Warning Signs of Steering Problems in Car
Cars’ components give plenty of warnings for you to know that there is something wrong and needs to be fixed. If you ignore the warnings, the problems may affect the safety of your car and can also lead to accidents. Moreover, they have the potential to break the bank, and the resale value of the car also drops. When there are steering problems, you will find that it becomes much harder to control the car. You can’t move it in the direction you had planned to travel. If you want to go on that long drive, you must ensure that the steering is working properly. Here are the warning signs of the steering problems to help you detect and address them head-on and not wait for an accident to force you to do that.
Steering Wheel Vibration
If your steering wheel vibrates or shakes when you accelerate, or even if you are going on a steady speed, it can be a sign that the car’s tires need to be balanced. However, it is not the only reason why the steering wheel vibrates. It can also be due to misalignment – wrong wheel positioning or issues with the car’s suspension. Other potential reasons can be broken or damaged wheel hub bearings, brake issues, and suspension problems.
Hard to Turn Steering Wheel
One fine day while driving, you may find that it is hard to turn the steering. Problem with the power steering system is usually the reason. It also happens when the level of the power steering fluid is low. Loose or broken serpentine belt and the failure of the power steering pump are the other two not-too-common reasons why the steering wheel becomes stiff and hard to turn. Perhaps your car’s steering rack is damaged if this problem surfaces only when you first start the car, and later you can turn the steering without any problem.
Car Squeals due to Steering
Have you heard your car squeal when you turn the steering? It happens when there is low power steering fluid, or because dirt and other particles may have contaminated it. The fault in power-steering pump and suspension losing lubrication are the other two likely reasons why your car squeals.
Steering Wheel Slips
When the steering wheel slips and you are unable to hold it properly, it is again a sign that the power steering is failing. Some of the reasons for the failing of the power steering are faulty pumps, damaged steering rack mounts, as well as leakage. You may also find that the steering wheel slips when the steering belts have become loose or worn.
Car Pulls On One Side
It can be exasperating and dangerous if the car, when you are driving, pulls to one side or another. This steering problem is usually an indication of unbalanced tires due to uneven air pressure. Wheel alignment problem, damaged or worn wheel bearings or damaged brakes can also cause the steering to pull to one side, resulting in steering problems.
Conclusion
You cannot let your steering problems become a serious safety hazard. The moment you feel that a steering system component is not working properly, or it takes more effort than usual to steer the car, you must ensure that the issues are fixed promptly. It’s better to consult automobile experts and take their help.