Why Your Car or Truck Is Suddenly Hard to Steer — And What You Should Do

To avoid disasters from happening, its important to understand the warning signs. And to have an idea of what could cause it. (Our Park City firefighter know this and it’s why they look for the causes of fires that could otherwise burn out of control). And just like small fires starting, if your car or truck suddenly becomes difficult to steer, it’s more than just frustrating. It could point to a serious problem. Although some issues are minor, others could put your safety at risk. That’s why acting quickly is so important when you start to experience difficulty steering.

So, in this post, the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros explore the common reasons for sudden steering trouble and explain what you should do to get safely back on the road.

So, Why Is Your Vehicle Suddenly Hard to Steer?

Although many factors affect steering, these are the most common reasons:

• Low Power Steering Fluid May Cause Difficulty Steering
  First and foremost, check the power steering fluid. If the fluid is low or leaking, the system loses pressure. As a result, turning the wheel becomes very difficult.

• Faulty Power Steering Pump
  A worn or damaged pump can’t circulate fluid properly. Therefore, you may feel stiffness when turning, especially at lower speeds.

• Steering Rack Problems
  Over time, the steering rack may wear out. When that happens, you might feel tightness or clunking while steering.

• Worn Serpentine Belt May Cause Difficulty Steering
  Since the serpentine belt helps power the steering pump, a loose or frayed belt can affect steering control.

• Tire or Suspension Issues
  Uneven tire pressure, poor alignment, or worn suspension parts also increase steering resistance. In many cases, it happens gradually but can worsen fast.

• Cold Weather Effects May Cause Difficulty Steering
  In freezing temperatures, power steering fluid thickens. Consequently, your steering may feel sluggish until the vehicle warms up.

What Should You Do If Your Experience Difficulty Steering?

Now that you know what might be wrong, here’s what you should do next:

• Inspect the Power Steering Fluid
  Right away, check the fluid level. If it’s low, top it off with the recommended type. But if it keeps going down, you likely have a leak.

• Listen for Noises When You Experience Difficulty Steering
  If you hear whining or groaning when turning the wheel, the power steering pump might be failing. Take action before it gets worse.

• Check Your Tires If You Experience Difficulty Steering
  Make sure all your tires are properly inflated. Uneven pressure can instantly affect steering.

• Schedule a Professional Inspection at Tracy’s Tire Pros
  Even if everything looks normal, a licensed mechanic should inspect your steering system. They can find problems you can’t see and fix them before they become costly.

How Soon Should You See the Mechanics at Tracy’s Tire Pros Once You Have Difficulty Steering?

• Immediately after your vehicle suddenly feels hard to steer

• If you notice fluid leaking under your car

• Whenever you hear groaning or squealing while turning

• If your steering wheel won’t return to center after a turn

• When your vehicle pulls sharply to one side during turns

Don’t Delay if You Experience Difficulty Steering!

If steering feels harder than usual, don’t take chances. At Tracy’s Tire Pros on East First Street in Downtown Wichita, our certified technicians will pinpoint the issue and fix it fast. So, call Tracy’s Tire Pros to schedule your appointment today and drive away with confidence!

Tracy’s Tire Pros can help you with any automotive issues that you may have. And they have three locations for your convenience:  West Maple Street auto care and auto repair, East First Street N. and West 21st Street N. And, Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.