The steering system includes a steering wheel, a steering column, steering gears, rods and levers. There are two types of steering mechanisms: rack and pinion type and pitman arm type. In the rack and pinion steering system, when turning the steering wheel, the pinion rotates and moves the rack from side to side, which then moves the front wheels. In the pitman arm system, a pivoting arm is used to move the front wheels. While the rack and pinion system is simpler, the pitman arm system can reduce the vibration from road to the steering wheel. Therefore, the rack and pinion steering system is desirable for small cars while the pitman arm steering system is often used on large cars.

Power steering uses a hydraulic mechanism to move the steering linkage, which makes it easier to turn the steering wheel.