Can I still drive if my power steering goes out?

Yes, most cars remain steerable without power assist, but the wheel becomes very heavy—especially at low speeds—making quick maneuvers difficult and increasing crash risk. The safest move is to slow down, signal, and pull over as soon as it’s safe, then arrange a tow. If you must continue a short distance, do so slowly, with both hands on the wheel, and avoid sharp turns, heavy traffic, and high speeds.

What power steering does—and what failure feels like

Power steering reduces the effort needed to turn the wheel. When it fails—whether hydraulic or electric—the mechanical link still works, but the assist disappears. Drivers typically notice a sudden increase in steering effort, a warning light, or sounds that hint at trouble.

Here are common signs your power steering has failed or is failing and what they mean:

• Steering wheel suddenly becomes very heavy, especially below 20 mph.
• Power steering warning light or message appears (often a steering wheel icon).
• Whining, groaning, or squealing noises (hydraulic systems), particularly when turning.
• Burning smell, smoke, or visible fluid leak under the front of the car (hydraulic fluid).
• Intermittent assist that cuts in and out (more common with electric power steering).

If any of these symptoms appear, treat the vehicle as compromised: reduce speed, increase following distance, and prepare to pull over.

Is it safe—and is it legal—to keep driving?

Legally, most regions require that steering systems be in safe operating condition. While driving without assist isn’t automatically illegal, continuing to drive while you can’t safely control the vehicle can violate unsafe-operation laws. Safety-wise, you can often keep control at moderate highway speeds, but parking-lot and city-speed maneuvering becomes challenging and dangerous.

Consider these factors before continuing:

• Your physical ability to steer without assist and the route ahead (turns, hills, traffic).
• Vehicle type and load—heavy vehicles and wide tires are harder to steer manually.
• Whether other systems may also be affected (e.g., a broken belt can impact alternator or water pump).
• Weather and road conditions—wet, icy, or gravel surfaces demand more precise control.

If any factor raises doubt about control, don’t continue—pull over and call for a tow.

What to do immediately if the power steering goes out while driving

Staying calm and methodical reduces risk. These steps help you stabilize, communicate with other drivers, and get to safety.

1. Grip the wheel firmly with both hands at 9 and 3 o’clock; expect heavy effort.
2. Ease off the accelerator and gently slow down; avoid sudden steering inputs.
3. Activate hazard lights and signal a lane change to the right if safe.
4. Choose a straight, low-traffic path to a safe shoulder or parking area.
5. Keep the wheels rolling slightly while turning—turning from a stop is hardest.
6. Once stopped safely, set the parking brake and turn off the engine.
7. Check for warning lights (battery, temperature) and visible leaks or smoke before deciding next steps.

After you’re safely off the road, consider towing. If you plan to move again, reassess conditions carefully and proceed only if control is assured.

Can I drive to a shop—or should I tow?

Driving a short distance may be possible, but it carries risks. The decision hinges on the cause, your route, and the vehicle’s behavior after the failure.

Choose a tow immediately if any of the following apply:

• You see or smell smoke, or fluid is actively leaking.
• A serpentine belt may have failed (you also risk losing alternator charging and engine cooling).
• Steering effort is extreme even at modest speeds, or assist cuts in and out unpredictably.
• Warning lights for battery/charging or engine temperature are on.
• Traffic, terrain, or weather would require sharp or frequent turns.

In these situations, driving can escalate damage or create a dangerous breakdown. Towing avoids compounding the failure.

You might cautiously drive a short, low-speed distance if ALL are true:

• No leaks, smoke, or burning odor are present.
• Engine temperature and battery/charging warnings are normal.
• You can maintain full control and keep speeds low on a simple, lightly traveled route.
• You’ve alerted other drivers (hazards on) and are prepared for heavy steering effort.

Even then, keep speed down, avoid stops that require tight turns, and head directly to a safe location or repair facility.

Common causes and what they mean

Understanding whether your car uses hydraulic or electric power steering helps you anticipate risks and repair paths.

