Power steering and power brakes are arguably the two automobile features with the greatest impact on driving ease. They might be more important than the invention of automatic transmission. Switching the gears manually might annoy some people, but it does not require much strength. Turning the wheel without power steering or pressing down brakes without power brakes used to be strenuous tasks.
Then came power steering and brakes: Basically, a fluid works as an intermediary between driver and function. With power brakes, pushing the pedal exerts pressure on a specially calibrated liquid that puts its own pressure on the brakes. The driver does not need to sweat to bring the car to a stop.
Therefore, when power steering and power brakes shut down, a driver has cause for concern. It could be dangerous because very few drivers are adept at driving without these amenities. It could also signal other defects in your car.
Power steering loss has a number of causes. There's a hose clamp that connects the fluid hose to the steering fluid cooler. Even a minor opening in this clamp's seal could allow fluid to leak. As fluid leaks, power steering flags over time. Turning the wheel is not only more difficult, but this condition damages the steering pump.
A preventative measure: If you buy a car at a dealership, ask the dealer to check the power steeling clamp to make sure it is both new and working properly.
Another cause of power steering loss is a pump failure because of a puncture in the fluid hose. Like with an ineffective clamp, the warning of a hose deformity will be difficulty in simple steering.
When it comes to brake fluid, a driver must allow only an approved type of fluid into the brake lines.
Incremental, partial loss of brake pedal firmness is only natural: Brake fluid levels fall a little as the brakes age. But if the level of firmness drops drastically, the car needs a mechanic's immediate attention.
If you're driving, and the brakes suddenly feel much softer when you press them, stop the car. Press the brakes in repetitions as you stop. This helps build more pressure in the ailing brake lines. Gradually pull on the hand brake at the same time.
Drivers don't have to wait for mechanical failures to take action. You can easily prevent the stress and safety risks associated with brake loss if you take a simple precaution: regular servicing.
