Definition

1. Noun:
   • Automotive steering system with power amplification: A system in a motor vehicle where an engine-powered mechanism (hydraulic or electric) supplements the driver's physical effort to turn the steering wheel, making it easier to steer, especially at low speeds or when the vehicle is stationary.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Most modern cars are equipped with power-assisted steering as a standard feature.
  • Turning the heavy truck was effortless thanks to its reliable power-assisted steering.
  • The mechanic diagnosed a leak in the power-assisted steering fluid reservoir.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: The term is often used in technical manuals, automotive reviews, and repair contexts to specify the type of steering system, distinguishing it from purely manual steering or fully electronic steer-by-wire systems.
  • The vehicle's specifications list power-assisted steering with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency.

Variants and Related Words

• Power steering (n): A common abbreviated synonym for "power-assisted steering." While often used interchangeably, "power steering" can sometimes refer more broadly to any system that reduces steering effort.
  • The classic car was retrofitted with modern power steering.
• Steering assist (n): A more general term for the function of aiding the driver's steering input, which can be a component of power-assisted steering systems.
• Hydraulic power steering (n): A specific type of power-assisted steering that uses pressurized fluid.
• Electric power steering (EPS) (n): A specific type of power-assisted steering that uses an electric motor.

Synonyms

• Power steering: The most frequent and direct synonym.
• Assisted steering: A less common but accurate synonym emphasizing the assist function.

Related Phrases

• To have power-assisted steering: A phrase describing a vehicle's equipment.
  • Does this model have power-assisted steering?
• Failure of the power-assisted steering: A phrase used to describe a malfunction.
  • A warning light indicated a failure of the power-assisted steering.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to a system that the driver's muscular force. It does not describe autonomous steering or systems that steer independently of driver input. The core meaning is the mechanical or electronic amplification of the driver's own steering effort.

Noun

1. automotive steering where engineer power amplifies the torque applied to the steering wheel