Can I Drive Without Power Steering?

Yes, most modern cars can still be steered if power assist fails, but the wheel will be much heavier—especially at low speeds—making it riskier and more fatiguing. It’s generally acceptable to drive briefly to exit traffic or reach a safe spot, but for longer distances or if there’s a fluid leak, overheating, or multiple warning lights, you should stop and arrange a tow. Below is what happens when power steering goes out, how to handle it safely, and when to call for help.

What “driving without power steering” actually means

Power steering failure almost always means a loss of assist, not a loss of steering. The mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels remains intact on roadworthy vehicles, so the car can still be controlled—just with much greater effort. How it fails depends on the system:

• Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS): Engine-driven pump pressurizes fluid. If the belt snaps or fluid is lost, steering gets heavy; a broken belt may also affect the alternator and water pump, risking battery drain or overheating.
• Electro-Hydraulic (EHPS): An electric motor drives the hydraulic pump. Assist can fail without affecting the serpentine belt or engine cooling.
• Electric Power Steering (EPS): An electric motor on the column or rack provides assist. If it fails, steering becomes manual; the engine and cooling are typically unaffected.

In all cases, the wheel should still turn. If your steering locks or binds, that’s a separate and dangerous mechanical failure—do not drive.

Is it safe and is it legal?

Driving without assist is physically demanding and increases stopping distance and reaction time at low speeds. It’s generally unsafe in tight urban areas, parking lots, or during evasive maneuvers. Legally, most jurisdictions don’t ban “no power steering,” but they do prohibit operating a vehicle with defective steering or leaking fluids, and many inspections will fail a car with a steering fault.

What to do if your power steering fails on the road

If the wheel suddenly feels heavy, a warning light appears, or you hear a pump whine, take calm, deliberate steps to maintain control and get to safety.

• Keep both hands at 9 and 3 o’clock and steer smoothly; avoid abrupt inputs.
• Reduce speed gradually and increase following distance; signal early.
• Turn on hazard lights if traffic is dense or you’re impeding flow.
• Favor gentle, sweeping turns; avoid U-turns or tight parking maneuvers.
• Pull into a safe shoulder or lot; shut the engine off only when stopped.
• Check for warning lights (battery, temperature, steering). If the serpentine belt has snapped, you may also lose charging and cooling—do not continue driving.

Once safely stopped, assess whether it’s reasonable to proceed a short distance or safer to call a tow. In most cases, professional assistance is the best option.

When it’s okay to “limp” and when to tow

Not every loss of assist is an immediate tow, but certain signs make continuing risky. Use these guidelines to decide your next move.

• Reasonable to limp: EPS warning light with normal engine temp and charging, no odd noises, and you’re close to a shop on low-speed roads.
• Stop and tow: Visible fluid leak, burnt-oil smell, smoke, or puddles; loud whining/grinding from the pump; serpentine belt damage; overheating or battery light on; steering that sticks, binds, or is inconsistent.
• Environment matters: Avoid heavy traffic, tight parking, steep grades, and high temperatures if you must drive briefly without assist.

When in doubt, don’t risk it. Leaking fluid can ignite on hot components, and a failed belt can quickly lead to engine overheating and battery drain.

Common symptoms and likely causes

Recognizing the pattern of symptoms can help you understand what failed and how urgent the situation is.

• Heavy steering at parking speeds that improves with speed: Typical loss of assist.
• Whining/whirring that changes with steering angle: Low fluid or failing hydraulic pump.
• Intermittent assist, steering jerks, or EPS light: Faulty torque sensor, steering motor, module, or poor electrical connection.
• Puddles under the front of the car or on the subframe: Leaking hoses, seals, or rack.
• Battery warning and rising temperature after a sudden loss of assist: Likely broken serpentine belt affecting alternator and water pump.

A quick visual and smell check—looking for fluid, belt fragments, or smoke—can reveal urgent hazards before you decide to move the vehicle.

Repair costs and options

Prices vary by vehicle, but these are typical ranges for parts and labor in many markets.

• Hydraulic pump replacement: approximately $300–$800.
• Steering rack replacement: approximately $800–$1,800 (alignment required after).
• Hoses/lines and seals: approximately $150–$400.
• Electric power steering motor/column/module: approximately $600–$1,500.
• Serpentine belt and tensioner: approximately $75–$300.
• Fluid service/flush (if recommended by manufacturer): approximately $50–$150.

Use OEM-spec parts and avoid “stop-leak” additives unless specifically approved; they can swell seals and contaminate components, raising long-term costs.

How to steer a car without assist (temporarily)

If you must move the vehicle a short distance, use technique to reduce the effort and keep control.

• Steer while rolling: Even 1–2 mph drastically reduces steering effort.
• Use both hands and a steady, shuffle motion; avoid palming the wheel.
• Plan wide arcs; don’t force the wheel at a standstill or hold it at full lock.
• Keep tire pressures at spec—underinflation makes effort skyrocket.
• Brake earlier and keep speeds low; be patient with lane changes.

These techniques are only for brief, controlled moves. They don’t make an unsafe vehicle safe for regular driving.

Prevention and maintenance

Preventive checks reduce the chance of sudden steering assist loss and the expenses that follow.

• Inspect and replace the serpentine belt and tensioner at the recommended interval or at the first sign of cracks or glazing.
• Check power steering fluid level and condition (where applicable); top with the correct fluid only.
• Address small leaks promptly; they worsen and can damage pumps and racks.
• Avoid holding the wheel at full lock for more than a few seconds to prevent overheating fluid or motors.
• Keep tires properly inflated and aligned to reduce steering load.

Regular maintenance keeps assist systems healthy and protects related components like the alternator and cooling system in belt-driven setups.

