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How can I tell if my car has electric steering?

I don’t really know what electric steering feels like, but my car apparently has it. I know most new vehicles come with electric steering, but what is it? How does it work?

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Jason Crosby · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Electric steering is somewhat of a new invention—but don’t get it confused with power steering, which is a more broad term. Cars typically had power steering starting in the mid-1960s, which uses hydraulic pumps to help drivers turn the wheels of the vehicle. Electric steering is a more modern method, which uses an electric motor instead of a power steering pump.
In all truthfulness, you may notice a small increase in the smoothness of the steering (in terms of cornering and maneuvering your vehicle) when compared with a hydraulic system, but most drivers aren’t going to be able to discern the difference. If your
power steering goes out
, though, you’ll definitely know. It will be extremely difficult (or even impossible) to turn your steering wheel. If this happens in traffic, the results could be deadly for yourself or others.
That’s why, even if you aren’t always aware that your power steering is helping, whether it be electric or hydraulic, you should have a technician check your power steering once a year during your annual inspection. Power steering makes driving a vehicle a lot easier—kind of like how
Jerry
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MORE: Pros and Cons of the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid Steering Yoke
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