Hydraulic power steering (HPS)

Hydraulic systems use a pump driven by the engine belt and fluid under pressure to assist steering.

• Low or leaking fluid: Expect whining/groaning and heavy steering. Continued driving can damage the pump.
• Broken or slipping serpentine belt: You lose steering assist immediately and may also lose alternator charging and, on some engines, the water pump—risking rapid overheating.
• Pump failure or seized pulley: Can smoke the belt and strand you; towing is recommended.
• Clogged or failing rack-and-pinion: Steering may feel notchy or uneven; requires inspection and likely replacement.

Because belt and fluid issues can cascade into engine overheating or charging failures, hydraulic problems often justify stopping and towing.

Electric power steering (EPS)

EPS uses an electric motor and control module; there’s no hydraulic fluid or pump.

• Low voltage or charging issues: A weak 12V battery or failing alternator can disable EPS; other electronics may also behave erratically.
• Steering angle/torque sensor or module faults: Assist may drop out; sometimes an ignition cycle temporarily restores it.
• Overheat protection: Prolonged parking-lot maneuvers can trigger temporary EPS shutdown until components cool.
• Rack/motor failure: Typically sets a warning light and requires component replacement.

EPS failures often leave the vehicle drivable with heavy steering, but underlying electrical issues can worsen quickly. Have the charging system tested before continuing.

Estimated repair costs

Prices vary by vehicle, region, and parts choice. These ballpark figures can help you plan next steps.

• Hydraulic pump replacement: roughly $300–$900 parts and labor.
• Rack-and-pinion (hydraulic): $800–$1,800+ installed.
• Serpentine belt and tensioner: $100–$350.
• Power steering fluid service/flush (HPS): $80–$160.
• Electric power steering rack/motor: $1,000–$2,500+ installed.
• 12V battery or alternator (affecting EPS): battery $150–$350; alternator $400–$900.

An inspection fee and diagnostic scan are often applied first; many shops credit that toward the repair if you proceed.

Prevention and preparedness

Routine checks reduce the odds of sudden steering loss and help catch small issues before they become major repairs.

• Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every service; replace at manufacturer intervals or if cracked/noisy.
• For hydraulic systems, check fluid level and condition; address leaks and service fluid as recommended (often 50,000–100,000 miles, or per the manual).
• Keep the 12V battery and charging system healthy; EPS is sensitive to low voltage.
• Respond early to whining, groaning, or intermittent assist—don’t wait for a total loss.
• Check for recalls or technical service bulletins related to EPS or steering components for your model.

These habits not only improve safety but also reduce long-term costs by preventing collateral damage.

Summary

You can usually steer a car without power assist, but control—especially at low speeds—becomes much harder. Slow down, signal, and move to a safe spot; in many cases, towing is the safest option. If you must continue briefly, do so at low speed, on a simple route, and only if there’s no smoke, leaks, overheating, or charging issues. Diagnose the root cause promptly, since hydraulic and electric systems fail for different reasons and can affect other critical components.

How long can I drive with a failing power steering pump?

You cannot drive for any significant length of time with a bad power steering pump, as doing so is dangerous and can lead to further system damage. Driving without a functioning power steering pump makes steering extremely difficult, increasing the risk of an accident. If the pump is failing due to low fluid, continuing to drive can cause the pump and steering rack to overheat and seize, requiring extensive repairs. 
Why You Shouldn’t Drive

• Increased Accident Risk: Difficult steering, especially at low speeds, makes it harder to control the vehicle and can lead to serious accidents. 
• Component Damage: Driving with a damaged or low-fluid power steering pump can cause metal shavings or other debris to enter the system, leading to more expensive damage to the pump and the steering rack. 
• Overheating: The pump can overheat from overworking or lack of lubrication, potentially leading to a complete system failure and a breakdown. 

