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Steering and driving safety
“If you have to add fluid more than once or twice a year, have the system checked for leaks. These systems are easily damaged if you drive when the fluid is low.” --Shawn Mead

Problems with your steering occur gradually so pay attention to small changes in the way your car handles, especially when you turn the wheel. Here are the most common warning signs of steering problems:

Growling Noise? If your steering growls when you turn the wheel, your power steering fluid may be low. You may have a leak in the power steering system.

Buzzing Noise? If your steering buzzes when you turn at slow speeds, it may be caused by low fluid.

Squealing? If you hear a high-pitched squeal, your drive belt could be slipping on the power steering unit.

Moaning? If you hear a moaning noise when you turn the wheel, your power steering pump may be about to fail.

Hard to steer? If you have too much play or looseness when you turn the wheel, it’s an indication of worn out steering parts.

Pulling to the left or the right? Your suspension may be out of alignment. Constant pulling can also be caused by unequal tire pressure.

“Heavy” or hard to turn steering wheel? You may have broken your power steering belt or run out of power steering fluid.

Power Steering Preventative Maintenance

Fluid Service. Normal driving eventually causes your power steering fluid to suffer from heat, friction and electrochemical degradation. The high pressure created when you hold hard turns is especially damaging.

Your power steering fluid, which starts out clear, eventually turns dark with age. Sludge and varnish deposits build up in your power steering system and prevent the easy turning and responsive handling you expect from your vehicle.

A Power Steering Fluid Flush safely removes varnish and sludge deposits. It is also the best way to remove wear metals that slowly grind away your power steering's internal components, including the power steering hoses, power steering pump, rack and pinion and/or gear box.

If your vehicle's power steering system is showing any signs of contaminated fluid, try this service before major and expensive repair work becomes necessary.

Belt and Tensioner Inspection If the power steering belt fails, you will immediately lose all power steering. This is a very scary experience. Total belt failure is not too common these days, but we have seen several belt tensioners fail, causing the belts to become loose and not do their job. The tensioner is a spring-like device that automatically keeps the belts tight.

To protect against belt or tensioner failure, have them inspected whenever your vehicle is serviced. Replacing them in the shop is a lot easier than having a breakdown.