What to Do When Your Car’s Power Steering Goes Out

How to Handle a Power Steering Failure in Your Car

vbnet复制If you've ever been driving and suddenly felt the steering wheel become stiff and difficult to turn, you’ve likely experienced the dreaded power steering failure. It’s a scary moment that can catch you off guard, but knowing what to do when your car’s power steering goes out can help you stay safe and regain control of your vehicle. I’ve been there myself, and through trial and error, I’ve learned the best way to approach this situation. 1. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic The first thing to do when your power steering goes out is to remain calm. I know, it’s not easy when the steering becomes heavy, and your first instinct might be to panic. But it’s important to keep a clear head. Power steering assists in turning the wheels, making it easier to steer. When it goes out, the car doesn’t stop moving, but steering will require significantly more effort. 2. Try to Pull Over Safely The next step is to pull over to a safe spot as quickly as possible. It’s important to realize that even if the power steering is not working, your vehicle is still drivable. However, controlling the car will be much more difficult, especially at low speeds or while turning corners. It’s essential to get off the road and out of traffic to avoid any accidents or further complications. Once you’ve found a safe spot, shift the car into park, turn off the engine, and assess the situation. Take a deep breath and think through the next steps calmly. Most power steering failures happen for a few common reasons, so it’s important to narrow down the possible causes. 3. Check the Power Steering Fluid Level One of the first things I check when my power steering goes out is the fluid level. The power steering system in most vehicles relies on hydraulic fluid to assist with the steering. If the fluid is low or has leaked out, the system can’t function properly. If you notice a fluid leak under your car, that could be the culprit. To check the fluid level, look for the power steering fluid reservoir under the hood. It’s usually located near the engine, and the cap is often labeled for easy identification. Some cars have a dipstick on the cap, while others have a translucent reservoir that lets you see the fluid level without removing the cap. If the fluid is low, topping it off could restore power steering function. If your fluid looks dark, murky, or has a burnt odor, it might be contaminated and needs to be replaced. In some cases, you might need to call for roadside assistance to help you get your car to a service station. 4. Inspect the Serpentine Belt Another common issue that can cause power steering failure is a broken or loose serpentine belt. The serpentine belt connects the power steering pump to the engine. If the belt is damaged or loose, it won’t be able to turn the pump, causing the power steering to stop working. If you’re able to open the hood and inspect the belt, check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or wear. If the belt appears to be in good condition, check that it’s properly tightened. If you notice that it’s loose, it might need to be adjusted or replaced. A mechanic will need to take care of this for you if you don’t have experience with car repairs. 5. Check for Electrical Issues (If You Have Electric Power Steering) In some modern cars, power steering is no longer hydraulic but electric. This means the system is powered by an electric motor rather than a belt and fluid. If you have electric power steering, the issue might be electrical. A fuse might have blown, or there could be a problem with the electric motor. If you’re familiar with your car’s electrical system, you can check the fuse box and look for any blown fuses related to the power steering system. If you’re not comfortable doing this, it’s best to call for a professional to take a look. 6. Determine the Cause and Decide the Next Step After you’ve checked the fluid, belt, and electrical system, you should have a better understanding of the issue. If topping off the fluid didn’t fix the problem, or if you discovered a broken belt, it’s time to take your car to the mechanic for further inspection. In some cases, the power steering pump itself could be the problem, especially if you hear whining or groaning noises when turning the wheel. This can be a sign that the pump is failing, and it will need to be replaced. 7. Call for Help if Needed If you're unable to fix the issue yourself, don't hesitate to call for roadside assistance or tow your vehicle to the nearest auto shop. Sometimes, power steering issues can be complex, requiring specialized tools and expertise to diagnose and repair. It’s always better to seek professional help than risk driving with impaired steering. 8. Avoid Driving Until It's Fixed Driving without power steering isn’t impossible, but it’s extremely challenging. It’s especially difficult when turning at low speeds or parking. Until you’ve had the power steering system properly repaired, it’s advisable not to drive unless absolutely necessary. Continuing to drive with a faulty power steering system can worsen the problem and put your safety at risk. 9. Prevent Future Power Steering Failures After you’ve dealt with the immediate issue of power steering failure, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Regularly check the power steering fluid, and if you notice any signs of leakage, get it fixed right away. Keep an eye on the condition of the serpentine belt and replace it when necessary. Having your car regularly serviced will also help catch potential issues before they lead to a breakdown. Driving with functional power steering is something we often take for granted, but when it stops working, it can be overwhelming. By knowing what to do when your car’s power steering goes out, you can stay calm and act quickly to resolve the issue. Whether it’s a simple fluid top-up or a more serious mechanical issue, having the knowledge to troubleshoot the problem can make a big difference in getting you back on the road safely and efficiently.

What to Do When Your Car’s Power Steering Goes Out

How to Handle a Power Steering Failure in Your Car

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What to Do When Your Car’s Power Steering Goes Out

How to Handle a Power Steering Failure in Your Car

Auto Repair Shops Near Me

a1 towing and auto repair

tinos auto shop

3287 verdugo rd

autoworks mobile

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automotive repair columbus ohio

13443 freeway dr santa fe springs ca 90670

caliber collision bedford heights

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