I ask as I realised today that my power steering works even when the engine's not running (I have a new Kia Cee'd ecodynamic diesel jobbie) and that it's completely in audible. I had expected to hear the whirring of pumps or at least the whining of a motor but even with the bonnet open, I can't hear a thing.
For the puzzled I should perhaps add that this assistance only works when the engine has stopped itself utilising its "stop/go" technology. Just turning on the ignition doesn't activate the power steering motors.
Tim