What to Do When the Car Steering Wheel Locks Up?
2 Answers
Solution for a locked car steering wheel: Gently shake the steering wheel while turning the key to resolve the issue. The reason for the steering wheel locking up is due to the steering wheel not being straightened or being turned after removing the key. After parking, it's advisable to check whether the vehicle is properly parked and if the steering wheel is straightened. Consciously straighten the steering wheel before exiting the vehicle to avoid damage. If the steering wheel is not straightened, adjust it promptly. When the car is turned off, rotating the steering wheel to a certain angle in one direction will cause a clicking sound, after which the steering wheel can no longer be turned, indicating it is locked. The principle involves a pin inside the steering wheel; once the driver removes the key, even a slight turn of the steering wheel causes the pin to pop into a hole, locking the steering wheel in place.
I encountered the issue of steering wheel lock last year. It happened right after leaving the neighborhood at low speed when the wheel suddenly wouldn't turn, which gave me a scare but I stayed calm. I immediately turned on the hazard lights and steadily pulled over to the roadside before shutting off the engine. Looking back, there could be various reasons—like a power failure in the electric power steering system, a jammed steering column, or the safety lock activating due to an aging battery. After parking, I tried restarting the engine to check the power steering pump, but when that didn't work, I called for a tow truck to take it in for repairs. The experience taught me a lesson: always check if the power steering warning light is on before driving, regularly replace power steering fluid, and lubricate steering components to minimize sudden issues—safety comes first. It's best to schedule annual maintenance to have a technician inspect the steering system in detail, developing good habits to avoid critical failures when it matters most.
