Few things are more terrifying than having your steering wheel lock up while driving, especially at high speeds on the highway. According to Mechanicbase, a locked steering wheel means you have lost control over the direction of your vehicle, putting yourself and others at extreme risk. Staying calm and taking the proper immediate actions is crucial in this dangerous situation.
Remain Calm and Reduce Speed Gradually
The first and most important step is to avoid panic. Panicking can lead to overreacting and making the situation even worse. Take a deep breath and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands. Do not make any sudden movements or slam on the brakes, as this could cause you to lose control completely.
Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to gradually reduce speed through engine braking. Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers around you that there is an issue. If you are on a highway or major road, try to safely maneuver into the right lane or onto the shoulder when your speed has decreased enough to do so.
Shift to Neutral and Brake Gently
Once you have reduced speed significantly, shift your transmission into neutral. This will disengage the engine from the wheels, allowing you to brake without the engine fighting against you. Apply steady, firm pressure to the brake pedal to continue slowing down in a controlled manner. Do not pump the brakes or brake abruptly, as this could cause a skid or loss of control.
Steer With Brakes If Needed
If the steering wheel is completely locked and will not turn at all, you may need to steer the vehicle using the brakes. Applying the brake on one side will cause the car to turn slightly in that direction. Use this brake steering technique gently and be prepared for the car to turn more sharply than expected at lower speeds.
Find a Safe Place to Stop
Your goal is to bring the vehicle to a safe, complete stop as soon as possible. An open shoulder, parking lot, or side street are ideal locations. Once fully stopped, shift into park, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Avoid stopping in traffic lanes if at all possible to prevent being struck from behind.
Assess the Situation and Call for Help
With the vehicle safely stopped, you can take a moment to assess what may have caused the steering wheel lock up. Common culprits include:
Ignition lock cylinder failure
Broken or seized steering column
Power steering pump failure
Lack of power steering fluid
In some cases, you may be able to temporarily resolve the issue and drive slowly to a repair shop. For example, if the lock cylinder is the problem, you may be able to unlock the steering by inserting the key and applying gentle pressure while turning it back and forth.
However, if the problem seems to be mechanical in nature or you cannot get the steering unlocked, it is best to call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. Driving with a locked steering wheel is extremely dangerous and risks causing a serious accident.
Preventative Maintenance is Key
While a locked steering wheel is never something you expect, there are preventative maintenance steps you can take to reduce the risk:
Replace power steering fluid regularly as recommended
Have power steering system components inspected periodically
Replace worn ignition lock cylinders before they fail
Repair any issues with the steering column immediately
Maintaining your vehicle properly and being attentive to any potential steering issues can help you avoid finding yourself in the frightening situation of a locked steering wheel while driving.
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