Electric power steering system (EPS) has become a staple in automobiles today. When it comes to choosing the power steering, you can opt from electronic or hydraulic systems. Both types are available, but most of the automakers are primarily incorporating EPS, given its popularity and the convenience it offers to motorists. Electric power steering has effectively won the race.
What is an Electric Power Steering System (EPS)?
An electric power steering system (EPS), as the name suggests, is an electrically powered system that downsizes the effort required by the driver to turn the steering wheel by a long margin. Unlike manual steering that demands a lot of force to manoeuvre the car, an electric steering wheel in a car makes it easier for drivers especially at slow turns like pulling into a parking spot, manoeuvring in a fully occupied fuel station, or turning at a 90-degree corner anywhere.
Working of Electric Power Steering System in a Car
As we have established that a power steering system, either electric or hydraulic, reduces the amount of force required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, we’ll now look at the working of an electric power steering system in a car.
Electric power-assisted steering uses an electric motor to draw the energy from the vehicle’s electrical system to gain leverage in steering. Therefore, the electric motor is either located directly on the steering rack or mounted on the steering column. The former is more common in expensive, high-end sports and luxury cars.
The electrical system has sensors to detect the torque or the effort that the driver applies. The Electric Circuit Unit (ECU) is also installed to decide the amount of assistance is required to turn the steering. With this knowledge, the ECU signals to apply increased efforts at highway speeds. Whereas, at parking speeds, the effort is light, making it easy for motorists to turn.
The Electric Circuit Unit also takes information from the traction control system and other areas in order to get appropriate reading. The unit will transfer this data to the motor so that accurate rotation is applied when steering the wheel,.
The Benefits of EPS
If you think an electric power steering system (EPS) is only there to make steering easier, here is a list of electric power steering system advantages:
- Fuel economy is improved as the electric motor draws the energy only when needed.
- Eliminates the hassle of hydraulic fluid maintenance.
- Enables driver-assist feature in which driver does not require to turn the wheels with steering input.
- The EPS can also provide add-on features like lane-keep assist, automated parking and lane changes, or the ability to guide the car around obstacles.
- The automatic pilot mode steers the car with the help of an onboard computer system.
- More tolerant of out-of-spec alignment settings as it uses software to recognize and compensate the steering.
- It can be automatically adjusted to a crosswind or crowned road surface.
Classification of Electric Power Steering System
The EPS is classified into four different categories based on the location of the electric motor.
- Column Assist: The assist unit connects to the steering column
- Pinion Assist: The assist unit is connected to the pinion shaft of the steering system, an arrangement that is particularly found in smaller cars
- Direct Drive: It features a combined unit of steering gear and assist unit
- Rack Assist: The assist unit is connected to the steering rack, which is usually found in mid to heavy sized vehicles
What to Do When the Electric Power Steering System Fails?
In case you can see symptoms of power steering system failure or are faulty, the general rule of the thumb is to pull over at the roadside for safety. Although it’s seemingly not quite a hazardous concern, but it is always safe to press the brakes gently and guide the car away from the heavy traffic.
A faulty power steering wheel can potentially change the direction of the moving vehicle. This may lead to car accidents that put the lives of the passengers and other travellers at risk. Therefore, pulling over should always be the first line of action when you detect that your power steering is no longer working properly.
The electric power steering systems have evolved over the years by incorporating advanced algorithms that have re-created the steering sensations, which was missing when switched from hydraulic units to the electric power steering systems. Nowadays, the latest EPS in the new car models by Porsche, Mazda, and GMC are intuitive. The motorists get to know what the front tyres are doing similar to the old hydraulic steering system. This is a significant development for automobiles as well as motorists.
Being inspired by the latest electric power steering system working and performance, if you want to change your hydraulic power steering with EPS, go ahead. A better idea could be buying a second-hand model that has an electric power steering system. A number of well-maintained used cars in Dubai are up for sale on dubizzle at affordable rates that have EPS integrated. Here are some popular brands that are listed on dubizzle featuring EPS and offering a smooth driving experience:
- Second-hand Mercedes-Benz for sale in Dubai
- Used BMW for sale online in Dubai
- Second-hand Audi in Dubai for sale
- Used Toyota in Dubai for sale online
- Used Mazda for sale in Dubai
- Second-hand Porsche for sale online in Dubai
- Second-hand GMC in Dubai for sale online
You will find an array of used but in good condition your favourite model by these and many other automakers on dubizzle.
Stay tuned to one of the UAE’s most informative blogs to get comprehensive details on various parts of vehicles.
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