Can you still drive a car with no power steering?

Yes—most cars can still be steered if power assistance fails, but the wheel becomes much heavier, especially at low speeds, and control can be compromised. It’s generally safe only to move the vehicle to a safe location or, at most, to a nearby repair facility. Continuing to drive without power steering raises safety risks and can cause additional mechanical damage, depending on what failed.

What “no power steering” really means

Power steering—hydraulic, electric, or electro-hydraulic—reduces the force needed to turn the wheel. If the assist system fails, the steering mechanism still connects mechanically to the front wheels, so you maintain steering ability. However, modern vehicles are heavier and often have quicker steering ratios and wider tires than classic cars, making unassisted steering much harder at parking-lot speeds. At higher speeds, the effort increase is noticeable but typically manageable.

How safe is it to keep driving?

Safety depends on speed, traffic, weather, the cause of the failure, and your physical ability to apply much more steering force. The following risks are the most common to consider if power assist cuts out.

• Low-speed maneuvering becomes very difficult, increasing the chance of hitting curbs, pedestrians, or obstacles while parking or turning tightly.
• Sudden evasive moves are harder, which can lengthen your response time in an emergency.
• If a hydraulic pump failed due to a broken serpentine belt, you may also lose the alternator and (on many engines) the water pump, risking overheating and battery discharge.
• If the engine stalls, power brake assist can also be lost, making the brake pedal much harder to press after the vacuum reserve is used.
• Hydraulic fluid leaks can quickly destroy the pump and, in rare cases, pose a fire risk if fluid contacts hot components.
• On electric power steering (EPS), a fault can disable steering assist and may partially limit driver-assistance or stability functions that rely on steering angle data; warning lights usually appear.

Because these risks can escalate quickly, the prudent course is to reduce speed, create space around you, and exit traffic as soon as it’s safe. Treat the situation as a vehicle defect, not a minor inconvenience.

What to do if your power steering fails while driving

Steering failures are often abrupt and surprising. These steps can help you maintain control and get the vehicle to safety without compounding the problem.

1. Keep a firm two‑handed grip on the wheel and steer smoothly—expect heavy resistance, especially below 20 mph.
2. Scan your dash: if the engine has stalled, shift to neutral and try a safe restart while rolling straight; avoid abrupt steering during cranking.
3. Slow down gradually and increase following distance; the brake pedal may also feel harder if the engine is off.
4. Signal early, use hazard lights if needed, and move to the shoulder or a safe turnout.
5. Do not switch the ignition to the lock/off position while moving—this can disable assist systems and may lock the steering on some vehicles.
6. If you suspect a belt failure or fluid leak, avoid continued driving; running a dry hydraulic pump can cause expensive damage.
7. Once stopped safely, check for warning lights, leaks under the car, a missing/broken belt, or blown fuses (for EPS). Add only the correct fluid if you must move the car a short distance, and seek professional repair.

These steps prioritize control and damage prevention. After you’re safely off the road, professional diagnosis is essential to determine whether the car can be driven further or requires towing.

Is it legal to drive without power steering?

In many places, it is not explicitly illegal to drive a car whose power steering has failed, provided the vehicle remains controllable. However, most jurisdictions prohibit operating a vehicle that is unsafe or has a dangerous defect. In practice, a car with inoperative power steering can be judged unsafe—especially if the cause is a broken belt, a major fluid leak, or a condition that affects braking or charging. In the UK, for example, steering defects can lead to an MOT failure and driving with a dangerous defect can be an offense. In the U.S., state “unsafe equipment” laws can apply, and liability increases if an incident occurs. Insurers may also take a dim view if you knowingly continue driving with a critical defect.

Common causes of power steering loss and quick checks

Understanding why assist failed helps you decide whether a short, careful drive to a repair shop is feasible or if you should call for a tow.

• Broken or slipping serpentine belt (hydraulic or electro‑hydraulic systems): Look for a missing belt or squeal; other accessories may also be out.
• Hydraulic fluid leak: Puddles or wet hoses/reservoir; low fluid leads to heavy steering and pump damage.
• Electrical fault in EPS: Warning light, loss of assist, possible related stability/assist alerts; check fuses and battery/alternator health.
• Engine stall: Hydraulic assist is lost immediately; EPS may continue briefly on battery power but can cut out as voltage drops.
• Steering angle/torque sensor fault or software issue (EPS): Typically triggers warnings and disables assist as a failsafe.
• Cold-weather viscosity issues (rare with correct fluid): Thickened fluid or weak battery can limit assist at startup.

If the issue is purely electrical and intermittent, a slow, cautious drive to a nearby shop may be possible. Active leaks, a broken belt, overheating, or simultaneous brake-assist loss warrant immediate towing.

When it’s reasonable to keep moving—briefly

There are limited scenarios where continuing to drive without power assist can be justified.

• To clear fast-moving traffic and reach the nearest safe shoulder or exit.
• To proceed at low speed to a safe, nearby location or repair facility if no leak, belt failure, or overheating is evident.
• When you can maintain full control without excessive strain and road/traffic conditions are light.

Anything beyond a short, cautious relocation increases risk and potential damage. Err on the side of towing if you have any doubt about the cause.

Bottom line

You can still steer without power assistance, but it’s harder and riskier—especially at low speeds and in emergencies. Treat loss of power steering as a critical fault: slow down, get to safety, and repair promptly. If a leak or belt failure is involved, stop driving and arrange a tow.