Can you still drive with power steering malfunction?
Power steering is a crucial component of modern vehicles, making it easier to steer and control your car, especially at low speeds. But what happens if your power steering system malfunctions? Can you still drive safely? In this article, we’ll explore the risks, challenges, and best practices for handling a power steering failure.
What Happens When Power Steering Fails?
When your power steering system malfunctions, the assistance it provides to your steering wheel is lost. This means you’ll need to exert significantly more effort to turn the wheel, particularly at lower speeds or when parking. The severity of the issue depends on whether your vehicle uses hydraulic or electric power steering:
- Hydraulic Power Steering: A failure here often results from a loss of hydraulic fluid due to a leak, a damaged pump, or a broken belt.
- Electric Power Steering: Issues may stem from electrical faults, such as a blown fuse, a malfunctioning motor, or sensor problems.
Regardless of the type, a power steering failure can make driving more challenging and potentially unsafe, especially in emergency situations where quick steering adjustments are necessary.
Is It Safe to Drive Without Power Steering?
Technically, you can still drive a vehicle with a power steering malfunction, but it’s not recommended. Here’s why:
- Increased Steering Effort: Without power assistance, steering becomes much harder, particularly at low speeds. This can be physically demanding and dangerous for some drivers.
- Reduced Control: Quick maneuvers, such as avoiding obstacles or making sharp turns, become more difficult, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Potential for Further Damage: Continuing to drive with a power steering issue, especially in hydraulic systems, can cause additional damage to the pump or other components.
In short, while it’s possible to drive without power steering, it’s not safe or advisable unless absolutely necessary, such as moving the car to a nearby repair shop.
What Should You Do If Your Power Steering Fails?
If you experience a power steering malfunction while driving, follow these steps to ensure your safety:
- Stay Calm: Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and remain calm. The car is still drivable, but it will require more effort to steer.
- Turn on Hazard Lights: Alert other drivers that you’re experiencing an issue by turning on your hazard lights.
- Pull Over Safely: Gradually reduce your speed and pull over to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road or a parking lot.
- Inspect the Issue: If you’re comfortable, check for obvious problems, such as a broken belt or low hydraulic fluid levels.
- Call for Assistance: Contact a trusted mechanic or towing service to have your vehicle inspected and repaired. Driving further could worsen the problem.
Preventing Power Steering Issues
Regular maintenance is key to avoiding power steering problems. Here are some tips to keep your system in good shape:
- Check your power steering fluid levels regularly and top off as needed.
- Inspect for leaks or unusual noises when turning the wheel.
- Have your vehicle serviced by a professional mechanic to catch potential issues early.
At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing power steering systems. If you’re experiencing issues or want to schedule preventative maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your safety is our top priority!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is power steering failure expensive to fix?
On average, replacing your power steering pump can cost between $500 and $900, but it's essential to avoid more serious damage to the power steering system. Replacing the pump yourself can save you about $300 and significantly lower the total cost of this repair.
Can I drive with the power steering warning light on?
If you're driving along and you notice your power steering light come on – which looks like a steering wheel with an exclamation mark next to it – you should park your car in a safe place as soon as you can, taking extra care as you'll be struggling a little with much heavier steering.
Is electric power steering expensive to fix?
Power steering pumps are essential to the operation of the car cars with power steering. The job can be costly: between $100-$200 for new power steering pump if you DIY and around $500 to get it done by a mechanic. That said, it is not nearly as expensive as replacing your vehicle.
What to do if power steering malfunction?
Top up your power steering fluid to ensure a smooth ride.
Contaminated power steering fluid is a common cause of a stiff steering wheel, as are low levels of fluid. Fix contaminated fluid with a system flush. If the fluid level is low, there may be a leak in the system. Keep the reservoir filled with fresh fluid.
Is it expensive to fix power steering?
On average, replacing your power steering pump can cost between $500 and $900, but it's essential to avoid more serious damage to the power steering system. Replacing the pump yourself can save you about $300 and significantly lower the total cost of this repair.
What happens if I don't fix my power steering?
Without power steering, the steering wheel will be severely difficult to turn, and it can put you at risk of an accident on the road. The best thing you can do is learn the signs of power steering trouble before your power steering completely fails on you in an unsafe situation.
What does it mean when it says power steering malfunction?
The message is displayed if the electric power steering has a malfunction. If the message is displayed, stop the vehicle in a safe place and do not operate the steering wheel. There is no problem if the message in the display turns off after a while.
What happens if your electric power steering goes out?
Usually it becomes especially difficult to turn the car or maneuver it with ease, and it becomes nearly impossible to control. Furthermore, the check engine light may come on if the power steering issue is related to the control module or an electrical issue.
Can you still drive if electric power steering goes out?
Yes, people can drive a car without electric power steering. Vehicles that are equipped with hydraulic power steering or those with manual steering systems do not rely on electric power. Key Points: Hydraulic Power Steering: Many older vehicles use hydraulic systems that use fluid pressure to assist steering.
Can you drive with faulty power steering?
In summary, while you can technically drive a car without power steering, it is not advisable due to the increased difficulty in steering, potential for damage, and safety risks. It's best to have the power steering system inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
