Loss of Power Steering

One reason to get regular inspections of your vehicle – not the inspection that involves a sticker – is that your mechanic will probably check fluid levels. Among those fluids checked will be the power steering fluid. If this fluid ever gets too low or the reservoir that holds it goes dry because of a leak, you’ll lose your power steering. You may hear a loud noise from the engine. More importantly, you will not be able to turn your steering wheel without extreme difficulty.

Should this happen, let up on the gas and DO NOT apply the brake. If you can, activate your emergency flashers. Let your vehicle slow and come to a stop. As you slow down and if traffic is clear, try to get just enough steering power to gradually get to the side of the road. Avoid sudden gear changes or, again, braking. This could actually make your vehicle unstable and eventually uncontrollable.