How to handle when car loses power steering
(Baonghean.vn) - The problem of a car losing power steering does not happen often, it can come slowly or very suddenly. However, this is a situation that is not too dangerous if you know how to handle it.
1. In case the vehicle gradually loses power steering
- Listen to the sound of the steering wheel turning:When turning the steering wheel, if you hear a strange sound like "creaking", the car's power steering system is having a problem.
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- Weight when turning the steering wheel:The easiest way to detect a problem with the steering system is when cornering. Normally, because of the power steering, turning the steering wheel is very light. If this action becomes heavier than usual, the power steering is definitely lost.
- Liquid check:For cars that use hydraulic power steering, most of the problems with the steering wheel lie here. If the car has been parked for a long time and there is an amber, pink or red oil stain on the road surface, it is a hydraulic oil leak from the steering system. To make it easier to check, you can put a white canvas or paper or plastic sheet on the floor.
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2. In case of sudden loss of power steering
- Warning other vehicles:When a car loses power steering, it is human instinct to panic. But try to stay calm, turn on your hazard lights and use your horn a lot to alert other drivers that your car is having problems, especially when driving at high speeds.
- Pull over to the side of the road:If the steering system can still operate at low levels, try to pull the car over to the side of the road, without pressing the accelerator pedal, which will make the car harder to control.
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- Slowly bring the car to a complete stop:Do not lose your temper, do not brake hard instinctively because it will cause the car to lock and skid. Apply the brakes gently and moderately. If the steering system loses power because the car engine is stuck, the throttle is blocked, you must apply the method of holding the car in low gear or even using the guardrail, embankment as an obstacle to help the car stop safely.
- Restart the car:Then try steering, if the system works again then continue moving, if not then slowly drive at low speed to the nearest service station or call for roadside assistance.
