Problems With Steering Wheels Locking & Slow Turns
- A locking steering wheel can be dangerous for many reasons.steering wheel and dash of british sports car image by Bo Widerberg from Fotolia.com
Steering failure in a vehicle can be hazardous in many different ways and can happen at any time. Frequently a steering failure is simply a failure in the hydraulic power steering system, meaning that the wheel can still be rotated to steer the car, but it requires a lot more effort to get the steering wheel to turn. A locking steering wheel and steering wheel that makes slow turns can cause a number of problems. - One particular problem with a failed steering system can happen in an intersection where a turn is required. If the steering wheel locks while you are attempting to turn or change lanes, the car could go straight and inadvertently run a red light. This is most dangerous at intersections because the chances of collision are increased because traffic is coming potentially from four directions. If steering fails in this instance, flip on the hazard lights on and try to pull car to the side of the road or into a parking lot if you can steer at all. Otherwise, stop the car wherever you can and stay in the vehicle until traffic has cleared and you can exit safely.
- A sudden failure of steering can in initiate the driver to quickly apply of the vehicle's brakes. Sudden braking can result in the car behind you crashing into the back of your vehicle. A slow turn can have the same effect if the driver incorrectly anticipated that your vehicle would out of the way.
- While any accidents resulting from a steering failure or a slow turn can be expensive, especially if you do not have adequate auto insurance, the repair for the mechanical failure is also an added expense. Power steering failure is usually caused by a break in a hydraulic pipe that distributes power steering fluid, and when this happens the steering will gradually get heavier. A break in the mechanical linkage itself will disrupt steering entirely almost instantly and both repairs can cost hundreds of dollars in parts and labor. However, the repairs are necessary if you plan on driving the vehicle in the future.
