Power steering gives drivers exceptional control of their vehicle under almost all circumstances. However, even with modern technological advances, it’s possible that power steering can fail unexpectedly. Knowing how to react calmly and safely in such scenarios is crucial to avoid accidents by maintaining effective control of your vehicle.
Recognizing the Signs of Power Steering Loss
It will be immediately obvious to an experienced driver that their vehicle has lost power steering. There will be a rapid, noticeable increase in the effort required to turn the steering wheel. The wheel will feel significantly “heavier,” demanding more physical effort from the driver to turn it in one direction or the other.
In some cases, power steering failure may be accompanied by unusual noises or vibrations. You or your passengers might hear a groaning, whining, or grinding sound coming from the steering system. Some vehicles may also have a power steering warning light on the dashboard that displays when an issue occurs. When this light comes on, there is an issue with the power steering system. If a power steering issue is caused by a vehicle flaw, this may be something that a car defect attorney can help with.
Maintaining Control of the Vehicle
A sudden loss in power steering is enough to unsettle even an experienced driver. However, if you find yourself in this situation, it’s vital to stay focused and calm. It’s human nature to panic, but doing so can hinder your judgment and ability to react appropriately to the citation.
As soon as the power steering goes out, take a firm grip of the wheel with both hands. Keeping a strong grip on the vehicle gives you improved control, especially when maneuvering or making a turn. Try to stay relaxed, as clenching your muscles can tire them out and reduce your ability to effectively control your car.
Once you have a firm grip on the wheel, start to slow down the car. You should not attempt to make sudden maneuvers or slam on the brakes to bring the car to a quick stop. Doing either of those things can reduce your control over the vehicle, potentially causing a crash. Instead, bring the car to a slow, controlled stop using a steady decrease in speed. Your goal should be to stay in complete control as you bring the car to a halt.
Adjusting Your Driving Technique
You may need to change your driving style to account for reduced control after the loss of power steering. Without power steering assistance, it will take more physical effort to turn the steering wheel. Leverage your upper body strength to help you turn the wheel more easily. Although it requires additional effort, your car should still be drivable.
Avoid making sudden or jerky steering movements. It can be challenging to compensate for aggressive maneuvers, and this can cause you to veer off course and hit another vehicle or the road’s median. Focus on smooth and deliberate steering inputs. Plan for lane changes and turns well in advance so that you can gradually alter the vehicle’s course.
Stop the Vehicle in a Safe Location
Your primary objective should be to get off the road and stop in a safe location. Keep an eye out for parking lots, a wide shoulder, or another safe area that does not have a high volume of traffic. Once you’ve identified a safe spot, maneuver your vehicle out of traffic. Be sure to clearly signal so that other drivers know what to expect as you merge across lanes. If you cannot reach a parking lot or park the car on the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights once you reach the shoulder and the vehicle is stopped.
Pull your vehicle over cautiously, being sure to prioritize the safety of everyone in your car. Bring your car to a complete stop on a level surface, while making sure you are not impeding the flow of traffic. When needed, you can also engage the parking brake to ensure your car does not roll.
Necessary Actions After Stopping
After pulling over, you should take a few moments to assess the situation. If you have some knowledge of cars, you may be able to spot the cause of the problem yourself. This allows you to provide guidance to the mechanic that will end up making the repairs. If the cause of the steering failure is not easily detected, you should have your car brought to an experienced mechanic as soon as possible for analysis.
If your car’s power steering system is completely inoperable, do not attempt to drive the vehicle once you have safely gotten off the roadway. Doing so may put you, your passengers, and other motorists at risk. Call a towing service and have your vehicle brought to a reputable mechanic for repairs.
If a temporary fix allows you to continue driving, such as topping up low power steering fluid, proceed with extreme caution. Stay alert for any signs of additional steering problems and have your car inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
By staying calm, focusing on maintaining control, and taking the necessary steps to pull over safely, you can navigate a loss of power steering situation effectively. We hope this article helps you stay safe if you encounter this problem while driving!