Driving can be a lot of fun – cruising down the road, taking turns with ease, and enjoying new scenery. A stiff steering wheel can throw a wrench in any drive, whether you’re hitting the open road or heading to the grocery store. A few common car problems can make it more difficult to turn your steering wheel and turn your vehicle.
This list can give you an idea of what may be wrong with your car, it’s always best to have a trusted mechanic inspect your vehicle to make sure any problems are taken care of.
Low Tire Pressure Can Make Steering Difficult
It’s important to keep an eye on tire pressure for several reasons. Not only can low tire pressure lead to extra wear, but it can also make it more difficult to steer your car. Uneven tire tread can also lead to misaligned tires, which can cause your car to pull to one side, making accurate steering trickier.
Check Tire Pressure & Make Adjustments if Necessary
Look in your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Most modern vehicles have tire pressure sensors that will alert you when any tire is out of that optimal range, but if you suspect any of your tires are low, it’s smart to check manually. If the PSI is too low, find somewhere to top off the air in your tires and it may help with your steering.
Problems with Power Steering Fluid
Like your car’s brakes and other systems, the power steering system is hydraulically powered. If the fluid becomes too low or thickened from contaminants, your car won’t steer the way it should. Over time, problems with power steering fluid can even lead to failure of the system, potentially leaving you stranded.
Have a Trusted Mechanic Check for Power Steering Fluid Leaks
One of the most common causes behind power steering problems is low power steering fluid. Typically this is due to a leak, which should be diagnosed by a trusted mechanic. Once the source of the leak can be located, your mechanic can repair it and refill it with fresh power steering fluid to get your steering wheel turning smoothly again.
Have Your Steering Fluid Flushed & Replaced
Just like any other fluid in your vehicle, the power steering fluid should be flushed and replaced at regular intervals. Check your owner’s manual and stick to that schedule as closely as possible. If you’re overdue for fresh power steering fluid, it can cause a stiff steering wheel.
A Mechanical Problem with the Steering System
In order to work properly, your car’s power steering system relies on a number of parts. The steering rack sits between the steering wheel and axles, connected by a number of shafts and u-joints. Any of these parts can wear out from normal driving and start making your steering wheel stiff. Plus, a pump is responsible for circulating power steering fluid. If that pump wears out, it will also make it difficult or impossible to steer your vehicle.
Schedule an Appointment for Your Mechanic to Inspect the Power Steering System
If you suspect a mechanical problem may be the reason your steering wheel is stiff, the best thing to do is get your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for diagnostics. They’ll be able to find which part is causing problems and replace it so you can steer with ease again.
A Worn or Loose Serpentine Belt
Many of your car’s parts and systems are powered by the serpentine belt. When it wears out or becomes misaligned or loose, it can cause problems with any of those systems, including power steering. If your steering wheel is stiff and you notice problems with other parts like the alternator or air conditioning, it can point to a problem with the serpentine belt.
Have the Serpentine Belt Adjusted or Replaced
Any problem with your car’s serpentine belt should be handled by a trusted mechanic. Have diagnostics done on your vehicle to ensure the serpentine belt is in good operating condition and other important systems are also working well. This can fix your stiff steering wheel, as well as a number of other car problems.
Trust AAMCO Minnesota’s Mechanics with Your Auto Repair Service
Don’t let a stiff steering wheel keep you stuck. Visit your local AAMCO Minnesota’s expert mechanics and we’ll help with any service from maintenance to diagnostics and repairs. Any repair service you need to fix difficult steering also comes with our multi-point inspection to ensure every essential system in your car is working its best. Schedule your appointment with us today!