Back to all

Stay Headed in the Right Direction, Lockport

July 30, 2022

Power steering is standard on nearly every vehicle in Lockport, Illinois, these days. Now there are some exotic, new types of power steering systems, but for the most part, the general setup is a pump that's driven by a belt powered by the engine.

Contact the automotive professionals at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport in Lockport for questions about your power steering.

The pump generates power that assists drivers as they steer their vehicle around Lockport, Illinois. Power steering systems use hoses to move pressurized fluid back and forth. These hoses can develop leaks so it's a good idea to have Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport inspect them at every oil change.

A check of the power steering fluid level is on the list for every full service oil change at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport because low fluid can damage the power steering pump. And the fluid needs to be compatible with the hoses and seals, so it's important to use the correct type – just ask your service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport.

In addition to providing a boost, the fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. Over time, the lubricants and detergents diminish so Lockport drivers need to replace their old fluid with clean, fresh fluid periodically.

Excess moisture can collect in the power steering fluid as well. That can lead to rust and corrosion as well as reduce the effectiveness of the fluid. Many outline power steering service intervals in the owner's manual. Unfortunately, this service is sometimes left off the maintenance schedule. For Lockport drivers who are not sure, every two years is a good rule of thumb. 

At Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport, we use a detergent to clean the system, flush out the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.

Now, if you are experiencing high steering effort, erratic power assist or loud whining coming from the pump, you may have a power steering problem. Another sign is having to frequently top off the fluid.

Holding the steering wheel to the far right or left for more than a few seconds at a time can wear your pump out quickly. We want you to be sure to service your power steering system regularly at your service center, or Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport in Lockport, to keep you headed in the right direction.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport
600 E 9th Street
Lockport, Illinois 60441
815-838-3700

More articles from Tuffy Lockport

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport: Serpentine Belt Tensioner

April 14, 2024

The serpentine belt tensioner applies pressure to the serpentine belt, maintaining optimal tension to drive the accessories like the alternator and A/C compressor. At Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport we know that the service life of the belt tensioner is the same as the belt itself, so t... More

Them's the Brakes (Brake Rotor Resurfacing)

April 7, 2024

Your vehicle's brakes wear out. It's inevitable. You'll notice it when you step on the brake pedal and feel it harder to stop, or there's vibration when you are braking. Most modern vehicles have disc brakes that each use a brake pad that press on a disc (disc brakes!) called a rotor. The fric... More

The Engine Gets a Boost (Turbocharged Engine Maintenance)

March 31, 2024

If someone told you that your vehicle could have the same power but with a smaller engine, wouldn't that sound like great idea? Just think, a smaller engine would save you money at the gas station and you'd still get the same horsepower. The technology to do just that has been around for a long t... More