EPS stands for Electric Power Steering, which is a system that uses an electric motor to assist the driver in steering the vehicle. Unlike hydraulic power steering, EPS does not use fluid to provide steering assistance, so there are no fluid levels to check. If the engine is off or if the power steering system becomes inoperative, the vehicle may still be steered, but it will require increased steering effort. The EPS warning light may come on if there is a fault with the battery or alternator, or if the car has recently been jump-started or the battery has been disconnected. When the EPS system performs diagnostics, the steering effort may be high immediately after turning the ignition switch on, but it will return to its normal condition once the diagnostics are completed. If the EPS system fails while the car is in motion, the driver may notice that the steering wheel suddenly becomes hard to turn. In this case, the EPS system must be repaired, and professional auto workshops use special test benches for car units diagnostics to diagnose the EPS system condition.