Chrysler introduced the first industry's successful power steering in 1951. By the start of the 1960s, power steering was an option or standard on all American-built vehicles.
In the late 1960s and into the early 1970s, the big steering wheel still graced steering columns. The large diameter of the steering wheel made the power steering very sensitive to input at higher speeds.
To reduce the input sensitivity, the diameter of the steering wheel was made smaller. Most vehicles today have a 14- or 15-inch steering wheel.
See BrakeandFrontend.com's A Brief History of the Steering Wheel & Power Steering to learn more.
The power steering system in your vehicle enables you to steer your vehicle in the direction you would like it to proceed. Find out how does power steering impact a vehicle's handling from YourMechanic.com.