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