What to Do If Your Power Steering Fails

The wheel suddenly feeling like it weighs three times as much is alarming mid-drive, but the good news is the car is still steerable. It just takes real muscle instead of a light touch.

1. Both hands on the wheel, firm and steady

   It's heavier than you're used to, especially at low speed, but steady input still gets the car where you're pointing it.

2. Bring your speed down gradually

   Manual steering is far more manageable slow, which buys time to find somewhere safe to stop.

3. Skip the sharp turns

   Without power assist, quick steering inputs are much harder to control cleanly.

4. Get off the road at the first safe chance

   Don't try to push through and drive it like normal to your original destination.

5. Glance at the power steering fluid if you can reach it

   A sudden failure often traces back to a belt or a leak, and a quick look can confirm which.

6. Tow it rather than push your luck driving further

   The same belt frequently drives other components too, so get it inspected before continuing.