Trying to understand the complex workings of your car’s steering system can be a bit intimidating, but as a car owner, you cannot ignore it. By gaining a basic understanding of your car’s steering mechanism and alignment, you can increase your vehicle’s longevity, and ensure a trouble-free ride.
This guide will help you learn about the steering system of a car and how it works so that you can drive efficiently.
What is a Steering System in a Car?
The car steering control system comprises different parts that connect the car’s wheels to the steering wheel, including pinion, rack and steering shaft. The steering system is responsible for converting the steering wheel’s rotational motion into the front wheel’s angular turn while driving the car on the road.
Functions of Car Steering Control System
Manoeuvres the car based on the driver’s desired direction.
- Swings the car’s wheels left or right.
- Offers directional stability.
- Controls the amount of wear and tear that the wheels endure.
How Does the Steering Control System in Car Work?
While in the driver’s seat, you are in control of the steering wheel. Below this is the steering column along with an intermediate shaft running down to the car’s underside and the footrest. This shaft meets the steering rack, which controls the wheels of the car.
All these components work together to provide you with stability when steering your car. A combination of various pivoted joints is designed so that it can allow the car’s wheels to move in upward and downward directions along with the suspension. This is done without altering the car’s steering angle.
Types of Steering Mechanism
The steering system is getting more technologically advanced with time. These are some common car steering systems in use today.
Rack and Pinion Steering System
Most vehicles use the rack and pinion steering system. In this, the steering mechanism works to convert revolving motion into linear motion. This system features a circular pinion or gear that locks its teeth onto the rack. This mechanism transforms the rotation of wheels to offer more accurate tyre turns.
Recirculating Ball Steering System
Also called the worm and sector steering system, this mechanism is used in old cars and heavy-duty vehicles. In this, a shaft is rotated due to the rotation of the steering wheel. The sector gear moves because of the moving block, which results in the movement of the pitman’s arm, and, eventually, the vehicle.
Conclusion
At the core, this system links the inputs of the steering wheel to the front wheels’ orientation. This allows you to easily navigate your car, no matter what the terrain is like. Having proper knowledge of the steering system can help you drive confidently and safely.
Irrespective of what steering system your car uses, it is crucial to have car insurance to help you in unprecedented times. In case your car meets with an accident, your car insurance can prove extremely helpful, provided you opt for the right coverage.
A comprehensive car insurance policy provides you extensive coverage to protect yourself from various expenses related to car incidents like theft, damage due to man-made or natural incidents, third-party damages and accidents.
Therefore, to protect your car and yourself in such times, invest in a good four-wheeler insurance policy today.