Back to all

Get Where You're Going with Power Steering Service in Bonita Springs

December 12, 2021



Today we're going to talk about power steering service in Bonita Springs. If you took an informal poll around Bonita Springs you'd probably find that most vehicle owners have never heard of power steering service. That's not surprising. Even though power steering is standard on every vehicle, most people in Bonita Springs aren't aware that it needs periodic service.

If you're younger than a certain age, you've probably never driven a vehicle without power steering. To get an idea of the difference; if you've ever cut a board with a hand saw, you know it's a lot of work. Using a power saw is easy-peasy by comparison.

Without power steering, your arms have to do all the work to steer the wheels, and that's hard, especially around downtown Bonita Springs. That's why old cars had such big steering wheels: to get enough leverage to steer.

Most vehicles in Bonita Springs have a hydraulic power steering system. The serpentine belt from the engine powers a pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid. This actuates a hydraulic cylinder that provides power to help steer.

Some vehicles in Bonita Springs use an electric pump to pressurize the fluid rather than a belt driven pump. We're also seeing vehicles with electric motors providing the power assist, not using power steering fluid at all. We'll see a lot more electric systems as more hybrids and electric vehicles hit the market.

At least for now, the vast majority of power steering systems use power steering fluid that needs to be serviced. The fluid needs to be changed for a couple of reasons. For one, it attracts moisture. Water has different hydraulic qualities than power steering fluid, and that makes a difference in steering performance. Water is also corrosive and can damage power steering components. The fluid also just gets dirty and needs to be changed. Removing the old fluid and flushing out the system gets rid of dirt and deposits. The clean, fresh fluid lubricates and provides better corrosion protection.

So ask your Bonita Springs service advisor at Tuffy Bonita Springs or check your owner's manual to see when power steering service is recommended. It'll extend the life of your power steering components.

Tuffy Bonita Springs
27790 S. Tamiami Trail
Bonita Springs, Florida 34134
239-498-9940
https://www.tuffybonitasprings.com

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Tuffy Bonita Springs

Muffler: Victim of Winter (Muffler Repair)

May 12, 2024

So you almost got through the winter until, one day, your muffler started sounding like a dragster, loud and obnoxious. It's not surprising. All that road salt and brine can cause rust to punch holes in a muffler, and that should raise a big, red warning flag about the safety of your vehicle. O... More

Bonita Springs Drivers: Is It Time to Replace Your PCV Valve?

May 5, 2024

The crankcase is the lower part of the engine where the crankshaft is housed and where the engine oil lives. The crankshaft is connected to the pistons that power the engine. When you are diving around Bonita Springs, fuel is burned in your vehicle engine, it pushes the pistons down and the cra... More

Talk to Tuffy Bonita Springs About New Shoes for Your Vehicle

April 28, 2024

Custom wheels are one way that Bonita Springs folks express themselves and personalize their vehicle. But they aren't as cheap and easy as sticking decals on your back window. There are several factors that need to be considered, including cost, the fit of the wheel, modifications that will have... More