How long is my MOT valid for?

 Many modern cars have a rack and pinion steering arrangement. The universal joints, primary and intermediate shafts, and the steering rack or gearbox are all part of the rack and pinion.

This central device receives input from the driver via the steering wheel and steering column and provides a mechanical signal to the tie rods and steering shafts, allowing for smooth and efficient left and right turns.

Check MOT expiry date for your car and have the problem fixed if you're having steering troubles. A malfunctioning steering rack is characterised by an unusually tight steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, grinding noises when steering, and a burning oil odour.

When a mechanic carries out a routine full service, many garages offer a 50 plus point check of the car. These checks allow a mechanic to identify any other issues in the car that need to be addressed immediately or in the very near future.

What Happens If I Don’t Service My Car?

A vehicle service completed as per manufactures schedule makes sure that your car runs safely. You risk unknown damage to your vehicle if you don't do this, whether it's general wear and tear or an engine problem. Mechanics will detect deterioration during a service, which can save you money over the long term by preventing you from having to pay to replace the part (if repairs are possible). Your car may also become slow and sluggish as your engine efficiency and fuel economy decline, reducing your vehicle's typical life span.

When Should You Service a Car?

A full service should be performed on a vehicle every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, according to the manufacturer's schedule and mechanics' recommendations. Some mechanics recommend that you have your automobile serviced every six months to have your lights, steering, brakes, and tyres checked (depending on how often you drive).

However, the steering rack will eventually wear out. Repairing this critical component quickly and efficiently can make the difference between a small inconvenience and a substantial mechanical replacement.

If you check your cars MOT history online and establish that a previous MOT test failed due to a play in the steering, then this could well have been related to a faulty steering rack.

The steering rack is the nerve centre of the steering system. The ability to drive your car is affected when it wears down or completely breaks. This can be highly dangerous if it occurs while you are driving. Being aware of the warning indications of a poor or malfunctioning steering rack or gearbox can save you money, time, and lessen the risk of a crash for these (and other) reasons.

As previously stated, if you run an online MOT history check and find that a previous MOT test failed owing to heavy steering, a faulty steering rack could have been to blame.

The following are several indications or warning signals that indicate a potential problem with your steering rack:

1.      Tight and Heavy Steering Wheel - Hydraulic pressure powers today's rack and pinion steering systems, allowing for effortless and quick steering wheel manipulation. Excessive heat build-up in the steering rack, or a lack of hydraulic pressure from the power steering unit, causes the steering wheel to feel tight or difficult to operate. In any event, it's a problem that won't go away, thus it should be checked up by a qualified mechanic as soon as feasible. Adding more power steering fluid or making a minor adjustment will sometimes solve the problem and help your steering rack last longer. If you check MOT history of your car, a common reason for failure is low power steering fluid.

2.      Power Steering Fluid Leaks - As previously said, low power steering fluid can indicate tight steering. Because the steering box is hydraulically driven, the fluid levels will not drop until there is a leak elsewhere in the system. When power steering fluid starts to leak, it indicates a loose fitting, a broken gasket, or some technical issue that needs to be fixed right away. If this is not done, excessive heat will build up in the steering rack, potentially damaging other components and leading to a collision.The fragrance of leaking steering fluid sets it apart from other fluids because it smells like burning oil. It will be crimson or pink in colour and dripping out the back of your vehicle. If you detect this type of fluid under your car, contact a mechanic as soon as possible to have the leak evaluated and repaired before it does further damage.

3.      Grinding Sounds When Steering - Lack of proper lubrication and service is the most common cause of a defective or failing steering rack. When you turn left or right, the excess heat causes metal-on-metal contact, resulting in a loud grinding noise. This sound is most noticeable while turning and hitting a bump at the same moment, such as when driving into a driveway. If you hear a grinding sound when steering left or right, contact a trained car mechanic immediately away so they can identify the problem and, if necessary, replace the steering rack.

4.      Smell of Burning Oil - This is a less typical symptom of a damaged steering rack. When the steering gearbox is hot, the strong odour of burnt oil will be present because power steering fluid smells like burnt oil. If this happens, pull over quickly, find a safe parking spot, and contact a mechanic as soon as possible. When a steering gearbox overheats, continuing to drive can end in a fire and devastating damage.

How Long Does a Car Service Take?

Depending on the vehicle and how easy it is to access the necessary components, an interim service will take around an hour and a half to complete. If several issues are detected, this time may increase. A full service, by definition, is more extensive and will take longer to complete, typically three hours.

Is It Illegal to Not Service Your Car?

Servicing your vehicle, unlike a MOT, is not a legal obligation, nor is it a prerequisite for validating your vehicle insurance.

Although frequent car service is not required by law, it is strongly advised because, without it, the condition of your car might degrade, jeopardising your vehicle's safety and performance, as well as potentially triggering costly repairs.

In every vehicle using a rack and pinion steering system, the steering rack is crucial. If you see any of the above symptoms or warning signs, contact a skilled mechanic in your area right away to have any damage diagnosed and repaired or carry out a steering rack replacement.