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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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What To Do When You’re Involved In A Fender Bender

Being involved in a traffic collision can be extremely unnerving. It may be difficult to think clearly as you try to collect your thoughts and check whether you’re injured. It’s important that you know what steps to take in order to make sure the event is documented properly and you can follow up with the other driver. If you have never been involved in a fender bender, use the following tips as a blueprint to guide you through the experience.

Keep Your Thoughts To Yourself

A lot of motorists are tempted to absorb responsibility for the car accident, even if fault lies with the other driver. It’s fine to ask the other person if they’re injured, but avoid discussing the accident until the police arrive. That will give you time to clear your thoughts so you can provide an accurate account.

Take Pictures And Notes

Photograph both vehicles. Ideally, the photos should clearly show any damaged parts on your car and the positions of the vehicles in relation to the road. That will provide context. When you contact your insurance company, the photographs will help validate your claims.

Also, write down any notes that seem relevant; you may be unable to recall certain details later. If anybody who is not involved with the accident witnessed it, collect their contact information.

File A Traffic Accident Report

It’s helpful to complete a police report, even if you and the other driver are uninjured. Not only does the report document the event, but it can often help accelerate the response from your insurance company.

Get The Other Driver’s Information

Getting the contact information of the other motorist is essential if you intend to follow up later. Ask for the person’s name, phone number, address, and insurance policy number. You’ll also want to have their driver’s license number. Finally, if the other person doesn’t own the car, ask how they are related to the owner and ask for the owner’s contact information.

Review Your Auto Insurance Policy

You should have a basic understanding about what your auto insurance policy covers before you’re involved in a collision. Take the time to review your policy. Does it cover a rental car and tow truck? Does it cover your car in the event the other driver is uninsured? At the very least, know where your policy is so you can quickly contact your insurance company to start the claims process.

One last note about getting into fender benders: if the damage is minor, it’s tempting to settle the matter privately rather than contacting your auto insurance provider. That can leave you vulnerable. The other motorist might change his mind and contact his provider, making up details that are inaccurate. If your carrier is unable to determine what truly happened, you may become exposed to a lawsuit. Play it safe and report the incident to your auto insurance provider. The extra time you spend is a good investment for peace of mind.

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Understanding How Different Auto Braking Systems Work

Reliable brakes are integral to the safe operation of any car, of course. They slow and stop your car by converting the kinetic energy of the rotating wheel into heat energy via friction. When your braking pedal is depressed, pads press against the drum or rotor, triggering the energy conversion. The main considerations with a vehicle’s braking system are the brake type and actuator mechanism.

Today, we’ll briefly discuss the operation of drum and disc brakes. I’ll describe how each system works to slow your vehicle and the individual components involved in the process.

Drum Brakes

Most vehicles that roll off the automaker’s factory floor are equipped with one of two types of braking assemblies: drum or disc. Each type offers inherent advantages over the other, but your car’s make and model will ultimately determine which type is used.

With drum assemblies, a drum that is attached to the wheel houses two semicircular shoes. When activated, the shoes press against the drum, slowing your car. Actuators sit between the two shoes at a specific edge; when triggered, they twist. This twisting motion forces the shoe against the drum. When the pedal is released, the shoes retract via a set of springs.

Depending on the configuration of the actuator, the drum structure may be labeled “single leading edge” or “double leading edge.” The term “leading edge” refers to the location in which the actuators are installed and therefore the point of drum contact. Single leading edges have one actuator while double leading edges have two for maximum contact.

Disc Brakes

Disc-based assemblies perform much better than their drum counterparts. As a result, they’re more likely to be found in sports cars and other high-performance automobiles. A disc brake system uses a caliper assembly that overlaps the rotor, a metal plate attached to the wheel. A caliper mechanism contains hydraulic cylinders. When it is activated, it presses pads against the rotor, thereby slowing your vehicle.

A rotor is not simply a solid plate that directly bolts to the wheel. In reality, floating rotors are used because the tolerance in a regular, one-piece assembly is very small. If the unit is off by as little as 0.07 mm, damage and large amounts of vibration can result.

Floating rotors rely upon float buttons to connect the carrier and main rotor; the carrier bolts directly to the wheel. These buttons allow a small amount of lateral movement, reducing warping and vibration.

Along with floating designs, rotors are also cross-drilled to improve performance. When pressure is applied, a gas layer can form between the pad and rotor surface, reducing performance. Cross-drilling removes this problem by providing an area for the trapped gas to escape.

Keeping Your Car’s Brakes In Good Condition

Most drivers will never need to know what I’ve just described. However, the more you understand about your car’s parts, the better prepared you’ll be when you visit your mechanic. The important thing is that you keep your vehicle’s brakes in good condition. If you notice squealing or a lack of pressure, have an auto technician take a look. Replacements may be a small investment, but your safety on the road may depend upon it.

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