Cars Before Power Steering: What Were They Like?

Millions of drivers have no comprehension of how different and difficult it would be to operate a car without power steering

. That particular operating knowledge resides within the senior population and with antique car fans and owners. Today's population is composed of two complete generations, with an upcoming third group, that have only driven cars manufactured with power steering. As long as car owners keep up the required maintenance schedule, to include power steering service, the steering will remain flawless and easy.

Those who learned to drive in the 1920s, 30s, 40s, and early 50s experienced the stiff hard turning and parking ratio behind a steering column without power steering. Yet there was another major component that contributed to the steering situation, the rear wheel drive. Power steering is controlled with front wheel drive, which makes maneuverability much easier and manageable.

History

Commercial power steering came into being with the 1951 Chrysler Imperial and then with the 1952 Cadillac. But the original concept of power steering can be traced back to 1876. The first patent to include power steering was U.S. Patent 646477, issued in April 1900. During World War II heavy military mobility equipment highlighted the need for steering maneuverability. That form of power steering greatly assisted the British and American armies. Today's highly refined system is the result of over 130 years of research, design and improvements.

Tires and Brakes

Besides not having power steering before 1951, car steering was governed by rear wheel drive. The tires had inner tubes and were not as wide as today's all weather tubeless tires. Cars required a second set of tires for colder weather and were appropriately named snow tires. Brakes on the older cars were hydraulic. Without modern anti-lock capability brakes that got wet due to standing water on roads often would malfunction and had to be pumped to help restore usability.

Seat Belts and Air Bags

Today's seat belts are designed more like a harness that constrains both the seat and upper body areas of riders. The older vehicles had seat belts that only strapped across the lap. Front seats were often bench style to accommodate three people with three lap belts. There was no buckle-up law and unless something or someone obstructed the rear view window, there was no limit on how many people could ride in the back seat. Air bags are a modern safety feature that undoubtedly has saved many lives every year. The form of air bags in older cars were those people carried in the event of someone getting car sickness. The older cars were much heavier, the speeds were lower and minor accidents or fender benders caused less damage to both riders and vehicles. Today's lighter, faster cars need the added safety features that help preserve life even when involved in minor mishaps.

Today's highly technical automotive vehicles are finely tuned machinery that may shortly be able to drive programmed routes by themselves but they will still need a licensed driver to be allowed on the open road. Antique cars with antique technology were the wonders of their day. They have priceless value for the history they represent which led the way to the cherished cars of today. These cars need to be enjoyed and remembered so that 50 years from now people will be telling their grandchildren what it was like to have to physically input an address into the GPS or to find a radio station by using a hand. The drivers of today are tomorrow's path to history.

by: D & D Autoworks

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