When should I have my car’s wheels aligned?
When Should I have My Car’s Wheels Aligned? If you’re like most people, you’ve probably experienced a time when your car’s steering wheel starts pulling
Steering is a must-have system for any car. After all, how can you drive the car to a destination without steering?
A vehicle steering system is associated with its front two wheels. The driver has full control over these two wheels and can direct them on the left and right. This way the car can steer in different directions and you will reach your destination.
Over the years this system has received huge upgrades and changes. Want to know about them? Then read our guide now. We will be talking about three different types of steering systems and their advantages and disadvantages.
There are two basic types of steering systems. Manual rack and pinion steering and power steering (electronic and hydraulic).
Both have similarities in their steering mechanism. Let us start by explaining the rack and pinion steering system.
The rack and pinion steering system is the traditional steering system of vehicles. It uses the force of your hand for steering. There is no motor and hydraulic for assisting. All classical vehicles and some SUVs have this type of steering system.
The mechanism of this system has a steering wheel locked with a plain rack. The rack is connected with both front wheels. The end of the steering wheel has a gear, known as the pinion. When you turn the steering wheel, this gear will rotate and push the rack in your rotating direction. This will turn the wheels and the vehicle will go in that direction.
The power steering system also works in the same principle. But instead of the pinion rotating the rack, the motor and the hydraulic push the rack and steer the wheel.
Don’t know which type of steering system your car has? Then call in a Vehicle Maintenance agency.
There are two basic types of steering systems. Manual steering system and power steering system. Manual steering systems do not have many variations. But the power steering system has three different variations. Hydraulic, Electronic, and Electro-Hydraulic.
Manual Steering System
A manual steering system uses a pinion and rack system steering. It uses the force of your hand. There is no power assist. The driver can feel the steering of the wheels directly. Any sudden change in the steering wheels can also transfer throughout the mechanism to the steering wheel. It can damage the driver’s hand.
Hydraulic Steering System
The hydraulic steering system uses an engine-driven pump to operate the hydraulics. A sensor detects the movements of the steering wheel and adjusts the steering wheel accordingly.
Electronic Steering System
The electronic steering system uses electrical motors for steering. These motors take energy from the car battery. So better have a strong battery equipped in your car. If you are not sure of what battery to use, then call Car Inspection in Edmonton, CA. They will equip you with the best car battery for your electric steering system.
Electro-Hydraulic Steering System
The Electro-Hydraulic system is the most advanced steering system. In this system, hydraulics are the main steering system. The electric motors are there fr small adjustments in the steering system.
When the steering wheels change their direction from external forces(wind, gravity), the sensors in the electric motors detect that and within a few milliseconds, it adjusts the wheels in the right direction.
Now that we know about different steering systems, let us talk about their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
The steering wheel is connected directly with the front wheels.
The only force required to steer the wheels is your muscles. Use your muscles to steer the wheels.
As there is no electrical component in this system, there is no risk of electrical malfunction.
Disadvantages
Any sudden change of direction of the steering wheel from the outside force will turn the steering wheel super fast. This will cause your hands to move fast and it can cause injuries. Broken bones in the worst-case scenario.
It would be impossible to steer a heavy truck with this system.
Although the steering system is basic, do not attempt to self-repair it. Call Steering System repair in Edmonton, CA for repairs.
Advantages
The hydraulics are very strong. It can withstand any outside force. Thus it is the most strong steering system.
Hydraulics are controlled by computers. The computer records the movement of the steering wheel and adjusts the hydraulics precisely.
The hydraulics can move quite faster because of the engine pump. Thus it gives you a faster response in tight traffic.
Disadvantages
The hydraulics uses an engine-driven pump for operating. Thus it drives power from the engine.
Although the hydraulic is the strongest steering system, it can get slightly deviated due to outside forces like wind and gravity.
Advantages
The electric motor is computer-controlled. It can give you precise steering control.
The electric motor can respond in a few milliseconds.
Disadvantages
The motor uses electricity from the car battery. A weak battery can cause failure.
The motors are hard to repair. Replacing is the better choice. Call Steering system replacement service Edmonton, CA for further instructions.
Advantages
Uses hydraulics for primary steering and motors for adjustments.
Slight deviations from wind and gravity get adjusted with computer-controlled motors.
Disadvantages
The hydraulics draw energy from the engine and the motor drives energy from the battery.
Since it is an advanced steering system, the Mobile Mechanic service in Edmonton, CA won’t work. You will need to take the car to a garage for repairs.
So that was all about the vehicle steering systems. Throughout the years it has got quite an upgrade. Now, most of the vehicles have power steering. Yours might have one too.
Whatever system your car has, we hope that our guide has satisfied your thirst for knowledge.
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