The Importance of Properly Calibrating Your Steering System

One of the most important systems related to a vehicle’s safety and performance is the steering. A well-aligned steering system means that your vehicle will be responsive to the correct control and hence provide a smooth, controlled drive. If the system is not well-calibrated, you may face issues with handling, tire wear, and even safety hazards. At Exclusive Steering, we understand the importance of making sure that your steering system is properly calibrated and would like to give you expert insight into why this is so important.

What is Steering System Calibration?

Calibration of the steering system involves some adjustment and realignment of main components, like SAS, the power steering system, and an ECU to make them correctly function together. The steering angle sensor communicates with various safety and performance systems on your vehicle, including electronic stability control and adaptive cruise control. If the calibration is off, these systems will not work correctly, making unsafe driving conditions.

This is necessary after some maintenance activities, such as wheel alignments, suspension repairs, or steering component replacements. It helps the vehicle’s computer to accurately interpret your input to the steering, thus making it controllable and stable.

Why is Proper Calibration Essential?

A well-calibrated steering system is quite important for several reasons, which include safety, performance, and longevity of the vehicle. Here are some of the most key benefits related to proper calibration of your steering:

1. Improved Safety

The most important reason for the proper calibration of your steering for safety reasons. An out-of-alignment or ill-calibrated steering will give incongruous responses because the results of poor handling raise the risk of accidents. If SAS is not calibrated right, then the stability control system of your vehicle would not act the way it should; hence, making it difficult to regain control in hazardous driving conditions.

2. Better Performance

Proper calibration makes the vehicle responsive to your input in a very artful manner-smooth and balanced. With a properly aligned vehicle, you may get more predictability and a controlled driving experience with your car, whether at high speeds or maneuvering around tight corners. Calibration optimizes the car’s handling dynamics and, therefore, makes driving all the more pleasant and efficient.

3. Prevents Premature Wear and Tear

When your steering is off, the other parts of your vehicle, like tires, suspension and steering rack, have to work harder to compensate for it. That extra strain will result in premature wear and will be costly to repair later on. Calibration keeps the wear on your tires even, prolongs the life of your steering components, and helps to avoid costly damages.

4. Ensures Advanced Safety Features Work Properly

Most modern cars have advanced driver-aid systems, such as lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control, most of which depend on good input from your car’s steering. If it is out of alignment, it will affect features relying on correct steering input-features not doing their intended jobs and raising the chances of some sort of safety-related problem occurring.

When Should You Get Your Steering System Calibrated?

Knowing when to calibrate your steering system is just as important as understanding why it’s necessary. Here are the main situations when calibration is required:

1. After a Wheel Alignment

Any time your wheels are aligned, calibration of the steering system must be done. Alignment changes the geometry of the vehicle’s steering; without proper calibration, your car will not handle as intended.

2. Following Suspension or Steering Repairs

When replacements or repairs include suspension or steering components, including control arms, tie rods, or the power steering system, calibration will help make sure all new parts communicate correctly with the computer system within your vehicle.

3. After Airbag Deployment

If an airbag deploys, that can also change the position of the steering column and the angle sensor. If that happens, the system needs a recalibration for everything to work from electronic stability control down.

4. If You Notice Handling Issues

Pulling to one side, constant corrections, or not feeling centered while driving are signs that your steering system needs calibration. Other warning signs include unusual steering wheel vibration or inconsistent responses when turning.

Custom Steering Wheels and Calibration

Upgrading your steering wheel can dramatically change your driving experience, but it’s important to ensure that the new steering wheel is properly integrated with your vehicle’s system. For example, our Audi Steering Wheels are designed to enhance both the look and feel of your car while maintaining compatibility with your steering system.

Added services may also be necessary with a new steering wheel, such as the recalibration of the steering angle sensor, so your vehicle’s electronic systems will continue to operate properly. Without recalibration, warning lights would blink, and controls or stability-related features would not function properly. We would recommend going ahead with the service providers for an appropriate installation along with calibration.

If you’re considering an upgrade, Browse Our Custom Steering Wheels to find the perfect fit for your vehicle. Our selection includes high-quality, stylish steering wheels that not only improve aesthetics but also maintain the functionality and safety of your car’s steering system.

Trust Exclusive Steering for Expert Calibration and Customization

It is important that your steering is aligned for various reasons: it’s safe, improves performance, and gives better service to the vehicle. If you’re going to have a routine wheel alignment, upgrade your ride with a custom steering wheel, or change out key parts of the steering, it always needs to include calibration.

At Exclusive Steering, we are proud to provide the best in quality custom steering wheels and advice for looking after your vehicle’s steering system. We want you to drive confidently and effectively.For any inquiries about steering system calibration or custom steering wheel installation, feel free to contact us today. Our experts are here to help ensure that your vehicle performs at its best.