Can I drive with the steering wheel light on?
Typically, you should not continue driving when a steering wheel warning light is on. It usually signals a safety-critical fault—often related to airbags (SRS) or electric power steering—that needs a professional check.
The exact meaning can vary by vehicle, so it’s important to identify what your car’s light is telling you and act quickly. Below is a practical guide to understanding common causes and the steps you should take.
Possible meanings of the steering wheel light
These are the most common reasons you might see a steering-wheel-related warning. The exact symbol and behavior depend on your car’s make and model, so consult the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle.
- Airbag/SRS warning: The airbags and pretensioners may not deploy correctly in a crash, or the system may be disabled.
- Electric power steering (EPS) fault: Steering assist may be lost or reduced, making the wheel feel noticeably heavier, especially at low speeds.
- Steering column or sensor fault: Issues with steering-angle sensors, wiring, or the steering column components.
- Driver-assist or related system fault: Lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, or other steering-related features may be disabled or behave erratically.
Note: Some vehicles display a steering wheel icon differently or pair it with another symbol. A persistent light should be treated as a warning, not a normal status.
Airbag/SRS warning details
If the airbag system is indicated as faulty, airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and related safety systems may not operate as designed in a crash. Professional inspection is essential.
Power steering fault details
Loss or reduction of steering assist can make steering heavier, increasing effort and reducing maneuverability. This is especially risky at low speeds, parking, or during emergency maneuvers.
Other steering-related faults
Sensor or module faults can affect stability controls and driver-assist features. A diagnostic check will pinpoint the exact faulty component and needed repairs.
What to do if the steering wheel light comes on
Before you decide what to do next, take a moment to assess the situation and plan a safe course of action. The following steps help you handle the warning responsibly.
- Check the owner’s manual to identify the exact meaning of the light for your model and follow any model-specific instructions.
- If you’re on the road and notice unusual steering behavior (hard steering, unusual noise, or the wheel doesn’t respond normally), pull over safely and stop. Do not continue driving if the steering feels compromised.
- Have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified technician with the appropriate diagnostic tool for your car. Do not rely on resets or DIY fixes to clear the warning.
- Avoid disabling airbags or safety systems. Even if the car seems fine, a fault could leave them inoperative when needed.
- Arrange prompt service. If you rely on the vehicle daily, consider towing or roadside assistance instead of driving long distances to a shop.
In most cases, a steering-related warning light indicates a safety system that requires professional attention. Treat it as urgent rather than routine maintenance.
Urgent scenarios
If the light is flashing, if you experience sudden steering stiffness, or if the vehicle behaves unpredictably, stop safely and contact roadside assistance. These symptoms can signal a serious risk to your safety.
Summary
Steering wheel warning lights point to safety-critical systems, most commonly the airbags or power steering. Do not ignore them. Identify the meaning in your manual, get a diagnostic check, and have the vehicle repaired by a qualified technician. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and seek immediate assistance to avoid being stranded or compromising safety on the road.
How long can I drive with the power steering light on?
You should not drive for long with the power steering light on; pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Continuing to drive can be difficult and dangerous because steering will be much harder, especially at low speeds, and a complete system failure could cause the drive belt to break, disabling other critical components like the alternator and water pump. The safest option is to have a qualified mechanic diagnose and repair the problem before driving again.
Risks of driving with the power steering light on
- Increased steering effort: Without power assistance, you will have to use significantly more force to turn the steering wheel. This can be especially challenging and potentially dangerous when parking or making low-speed turns.
- Sudden system failure: If the issue is caused by a failing pump or lack of fluid, the system could fail completely.
- Serpentine belt damage: A seized power steering pump can cause the accessory belt to break. This belt also drives other critical components, such as the alternator (which charges the battery) and the water pump (which cools the engine).
- Component damage: Driving with a failing hydraulic system can cause further damage to the pump and other parts.
What to do instead of driving
- Pull over safely: Find a safe spot to pull over immediately. If you must continue to a nearby location, drive very slowly and with extreme caution.
- Check the fluid (if applicable): If you have a hydraulic system, check the power steering fluid level. If it's low, add the correct fluid, and the light may go off. However, this is often a temporary fix if there is a leak.
- Call a tow truck: To prevent further damage and for your own safety, it is best to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair.
What does it mean when a steering wheel light comes on?
A steering wheel light indicates a problem with your car's power steering system, making the wheel harder to turn and potentially causing steering failure. For hydraulic power steering, the issue is often low fluid caused by a leak, while in electric power steering (EPS), it can be a sensor or electronic malfunction. You should pull over safely as soon as possible to avoid a potential accident and have a professional diagnose the problem.
This video explains what causes the power steering warning light to turn on: 59sCar ManufacturingYouTube · Apr 10, 2025
What to do
- Pull over safely: Find a safe place to stop the car immediately. Steering will be significantly harder to turn, especially at low speeds or when stopped.
- Check the fluid (for hydraulic systems): Locate the power steering fluid reservoir under the hood and check the fluid level. If it's low, add the correct type of fluid.
- Restart the engine: For some electronic systems, a restart can clear a temporary glitch. If the light doesn't go away, further diagnosis is needed.
- Seek professional help: If the light remains on after adding fluid or if you have an EPS system, have a mechanic inspect the vehicle. A warning light means you risk compromising the system or causing an accident, so professional diagnosis and repair is necessary.
This video demonstrates how to check the power steering fluid: 34sDashboard warning lights YouTube · Sep 18, 2023
Common causes
- For hydraulic systems:
- Low power steering fluid due to a leak.
- A failing power steering pump.
- A loose or broken power steering belt.
- For electric power steering (EPS) systems:
- Malfunctioning sensor (like the torque or angle sensor).
- A problem with the steering control module.
- Loose or corroded wiring.
- A failing steering motor.
Is it safe to drive with the steering wheel light on?
If your power steering warning light is on, it indicates there is an issue with the system – and should be checked as soon as possible. You should not drive the vehicle until the issue has been investigated and fixed.
Can you still drive if electric power steering goes out?
Yes, it's possible to drive without power steering. However, power steering failure in an electric or hydraulic power steering system can make normal steering challenging and risky. Driving through traffic, making low-speed turns, and parking may require more steering effort.
