Check Our Honda Power Steering
Today, almost all cars are coming with power steering as a standard. Trucks not being left behind. Power steering helps in steering the car and offers great handling during driving.
You no longer have to stain turning your wheels. As the name suggests, power steering utilizes a series of hydraulic power to make it easier for you to operate the car.
How does power steering work?
The design may vary but most of the vehicles use some form of hydraulic power. The general setup may involve a sensor that is attached to the steering wheel.
This is able to detect the torque of the car and the direction the driver is turning to. The sensors also detect the force at which the driver is turning the wheel hence know accurately the kind of assistance to offer the driver.
The power steering setup will also have the hydraulic pump. Its purpose is to raise the pressure to almost 100 times the normal. You will also have the hydraulic pressure fluid that helps directs the steering wheel. Lastly, you will have a set of actuators that help push the front wheels in a certain direction.
The goal of having a power steering is to help in vehicle handling. This means it regulates the sensitivity of the steering wheel to the wheels. When your power steering fails or becomes hard to operate the cause could be loss of hydraulic fluid, pump failure or loss of power due to engine failure.
If you are experiencing power steering failure then it will affect other car systems related to steering. The power steering is meant to reduce drag and this means the manufacturers factored this in their wheel geometry. It can be frightening driving at high speeds only for your power steering to fail.
When this happens one of the first things you should avoid doing is hitting the brakes hard. If the failure of the power steering is due to power loss it will affect the braking system also. In this instance you will find it harder to turn the wheels but you need to try and bring the car to a halt. Have your hazard lights on and call your mechanic.
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Types of fluid
It is imperative that you choose the right power steering fluid for your Honda. With the advancement of technologies, power steering is one of those things your car cannot leave without.
Most cars have a specific fluid recommended for their cars. Choosing the wrong steering wheel fluid may result to your car not performing optimally.
Most of the cars in the market prefer synthetic based hydraulic fluids. This offer longevity, pump lubrication, and help you feel your power steering more. Some of the ATF fluids in the market include Mercon, Dexron ATF+4 and Type F.
There is some universal power steering fluids that can work in a variety of cars. However, you will need to check the kind of additives added to the fluid. Some of this compounds may react with your pump and offer less corrosion protection. The right power steering fluid should have the right viscosity.
It should also be compatible with your PS fluid. Most of the Japanese and European cars have their own specifications for a power steering fluid. In fact, Japanese cars like Honda will come with their own unique PS fluid specifications. To ensure you have the right fluid ensure it meets the requirements of the OEM.
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How to choose the right power steering fluid
Always go for quality
One of the top things you need to be on the lookout for when purchasing a power steering fluid for your Honda is the quality of the fluid. Quality does not mean you go for the most priced steering fluid in the market.
It just means that the Honda power steering fluid that you go for is manufactured under stringent standards and passes various regulatory tests. Brands from well known lubricant companies are preferred as the companies have established for themselves a reputation for quality standards.
Fluid that leads to efficient operation of all systems
One of the key ways to know that you have purchased the right Honda power steering is how it responds on the various power steering components. If it helps reduce drag and makes it easier to turn the wheels then that is the right fluid for your Honda. Your mechanic can recommend the best product in the market.
Compatibility
Another characteristic you should be on the lookout for when purchasing Honda power steering fluid is how compatible it is with your car systems. If you make the mistake of going for cheap steering wheel fluid then you will find yourself with damaged racks.
Long lasting
Lastly, the right Honda power steering for your car should be long lasting and be low maintenance. You do not want to have to keep changing your fluid after every few miles.
Power steering fluid duration will depend on how aggressive you are in driving. A driver who is used to fast turns will wear out the fluid faster than one who just uses their car for city traffic. However, the most common problem for the power steering is loss of engine power.
How to check Power steering fluid level
Once you have identified the right power steering fluid for your Honda the next step is to learn how to check the fluid level. The power steering pump is often located on one side of the engine.
On top of the pump is the reservoir. Your car manual will provide in-depth details as to its location. The reservoir operates like the oil one. You will find a dipstick with markings for low and high. If it is low refill you reservoir to the recommended levels. Make sure you do not overfill the reservoir beyond the high markings.
The power steering fluid is subject to expansion. You will need to take readings depending on outside temperatures. If it is very hot then the fluid will expand and the correct reading will be the hot full mark, if it is cold check out the cold full mark.
As you continue using your car the power steering fluid will change in texture. Normally most of the power steering fluids are bright in color. It is usual to have colors like pink, amber or red. However, when it turns into a darker color then know it is time to have your fluid changed.
The dark color is as a result of oxidation. It can also become foamy making it hard to operate the power steering. Another thing you need to be on the lookout for is traces of metal in the steering fluid.
There some chemical strips that you can purchase from the auto stores that show you the metal levels. Some common metals you may find include iron, nickel or copper.
Conclusion
The power steering fluid plays a vital role in helping you steer the car. It utilizes a system of hydraulic power to assist you in having better control of the car. Today, almost all modern cars come with power steering as a standard.
Most of the power steering fluids in the market are made from synthetic oil or are mineral based. In most cases additives are added to prevent corrosion and foaming.
