Can You Continue Driving When the EPS Light Is On?
2 Answers
The EPS light on indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's Electric Power Steering system. In this situation, you should safely pull over as soon as possible and have the issue diagnosed at the nearest repair shop. Unlike hydraulic power steering systems that use hydraulic pumps, lines, and steering column valve bodies, electric power steering systems directly transmit motor-generated assistance to the steering system through a reducer using pure mechanical means. The working principle of electric power steering is: when the vehicle starts, the system activates. At speeds below a certain threshold, signals are sent to the control module, which then issues commands to the servo motor based on steering wheel torque, turning direction, and vehicle speed data. The servo motor outputs corresponding torque magnitude and direction to provide steering assistance. When not steering, the ECU doesn't send torque signals to the servo motor, causing its current to approach zero.
I've been driving for decades and once encountered the EPS warning light turning on while on the highway. The steering wheel suddenly became very heavy, requiring tremendous effort to turn, and I almost veered out of my lane. That moment made me realize that the EPS system is the core of electronic power steering—when the light comes on, it indicates a fault, possibly due to a damaged sensor, broken wiring, or module issues. Continuing to drive would only worsen the problem, making steering increasingly difficult and raising the risk of losing control during turns—it's essentially gambling with your life. My advice is to pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and contact a professional repair shop for towing and inspection. Safety comes first—never ignore this small light, as it signals significant risks. Regular maintenance of the steering system, such as checking connections and lubrication, can help prevent similar failures.
