PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
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?
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
makes saving the maximum amount on your car insurance easy, too. Jerry does all the paperwork for you and can even help cancel your old policy! And if you have any questions along the way, just text one of our agents through the app. They will always be there to assist you.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies