What is the correct way to handle sudden steering failure?
3 Answers
Correct handling methods for sudden steering failure: 1. Stay calm and completely release the accelerator pedal; 2. Do not brake immediately, especially when the speed is high. Brake gradually and gently; 3. Use engine braking to reduce speed, which means downshifting gear by gear instead of directly shifting to first gear; 4. Quickly turn on the vehicle's hazard warning lights; 5. After the speed decreases, use the parking brake to slow down. Pull the handbrake slowly until the vehicle is under control, then place a warning sign 150 meters behind the vehicle. Steering failure may be caused by excessive speed, drunk driving, fatigue, poor vehicle condition, slippery roads due to rain or snow, etc. It can also occur when components in the steering mechanism fall off, are damaged, or get stuck, leading to sudden steering failure.
Recently heard friends talking about steering failure, which scared me into looking up information and learning a few tricks. If the steering wheel suddenly becomes unresponsive, don’t panic. Immediately grip the wheel firmly to maintain a straight path, gradually release the throttle without slamming the brakes, and turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers. At this point, the power steering might have failed, requiring much more force than usual to stabilize the direction. Remember to downshift gradually to use engine braking. Once the speed drops below 30 km/h, gently apply the brakes and pull over to the side of the road, then immediately set up a warning triangle. I always keep a reflective vest in my car and recommend everyone does the same. The key is to keep all actions smooth and gentle from detecting the anomaly to stopping the car, as sudden steering movements can easily cause a rollover. Afterward, be sure to check the power steering fluid and tie rod ends—safety is no small matter.
During my last vehicle maintenance, I specifically asked the technician about steering issues. He said the most common causes of steering failure are tie rod breakage or hydraulic line rupture. In such situations, the driver must quickly assess: first ensure the seatbelt is fastened, then grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands to avoid large turns. Release the accelerator pedal to let the speed decrease naturally, and avoid slamming the brakes to prevent the car from skidding. I have a habit of keeping emergency steps on a note on the dashboard: first, turn on the hazard lights; second, check the rearview mirror to confirm safety; third, gradually slow down and move to the right. If this happens on the highway, try to coast to the emergency lane before stopping. The technician recommended checking the steering system for wear every 5,000 kilometers to avoid regrets after an accident occurs.