What to Do When the Car Steering Wheel Locks Up?
3 Answers
To resolve a locked car steering wheel, press the brake pedal, gently shake the steering wheel with your left hand while simultaneously turning the key with your right hand. The reasons for a locked steering wheel are: 1. The automatic locking feature after parking and turning off the engine is a basic anti-theft function; 2. Steering wheel locking during driving indicates a quality issue with the car. Precautions for using the car steering wheel include: 1. Avoid turning the steering wheel to its extreme limit during turns; 2. Minimize forcing or twisting the steering wheel. The car steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device for controlling the direction of travel, connected to the steering shaft via splines, converting the force applied by the driver on the wheel's edge into torque transmitted to the steering shaft.
Last time when I drove out and encountered a locked steering wheel, I was also confused. Later, I found out that it was actually the car's built-in anti-theft function that had activated. At this time, don't force the steering wheel, as it can easily damage the steering column. First, gently return the key to its position, then lightly turn the steering wheel left and right while turning the key. Usually, a click sound will indicate it's unlocked. This trick works for both new and old cars, mainly because the steering lock solenoid valve needs to be loosened when stuck. However, if the key absolutely won't turn, don't keep trying—it might be a problem with the ignition switch or the lock cylinder, and you should quickly find a repair shop to handle it. Remember to straighten the steering wheel before turning off the engine when parking to prevent this situation.
My best friend almost cried in panic the first time she encountered a locked steering wheel, but the solution is actually quite simple. First, press your foot on the brake, use your right hand to gently push the steering wheel to the left, then to the right, while slowly turning the key with your left hand. At this point, you'll feel the steering wheel suddenly loosen, as if a small mechanism has been released. This design is actually an anti-theft feature—unlocking occurs when the steering wheel's movement aligns with the lock cylinder's trajectory. If repeated attempts (three to five times) don't work, it indicates more than a simple lock issue—possibly a fault in the steering column's anti-theft system—and you should call for roadside assistance.
