Virtually all vehicles come with power steering, so many Reno and Sparks 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 and feel like you were wrestling with the wheel.

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

The other kind of power steering is hydraulic. This is the kind most older Nevada vehicles — and a lot of newer ones — have. Pressurized by a pump, power steering fluid is used to assist steering. Vehicles need the right amount of fluid in the power steering system. If the fluid level too low, your steering is affected and you could damage your vehicle pump.

Power steering fluid can become corrosive over time, damaging the pump, hoses, and connectors. This leads to leaks and repairs. Power steering service at Wayne’s Automotive Center in Sparks includes removing the contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid.

A word for Reno and Sparks drivers about power steering pumps: Some are powered by an electric motor. Others are driven by the serpentine belt. When a serpentine belt becomes worn it stresses all of the vehicle components it drives, including the power steering pump. Replace the belt at Wayne’s Automotive Center as advised to avoid undue repairs.

Losing your power steering while driving in Reno or Sparks can be unsettling – just remember that you can still steer, it’ll just be harder. Check with your service advisor at Wayne’s Automotive Center to see if it’s time to service your vehicle’s power steering system.

In addition to power steering service, at Wayne’s Automotive Center we offer comprehensive automotive services.