What Causes Heavy Steering Wheel in Cars?
2 Answers
Possible reasons for a heavy steering wheel include: 1. Dirty or insufficient power steering fluid can cause the steering wheel to feel increasingly heavy. If this is the issue, the power steering fluid should be replenished or replaced promptly; 2. For electric power steering system failures, check if the fuse is blown, or if there are any open circuits or short circuits to ground in the wiring; 3. When the electric power steering is used repeatedly at standstill or low speeds, the steering wheel places a significant load on the power system, which can easily cause the steering gear to overheat and enter protection mode, resulting in heavy steering. This is normal and the steering will return to normal after cooling down.
I've been driving for a while, and the heavier steering wheel has been quite bothersome. The most common cause is insufficient tire pressure, especially in winter when temperatures drop and the tires contract, increasing friction with the road and making steering both laborious and fuel-consuming. Once, on a business trip, I noticed the steering felt heavy. I pulled over, checked the tire pressure, and sure enough, it was low. A quick stop at a gas station to refill the air solved the problem. Secondly, issues with the power steering system are also common, such as hydraulic fluid leaks or electric module failures. In these cases, the steering wheel can become so stiff that it almost requires both hands to turn. Another possibility is wear and tear on the steering linkage or ball joints, where loose components increase resistance. Ignoring these issues long-term can lead to accidents. I recommend first buying a simple tire pressure gauge to check the tires yourself. If everything seems normal, don't push through the difficulty—head to a professional shop for a diagnosis promptly. Paying attention to these points during regular car maintenance can significantly improve driving safety.
