A
Absorption:
Steering absorption ensures that the steering wheel never turns too quickly.
Assistance:
Is delivered by the power steering. Mechanical steering is when only the force exerted by the driver on the steering wheel turns the car.
D
Directional stability:
The ability of the vehicle to continue on a straight path without moving the steering wheel.
R
Returnability:
Returnability ensures that the steering wheel always returns to center, guaranteeing that the vehicle continues on a straight path.
S
Stability limit:
The narrow range in which a car drives through a curve, for example, without swerving or becoming uncontrollable.
S
Steering power:
The effort that the driver must exert in order to move the steering.
S
Steering response:
The ability of a vehicle to cleanly and directly perform steering commands while driving on a straight path.
Key Developments In The History Of Steering
Power steering: This assisted steering is one of the greatest evolutionary steps in steering technology. It boosts the driver’s steering power hydraulically. Before power steering, parking a car was an involuntary workout. Only with the advent of the power steering system could larger and heavier vehicles be offered to a greater pool of customers, notes Koch.
Servotronic: The next development in hydraulic power steering was Servotronic, which makes it possible to adjust the amount of steering assistance to suit the speed of the vehicle, explains Koch. Since Servotronic assists with maneuvers, little effort is required from the driver. And it provides stability at higher speeds. In contrast to plain power steering, both are now possible. Koch adds, “So not only is it easy to park, it also delivers sharp handling when driving fast, with the focus on driving pleasure.”
Electric power steering: Koch calls electric steering the “Big Bang” in steering history. It offers the advantages of Servotronic, while saving on fuel because the EPS (Electric Power Steering) motor only uses electricity when it is actually used to steer. As cars spend most of the time driving straight ahead, this plays an active part in reducing consumption, which translates into fuel savings of a good three percent. It doesn’t sound like much, but the impact is enormous. EPS makes all steering functions possible, from parking assistance through to autonomous driving.
Rear-wheel steering: This further assists the agile driving performance of a vehicle. It enhances the vehicle’s lane stability at higher speeds (the rear wheels turn in tandem with the front wheels) and improves the car’s maneuverability at lower speeds (the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels). This significantly reduces the turning radius. Rear-wheel steering “drops” the car handling feel by one car class. BMW offers rear-wheel steering for the new BMW 5 Series and other models.
