Troubleshooting a Failing Power Steering System and the Importance of Checking MOT History

 

Power steering is an essential part of a modern car. It allows the driver to steer the vehicle with minimal effort, making it much easier to maneuver, especially at low speeds. However, like any other system in a car, power steering can fail, and when it does, it can make driving much more challenging and even dangerous.

There are several signs that your power steering system is failing. The most obvious one is that the steering wheel becomes harder to turn. If you notice that it takes more effort than usual to turn the wheel, especially at low speeds, then there's a good chance that your power steering system is failing.

Another sign is a whining noise coming from the engine bay when you turn the steering wheel. This noise is caused by the power steering pump struggling to provide enough pressure to the system. If you hear this noise, you should have your power steering system checked as soon as possible.

Other signs of a failing power steering system include vibrations in the steering wheel, uneven tire wear, and leaking power steering fluid. If you notice any of these signs, you should take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.

If you're buying a used car, it's essential to check MOT history of your vehicle's before making a purchase. MOT stands for "Ministry of Transport," and it's a test that all cars in the UK must pass to ensure they're roadworthy. The test covers several areas, including the power steering system.

To check a car's MOT history, you can use the government's online tool. You'll need the car's registration number, and there's a small fee to access the information. Once you have the car's MOT history, you can see if it has ever failed an MOT test due to problems with the power steering system.

If the car has failed an MOT test due to power steering issues in the past, it's a good sign that the system has a recurring problem. You should ask the seller about any repairs or maintenance that has been done to the power steering system and have it inspected by a mechanic before making a purchase.

If you're experiencing problems with your power steering system, there are several things you can do. The first step is to check the power steering fluid level. If it's low, you can top it up yourself using the correct fluid for your car. However, if the fluid level is fine, you should take your car to a mechanic for a diagnosis.

A mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem with your power steering system and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, it may be a simple fix, such as replacing a worn-out belt or a faulty pump. In other cases, the entire power steering system may need to be replaced.

If you need to replace your power steering system, it's essential to use high-quality parts. Cheap, low-quality parts may seem like a good deal at first, but they're likely to fail much sooner than high-quality parts. You should also choose a reputable mechanic who has experience working with power steering systems.

In conclusion, a failing power steering system can make driving much more challenging and even dangerous. If you're experiencing problems with your power steering, you should have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. If you're buying a used car, it's essential to MOT history check of your vehicle's to see if it has any recurring problems with the power steering system. And if you need to replace your power steering system, be sure to use high-quality parts and choose a reputable mechanic to do the job.