Back to all

Steer Right in Grand Rapids

February 25, 2018

Virtually all vehicles come with power steering, so many Grand Rapids 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 Michigan 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 Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids includes removing the contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid.

A word for Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids as advised to avoid undue repairs.

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

In addition to power steering service, at Tuffy Grand Rapids we offer comprehensive automotive services.

Give us a call.

Tuffy Grand Rapids
616.452.4425
610 28th St. SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49548

More articles from Tuffy Grand Rapids (28th St.)

Command Performance (Engine Air Filter)

March 9, 2025

The internal combustion engine in your vehicle counts on two things that mix together to be burned in the engine for power: fuel and air. Both are important, of course. If you run out of fuel, your engine wont run at all. Since theres plenty of air around, you wont run out of air, but you coul... More

Full of Hot Air (Air Conditioning)

March 2, 2025

In warm weather, you want to be in a cool vehicle. When we're talking cool, we don't mean stylish or trendy, but cool as in not sweltering inside. And if your vehicle's air conditioner stops working correctly, it seems to always break at the worst timeduring a heat wave. Automotive air conditio... More

In a Fog (Fogged Windows in Cold Weather)

February 23, 2025

It's bad enough in cold weather when ice and snow block your visibility. Add to that fog on the inside of your windows and you could be driving blind. So here are a few tips on how to keep your windows from fogging up when there's a chill in the air. You probably know fog is really condensation... More