Hydraulic Power Steering vs Electric

Power Steering is a feature in cars that helps the driver turn the wheels through the steering wheel. Without power steering, you as a driver would exert extra effort to turn the car, you know, friend. With power steering, the steering wheel can be turned more easily due to the assistance of a lubricant or motor drive.

Power Steering was first patented in 1900 by Robert Twyford. In this modern era, power steering is widely installed in common cars. This feature has been considered a standard component of a car.

Based on its type and working mechanism, power steering is divided into hydraulic and electric types. Both consist of different components and have their own advantages and disadvantages. What are the differences between hydraulic and electric power steering?

Hydraulic Power Steering

As the name suggests, this power steering applies a hydraulic working system. A hydraulic working system means using fluid or liquid, namely oil, as a driving medium. The engine will drive the pump to distribute oil to the power steering system.

With the advancement of time, hydraulic power steering has undergone innovation, namely the installation of speed-sensitive steering. With this innovation, the flexibility of the steering can be adjusted according to the speed of the car. The faster the car goes, the heavier the steering will be to turn, and vice versa, when the car slows down, the steering will be easier to turn. This can keep the car stable while in motion.

The hydraulic power steering type is the most widely used in the automotive world, from large trucks to regular cars.

Electric Power Steering

Unlike the hydraulic system that uses fluid in the form of oil, electric power steering uses an electric motor or computer to facilitate the rotation of the steering wheel. In addition, the sensitivity of the steering can be adjusted directly with the speed of the car. This illustrates the practicality and sophistication of electric power steering.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The hydraulic system has advantages in its strength. Meanwhile, hydraulic power steering is very easy to maintain and is generally sold at a lower price. However, hydraulic power steering has the potential to burden the engine, causing fuel consumption to be more wasteful. Moreover, the oil hose in the hydraulic system can leak and cause damage.

On the other hand, the electric system, which does not use pumps and hoses, operates more effectively than the hydraulic system. The electric system does not excessively drain fuel and is also easy to maintain. Unfortunately, its components are vulnerable to water. Additionally, electric power steering typically only lasts up to five years or 100,000 KM.

Besides hydraulic and electric power steering, there is also a type that applies a combination of both. The combination of hydraulic and electric creates a type of power steering called electro-hydraulic or often referred to as semi-electric.

This type applies both working systems simultaneously. The power steering pump is not directly connected to the engine but is supported by an electric pump.

Now, friend, you know the difference between hydraulic power steering and electric power steering. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing power steering, you should adjust the specifications to your capacity in maintaining the car. This is important, you know. If the specifications are different, the maintenance will also be different.

Don't underestimate power steering, friend. This device can help you when parking or turning at low speeds. Just imagine if your car is stuck in traffic on a hill and stops right at a corner. Wow, that's why you should use power steering!

Read also: Causes of Power Steering Damage in Cars