What to Do Instead

1. Check Fluid Levels: Opens in new tabFirst, check your power steering fluid level and add the appropriate fluid if it’s low. This might temporarily solve the problem if the issue is due to low fluid. 
2. Inspect for Leaks: Opens in new tabLook for any visible leaks around the power steering pump, hoses, and reservoir. 
3. Visit a Repair Shop: Opens in new tabIf the issue persists after adding fluid, or if you see a leak, take your vehicle to a qualified technician to assess the damage as soon as possible. 

Is fixing power steering expensive?

Fixing power steering can range from relatively inexpensive to very expensive, with costs depending on the specific problem, your vehicle’s make and model, and the labor rates in your area. A simple hose leak might cost a few hundred dollars, but a major issue like a power steering rack replacement could cost well over $1,000.
 
Factors Influencing the Cost

• The Component That Is Broken
  • Hose Leak: A leaky power steering hose is often a less expensive repair, costing around $150-$300. 
  • Power Steering Pump: Replacing a pump can cost between $500-$900 or more, including parts and labor. 
  • Power Steering Rack: Replacing the steering rack, a more significant component, can be one of the most expensive repairs, sometimes exceeding $1,200. 
• Your Vehicle
  • Vehicle Make and Model: The cost of replacement parts and the complexity of the job vary greatly between different cars and trucks. 
  • Type of Power Steering: Systems vary, from traditional hydraulic systems to electric power steering, each with different repair costs and potential for specialized programming. 
• Labor and Location
  • Labor Rates: The cost of the mechanic’s labor can significantly impact the total price, and rates vary by shop and geographic location. 
  • Shop Type: Dealerships or specialized shops may have higher labor charges than independent mechanics. 

What You Can Do

• Get a Diagnosis: Have a qualified mechanic determine the exact cause of the problem. 
• Check for Minor Issues: Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a loose seal or a low fluid level, which can be a quick and cheap fix. 
• Compare Quotes: If you get a diagnosis, get quotes from different reputable shops to compare costs for parts and labor. 

What happens if power steering fails while driving?

If power steering fails while driving, the steering wheel becomes heavy and difficult to turn, especially at low speeds or when parking, requiring significantly more physical effort to maneuver the vehicle. You can still steer the car, but it’s vital to slow down gradually, use both hands to grip the wheel firmly, signal, and pull over to a safe location to assess the situation or call for assistance.
 
This video demonstrates what happens when power steering fails and the difficulty in maneuvering the vehicle: 54sJimmyCruiserYouTube · Oct 23, 2016
What to expect:

• Heavier steering: The most noticeable change is how hard it is to turn the steering wheel, as the power assistance is gone. 
• Increased effort: You’ll need to use more force, especially when making sharp turns or parking. 
• Potential difficulty controlling the vehicle: In an emergency or sudden maneuver, it can be challenging to control the car’s direction without power assistance. 

What to do:

1. Stay calm and grip firmly: Hold the steering wheel with both hands and maintain control of the vehicle. 
2. Slow down gradually: Ease off the accelerator and apply the brakes gently to reduce speed. Abrupt braking could lead to loss of control. 
3. Signal and pull over safely: Turn on your hazard lights and steer the vehicle to the side of the road or a safe area as soon as possible. 
4. Turn off the engine: Once safely parked, turn off the engine. 
5. Look for warning signs: Check for warning lights on your dashboard, such as a power steering warning light or check engine light. 
6. Call for help: Do not continue driving if it’s unsafe. Call for roadside assistance or a trusted repair shop. 

This video explains how to handle power steering failure while driving: 56sehowautoYouTube · May 11, 2009
Important Note: While it’s possible to drive with failed power steering, it’s dangerous and not recommended, especially for extended periods or at higher speeds. Address the problem as soon as possible by taking the car to a repair shop.

Is it safe to drive with power steering going out?

Possible Damage: If a vehicle is designed to have power steering and it is disabled or malfunctioning, it could lead to further mechanical issues or damage over time. In summary, while it is not inherently “bad” to drive without power steering, it can make driving significantly more difficult and less safe.