What is the function of the power steering system in a vehicle?

• A. To provide hydraulic or electric assist to reduce steering effort and improve control.
• B. To increase steering effort to improve feedback.
• C. To lock the steering for safety during parking.
• D. To change the gear ratio in the steering system.

Answer: (A)

Power steering is there to make steering the road easier by providing hydraulic pressure or electric assist to the steering gear. This reduces the effort needed to turn the wheel, especially at low speeds or when parking, and helps you steer with more control and precision. It isn’t about making steering harder, it isn’t a mechanism to lock the steering, and it doesn’t set a fixed steering gear ratio. Some systems can vary assist depending on speed or conditions, but the core purpose is to aid steering effort and control.