How to Reset Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care
Steering Assist is just one of the new, cutting-edge systems of a modern vehicle, systems aimed at making the driving experience safer and more comfortable. This feature in advance reduces the amount of effort required to steer, which provides smoother and more convenient to drive. However, sometimes a warning message may appear, stating, “steering assist is reduced drive with care”. While this is a worrying message for drivers, knowing what it means and what steps you need to take to resolve the error will ease the mind.
In this guide, we dig into the warning, why it’s happening, and most of all, what you can do to fix it immediately, so your vehicle doesn’t continue to compromise your safety or the safety of others.
What Does the “Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care” Mean?
The “steering assist is reduced drive with care” warning is an indication that something is amiss with your vehicle’s steering assist system, which is also commonly known as power steering. It dramatically reduces the physical effort needed to turn the steering wheel, improving not only driver’s comfort and control, but also that of his passengers.
It is also important to keep your steering wheel clean and devoid of scraps to also keen on smooth operation and minimize extra wear on the system. If the warning appears, it means either the system is partially disabled or is not working properly. And because of that, steering can become difficult, especially in low speed maneuvers like parking or turning in a tight turn.
This is intended to be important safety warning to warn the drivers to be gentle and to deal with the situation immediately. Failure to address it can result in driving conditions becoming more difficult to steer, additional vehicle component damage and even unsafe driving conditions. However, knowing what triggers this warning and running to the repair shop quickly will go a long way toward keeping your vehicle safe and performing optimally.
How Steering Assist Works
Steering assist is a modern vehicle feature which aid in steering performance. It decreases the physical effort that is needed to turn the wheel using electronic or hydraulic system. Here’s how the two common types of steering assist work:
1. Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS):
- Assists in steering by using hydraulic fluid pressurized by a pump.
- It is dependent on a belt driven pump connected to the engine.
- HPS systems are effective, but less energy efficient and more maintenance intensive than modern replacement systems.
2. Electric Power Steering (EPS):
- It uses an electric motor along with sensors to help steer.
- It monitors the driver’s input and adapts steering force according to that.
- It imparts better efficiency and reliability than the HPS systems.
The purpose of both systems is to deliver the smooth and responsive steering for driver comfort and control.
The Causes of Reduced Steering Assist
There are several simple and complex reasons for the reduced steering assist. Below are some common causes:
1. Low Power Steering Fluid (HPS Systems):
When the hydraulic fluid levels drop, it can compromise steering performance. The usual culprit is leaks in the power steering system.
2. Electrical Problems (EPS Systems):
Electric motor that powers steering aid can be disrupted by faulty wiring or blown fuses. The warning may also be triggered by a malfunctioning control module.
3. Faulty Sensors:
The operation of EPS systems depends on sensors for monitoring and adjusting steering. The system can become impaired through a sensor malfunction.
4. Battery or Alternator Issues:
Because EPS systems use electricity, a weak battery or failing alternator can hurt steering assist.
5. Steering Rack Problems:
This can cause reduced performance from the steering rack which connects steering wheel to the wheels.
6. Software Glitches:
The warning, in some cases, can come due to a temporary glitch in the vehicle’s software.
When Should You See the “Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care” Warning Message?
The warning message may appear under various conditions, such as:
1. Cold Weather:
Hydraulic fluid viscosity can be affected by extremely low temperatures, as EPS systems do rely on electrical components.
2. After Starting the Vehicle:
There may be a warning when the system takes a moment to calibrate briefly when starting. If it continues, it shows of a root problem.
3. During High Electrical Load:
Concurrent use of multiple electrical accessories (such as air conditioning, headlights, and infotainment systems) can be stressful to the vehicle’s battery, and affect performance of EPS.
4. While Turning:
The warning also appears when attempting to assist the system during steering maneuvers.
What to Do When You See the “Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care” Warning Message
When this warning appears, follow these steps to ensure safety and address the issue:
1. Pull Over Safely:
Slow down and stop in a safe place. Make no quick or sharp turns.
2. Restart the Vehicle:
Wait a minute, turn off the engine and restart. But it can also reset the system and clear any temporary glitches.
3. Check Power Steering Fluid (HPS Systems):
Check out the level of the fluid and add if needed. If you see leaks, have the ventilation system checked by a professional.
4. Inspect the Battery and Alternator:
Make sure the battery is charged enough, and the alternator is working okay.
5. Consult the Owner’s Manual:
Check the manual for the vehicle model for directions on how to deal with the warning message.
Why It’s Important to Get Your Vehicle Serviced
Ignoring the “steering assist is reduced drive with care” warning can lead to serious consequences. For a number of reasons, timely inspection is very important. Less steering assistance makes the control of the vehicle much harder, the risk of accidents being dramatically increased, especially in emergencies. Minor issues addressed early stop them from becoming costly repairs of major system failure.
Maintenance assures the steering assist system runs at peak performance and in a repeatable and trustable manner. Furthermore, failure to maintain your vehicle’s steering system in tip top shape can cause a significant decrease in the resale value of your car, and can make it more difficult to get good use out of it as well.
How do you Fix the Steering Assist System?
The root cause of the problem dictates exactly how to fix the steering assist system. Here are some common solutions:
1. Top Off or Replace Power Steering Fluid (HPS Systems):
Use the proper kind of fluid for your vehicle. If there are leaks, have them fixed.
2. Replace Faulty Components:
Always replace worn out parts (such as steering rack, sensors or control module, etc.) if needed.
3. Repair Electrical Issues (EPS Systems):
Repair faulty wiring, faulty fuses or faulty electric motor as needed.
4. Update Vehicle Software:
If you got glitches, take the system software to a dealership or qualified mechanic for an update.
5. Test and Replace the Battery or Alternator:
The electrical system has to ensure that the EPS system receives enough power.
6. Seek Professional Assistance:
For complex problems have a certified mechanic do a full diagnostic and repair.
Conclusion
The “steering assist is reduced drive with care” warning is a sign that your vehicle’s steering system needs attention. Though it may sound scary, once the causes are known, steps can be taken to resolve the problem. Maintaining your vehicle’s steering assist system is especially important for ensuring your vehicle is reliable and safe, and with regular maintenance, timely inspections, and addressing your problems early, you can keep your steering assist system in great shape. Whenever you’re in doubt, make sure to consult a professional mechanic to get your car back up and safe.
