What to Do When Your Car’s Power Steering Stops Working: A Step-by-Step Guide
It was a rainy evening, and I was heading home after a long day. I made a turn into a busy intersection when I suddenly realized something felt off. The steering wheel had become unusually stiff, and I had to exert a lot of effort to turn. It didn’t take long for me to realize that my car’s power steering had stopped working. The thought of driving without power steering on a slick road was not something I wanted to deal with, but here I was, trying to figure out what to do next.
Power steering is an essential feature in modern vehicles, making it easier to turn the steering wheel without putting too much effort into it. When it stops working, it can be alarming and dangerous, especially when you’re out on the road. In this article, I’ll share what I learned about dealing with power steering failure, from troubleshooting to deciding whether to repair it or call for help. Let’s dive into the steps you can take when your car’s power steering stops working.
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Understanding Power Steering and What Can Go Wrong
Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand what power steering is and how it works. Power steering helps you steer your vehicle with less effort. There are two main types of power steering systems: hydraulic and electric. Hydraulic power steering systems use fluid to help you turn the wheel, while electric power steering relies on an electric motor to assist with steering.
When I experienced power steering failure, it was because of a hydraulic issue. In many cases, power steering failure is caused by low fluid levels, a leak, or a problem with the pump. With electric power steering, the issue could be related to the motor, sensors, or wiring. Understanding what could be wrong with your system is key to figuring out the next steps.
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Signs Your Power Steering Has Stopped Working
If you're wondering how to tell if your power steering is malfunctioning, here are the key signs I noticed:
- Stiff Steering Wheel: The most obvious sign is a stiff steering wheel that requires a lot of effort to turn. It feels like you're trying to steer a vehicle without power assistance, which can be especially tiring in tight spots.
- Unusual Noises: I heard a whining or squealing sound when I turned the steering wheel, which was a sign of air in the power steering fluid or a problem with the pump.
- Difficulty Turning: As I tried to make sharp turns or maneuver at low speeds, the steering became even harder, which made it dangerous to navigate through traffic.
- Power Steering Fluid Leaks: One day, I noticed a puddle of red fluid underneath my car. This was a clear sign that my power steering fluid was leaking, which could cause a loss of power steering assistance.
What to Do If Your Power Steering Stops Working
If you find yourself in a situation where your power steering has stopped working, don’t panic. It’s important to take a systematic approach to figure out the cause and address the problem. Here are the steps I followed when my power steering failed:
1. Assess the Situation
First, I made sure I was in a safe place. Fortunately, I was already in a low-traffic area, but I would recommend pulling over to a safe spot as soon as possible. Once I stopped, I tried turning the steering wheel again to confirm that the issue wasn’t temporary. It became clear that the power steering wasn’t assisting at all.
2. Check for Leaking Fluid
The next thing I did was check for any fluid leaks, as this is one of the most common causes of power steering failure. I looked underneath the car and around the power steering reservoir for any signs of leaking fluid. Sure enough, there was a small puddle of red fluid. This indicated that I was low on power steering fluid, which was likely causing the issue.
Power steering fluid is essential for hydraulic systems, and without it, the pump can’t function properly. If you notice a fluid leak, it’s important to address it immediately, as continuing to drive with low fluid can cause further damage to the power steering pump.
3. Inspect the Power Steering Fluid Level
After noticing the leak, I checked the power steering fluid level. Most vehicles have a power steering fluid reservoir with a dipstick or a marking on the side to indicate the fluid level. I noticed that the fluid was below the minimum line, which confirmed that low fluid was the issue.
In this case, I topped off the fluid with the recommended type of power steering fluid and tried turning the wheel again. However, after a short time, the problem persisted, suggesting there was likely a deeper issue, such as a hose leak or a damaged power steering pump.
4. Look for Warning Lights
Another thing to check is whether there are any warning lights on your dashboard. With electric power steering systems, the car may display a warning light indicating that there’s a malfunction. In my case, there was no warning light, as my vehicle used a hydraulic system. But if you see a power steering warning light, it’s best to get your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic right away.
5. Try Turning the Steering Wheel at Low Speed
If your steering wheel is stiff, try turning at low speeds or while the car is parked. In my case, it was easier to turn the wheel at low speeds, but still very difficult at higher speeds or when trying to park. This can help you gauge the severity of the problem and determine whether the issue might resolve itself with fluid topping or if a more serious repair is needed.
When to Call for Help
While some issues, like low fluid, can be fixed temporarily, it’s important to know when you should call for professional help. I knew it was time to get assistance when I realized that the fluid leak wasn’t something I could fix myself and the steering continued to feel stiff even after topping off the fluid. At this point, I called for a tow truck to take my car to the mechanic.
If you don’t feel comfortable handling the repairs yourself or if the problem persists, it’s best to seek help from a mechanic. A professional can inspect the entire power steering system, identify any leaks or damage, and perform the necessary repairs to get you back on the road safely.
If you’re ever in a situation where your power steering fails and you need immediate assistance, I highly recommend reaching out to Rescue & Towing. They offer fast and reliable towing services to help you get your car to a trusted mechanic when you can’t fix the issue yourself.