Summary

You can physically drive most vehicles without power steering assist, but effort rises sharply at low speeds and safety margins shrink. It’s acceptable to move the car out of danger or, in limited cases, to a nearby shop on calm roads. Stop and tow if there’s a leak, overheating, a broken belt, or abnormal noises. Understand your system (hydraulic vs. electric), watch for telltale symptoms, and prioritize maintenance to prevent sudden failures.

What to do if power steering goes out?

If power steering fails, stay calm, activate hazard lights, and gradually pull over to a safe location by slowly reducing speed and using extra force on the steering wheel. Once stopped, assess the steering wheel’s resistance to determine if it’s a temporary issue or requires professional help. If the problem persists or the steering is extremely difficult, call for a tow truck; don’t attempt complex self-repairs.
 
In the Moment

1. Stay Calm: The steering wheel will be significantly harder to turn, but you can still control the vehicle. 
2. Reduce Speed: Ease off the accelerator and apply the brakes gradually. Abrupt braking can cause loss of control. 
3. Signal and Move to Safety: Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Carefully steer to the side of the road or a safe area. 
4. Use Two Hands: Grip the steering wheel with both hands to apply the necessary force. 

When You’ve Stopped

1. Park Safely: Once you’ve found a safe spot to pull over, come to a complete stop. 
2. Turn Off the Engine: Turn off the engine to prevent further strain on the power steering system. 
3. Check for Easy Steering: Try turning the steering wheel. 
   • Still Hard to Turn: This indicates a power steering issue, and you’ll need professional help. 
   • Easier to Turn: The steering may have temporarily been stuck or frozen, but you can attempt to drive slowly to a mechanic with your hazard lights on. 

Getting Assistance

• Call a Tow Truck: If the steering is still very difficult to turn, do not continue driving. Contact a tow service to take your vehicle to a repair shop. 
• Contact a Repair Shop: If you can drive slowly, call a trusted mechanic for assistance. 
• Check for Simple Issues (Optional): While stopped, you can look for obvious problems like a broken belt, but only if you are confident in your ability to do so without causing further damage. 

Important Considerations

• Understand the Cause: Opens in new tabPower steering issues can stem from a low power steering fluid level, a damaged hose, a failing pump, or, in the case of electric power steering, electrical issues. 
• Don’t Force It: Opens in new tabAvoid using excessive force or attempting complex self-repairs, as this can lead to more significant and costly damage. 

How long can you drive with power steering out?

One won’t be able to cover even the first hundred miles with a dried power steering pump. Without the fluid, the power steering pump or rack can overheat leading to complete failure of the system.

Can I drive my car if the power steering pump goes out?

You can technically drive a car after the power steering pump fails, but it is not recommended due to safety risks and potential for further damage. Steering will be significantly harder, making it difficult and dangerous to maneuver, especially at low speeds and in tight spaces. Driving without a functioning power steering pump can also lead to additional damage to the steering rack or the drive belt, and in some cases, could cause a fire hazard. It is safer to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for proper repair. 
Why it’s dangerous

• Heavy Steering: The power steering system provides hydraulic assistance to make steering easier. Without it, the driver must exert much more force to turn the wheel, which can be difficult or impossible for some people. 
• Unexpected Vehicle Behavior: The heavy, jerky steering can make it hard to control the car’s direction, increasing the risk of an accident. 
• Further Mechanical Damage: A failing or “dry” pump can continue to spin, which can cause metal shavings to get into the steering rack, ruining it. If the pump seizes, the belt could snap, which may also affect other components driven by the belt. 
• Fire Risk: In some cases, a loss of power steering fluid can lead to a fire hazard. 

What to do if your power steering pump fails

• Do not drive if possible: Opens in new tabPull over to a safe location as soon as possible and have the vehicle towed to a qualified technician. 
• Be prepared for heavy steering: Opens in new tabIf you absolutely must drive a short distance, understand that steering will be difficult and jerky. 
• Check for leaks: Opens in new tabIf there’s a leak, the fluid level will drop, making the situation worse over time. 

In summary: While you can still technically steer a car without power steering, it requires much more physical effort and can be dangerous. It’s best to avoid driving the vehicle and instead get it to a repair shop for professional service.

How expensive is it to fix power steering?

Fixing power steering varies widely, but you could spend $10–$20 for just a fluid top-off, while a pump replacement typically costs $500–$900. More involved repairs, like replacing the steering rack, can cost $500 to over $2,200, depending on the vehicle, the parts used (new vs. rebuilt), and whether you do it yourself or use a professional shop. 
Breakdown of Costs

• Fluid Top-Off: Opens in new tabFor issues that are just low on fluid, adding fluid can be a quick and inexpensive fix. 
• Power Steering Flush: Opens in new tabA fluid flush and replacement is another affordable option, costing around $50–$150. 
• Hose Repair: Opens in new tabA leaking hose can be relatively inexpensive, ranging from $60–$150 for the parts and labor, especially if it’s a simpler hose. 
• Power Steering Pump Replacement: Opens in new tabThis is a more significant cost, usually between $500–$900, depending on the vehicle and parts. 
• Steering Rack Replacement: Opens in new tabThis is one of the most expensive power steering repairs, with costs reaching over $2,200 in some cases. 

Factors Influencing Cost

• Vehicle Type: Luxury or large vehicles may have more expensive parts and installation compared to mainstream models. 
• Parts Type: New OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are generally more expensive than aftermarket or rebuilt options. 
• DIY vs. Professional Repair: Doing the repair yourself can save significantly on labor, but complex jobs are best left to mechanics to ensure accuracy. 
• Labor Costs: Rates vary depending on the shop and location, with dealerships often charging more than independent mechanics. 
• Additional Issues: Replacing a component might reveal other worn-out parts, increasing the total cost.