely worn which can potentially allow the blend to leak from the chamber. A hole somewhere in the cylinder can also reduce the compression.

Igniting The Mix

As noted, a spark plug is necessary to generate the spark which ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. If the spark plug fails, the mix cannot be ignited. If ignition is not achieved, vapor cannot be generated to push the piston downward and rotate the crankshaft. The turning of the crankshaft is necessary to produce propulsion for your vehicle.

Many other circumstances can affect whether your engine is able to perform efficiently. For example, a dead battery, worn bearings, and a lack of oil can leave you stranded just as effectively as the three problems described above. That said, issues related to the air-fuel mix, compression, and spark are usually the culprit.

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4 Smart Tips For Making Your Vehicle Last

Because the prices of new cars has climbed steeply over the last decade, people are more willing to keep their older models. As long as they can keep running without requiring major repairs (for example, a transmission overhaul), it’s far easier on the budget. And therein lies the challenge.

Your vehicle will eventually die and need to be retired. There’s little you can do to prevent that from happening aside from pouring money into an ongoing string of expensive repairs. However, there are some smart things you can do that will prolong your car’s life. The following four items are simple and intuitive, yet millions of drivers fail to do them:

#1 – Follow Your Owner’s Manual Closely

Strangely, many people have never looked at their owner’s manual, even though it holds the secret to your car’s life. It contains a service schedule (this might be a separate booklet) that details every important maintenance item. It explains exactly when those items should be performed. From oil changes to air filter checks, and spark plug replacements to your ignition system, everything is listed in your service schedule. The key is to use it.

#2 – Be Gentle When You Start It

When your car sits for hours, the oil that circulates throughout the engine falls to the oil pan. Without that oil, your engine would overheat. When you start your vehicle, the engine roars to life, but it takes several seconds for the oil to move from the pan to the moving parts. Have you ever watched someone start their car and immediately floor it? That’s a good way to damage the engine. Be gentle. Crank the engine and let it idle for twenty or thirty seconds before throwing it into gear. You won’t notice the benefits, but over time, it will make a difference.

#3 – Check The Fluid Levels

Your oil, coolant, power steering, and transmission fluid levels can decline over time. It is critical that you keep all of them replenished. Most drivers neglect to check their levels because it’s inconvenient to do so. Get into the biweekly habit of checking all four fluids at once. It only takes 15 minutes and will help you avoid expensive repairs down the road.

#4 – Drive Easily

If you own a performance vehicle, you’re probably going to treat the engine harshly. Chances are, you spent a good sum of money and you want to enjoy the benefits. Fair enough. On the other hand, if you own a Toyota Camry, Dodge Charger, or a Honda Civic, you’re likely budget-conscious. So, drive gently. There’s rarely a need to drop the clutch and peel your wheels at 6,000 rpms. Besides, constantly doing so will land your vehicle in the repair shop far sooner than otherwise.

Your car won’t last forever. But, if you address key maintenance items, regularly check the fluids, and treat it gently (at start-up and while driving), you’ll prolong its life. And avoiding expensive repairs is nearly as good as money in the bank.

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