Brake & Steering: The 5-Minute Safety Audit

Quick Answer

Modern cars have electric steering and panic-braking sensors. A simple check isn't enough.

1. Steering Dead Zone: Wiggle the wheel at a stop. >1 inch of play is dangerous.

2. Rotor Lip: Run a fingernail to the edge of the brake disc. A deep ridge means it needs replacement ($500+).

3. ADAS Alignment: If the car pulls to the right, the Automatic Emergency Braking might look at the wrong lane.

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1. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) Test

Most cars post-2015 don't have power steering fluid. They use motors.

* The Check: With the car in "Park" and engine ON, turn the wheel lock-to-lock (all the way left, all the way right).

* Red Flag: Any groaning, whining, or "notchy" feeling (like the wheel is fighting you) indicates a failing EPS motor. This is often a $1,500 non-serviceable part.

2. The "EV Rotor" Problem

Hybrids and EVs (Prius, Tesla) use regenerative braking, so the physical brakes rarely engage.

* The Risk: The rotors rot from disuse.

* The Check: Look through the wheel spokes. If the shiny metal disk is pitted, brown, or covered in a "glaze," the brakes will be noisy and weak during a panic stop.

3. ADAS & Alignment

Modern safety systems (Lane Keep Assist) rely on the car driving straight.

* The Test: Drive at 40mph on a flat road. Center the wheel and let go for 1 second.

* Red Flag: If it drifts immediately, the alignment is out. On modern cars, a simple alignment ($300) might also require recalibrating the front camera/radar ($400+).

Summary

If the steering grinds or the car drifts, it's not just an annoyance—it's confusing the car's safety computer. Walk away or demand a full repair.

> Scan the Safety System

> MotorMigo scans the ABS and ADAS modules to see if the "Lane Keep Camera" is throwing hidden error codes that don't light up the dashboard.