Back to all

Steer Right in Lockport

October 2, 2022

Virtually all vehicles come with power steering, so many Lockport drivers have never driven a car or truck without it. Power steering assists you when you turn your vehicle steering wheel. Without it, it would be very hard to steer.

Now this power assist comes in a couple of forms. In recent years, a lot of vehicles have an electric motor that reduces steering effort and helps improve performance and handling.

The other kind of power steering is hydraulic. This is the kind most older Illinois vehicles — and a lot of newer ones — have. Power steering fluid is pressurized by a pump and is used to assist steering. Of course, vehicles need the right amount of fluid in the system. If it's too low, your steering is affected and you could damage your vehicle pump.

Also, power steering fluid can become corrosive over time and damage the pump, hoses and connectors, leading to leaks and repairs. Power steering service at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport in Lockport includes removing the contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid.

A word for Lockport drivers about power steering pumps: Some are powered by an electric motor. Others are driven by the serpentine belt. A worn serpentine belt stresses all of the vehicle components it drives, including the power steering pump, so replace the belt at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport as advised to avoid undue repairs.

Losing your power steering while driving in Lockport can be unsettling – just remember that you can still steer, it'll just be harder. Check with your service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport to see if it's time to service your vehicle's power steering system.

In addition to power steering service, at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Lockport we offer comprehensive automotive services.

Give us a call.

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

More articles from Tuffy Lockport

The Little Valve that Could (PCV Valve Replacement)

August 3, 2025

It's easy to get letters like PVC and PCV mixed up. PVC is a plastic that's used in a lot of things, especially plumbing pipes. And PCV is a valve that helps your engine burn off excess fumes rather than having them pollute our atmosphere. PCV stands for positive crankcase ventilation. When y... More

Your Vehicle's Other Power Plant (Alternator Replacement)

July 27, 2025

Your vehicle's engine is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a power plant. But it has another power source that is vital as well: the alternator. The alternator is what puts out the electricity that powers such things as your lights, power windows, sound system, and na... More

Out of Joint (CV Joint and Boot Replacement)

July 20, 2025

If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, it has components called CV joints which enable you to turn your wheels smoothly. The CV stands for constant velocity. In essence, its a set of gears that connect a shaft that allows power from the transmission to be sent to the wheels. When you turn the ... More