Skip to main content
power steering

power steering

8 3.3
A system that helps a driver turn the steering wheel with less effort
  • noun
  • /ˈpaʊər ˈstɪrɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : dirección asistida
  • The new car features advanced power steering that makes turning the wheel effortless.
  • power steering fluid
  • electric power steering
  • hydraulic power steering

Also, obviously no power steering, but that means good steering feel in this car.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • For a clean look and easy packaging, a popular choice is a GM Type II power steering pump that uses a remote reservoir.

    Blog text (12)
  • Features incorporated into the Legacy restorations include four-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, power steering, and leather interiors.

    Blog text (8)
  • I had a few problems with the power steering lines before.

  • Also, obviously no power steering, but that means good steering feel in this car.

  • No play from the power steering and super strong power brakes.

    Blog text (6)
  • I do not have power steering and after doing a shoulder workout turning my truck around a corner is hard.

  • Drive-by-wire electric power steering began appearing in production vehicles in 2001.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The electronic power steering system now has had some of its previous numbness dialed back.

    Blog text (8)
  • Power and control are enhanced via a supercharged 225-hp engine, computer command ride suspension, and variable-effort power steering.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Delphi has sold millions of its electric power steering units, which eliminate hoses, pumps, and hydraulic fluid.

    Academic text (2005)

Synonyms

power-assisted steering
vspower steering
  • Specialized
3.6

A system that helps you turn a car's wheels using engine or electric power

is the shorter common term rather than the longer explicit name

How Complex

power steering
  • Specialized
8 3.3
steering mechanism
  • Specialized
1 4.1
steering linkage
  • Specialized
6.5
steering gear
  • Specialized
4.0
tiller
  • Specialized
4 7.0
rudder
53 3.2

Surface Forms

Morphology

power + steering

The compound 'power steering' literally describes steering that uses power to assist the driver, so a learner who knows 'power' (energy/force) and 'steering' (directing a vehicle) can infer it is a powered system that makes steering easier. This is a regular noun–noun compositional pattern rather than an idiom, so the meaning is immediately accessible to B1 learners.

Etymology

Power steering comes from the literal idea of adding extra power to the car's steering. Imagine a heavy wheel that is hard to turn and a pump or motor gives a strong push to help you turn it easily, so the term means 'a system that helps the driver turn the steering wheel'.