When the power steering warning light comes on, or the steering suddenly feels heavy, it gets your attention fast. Parking in a tight basement or turning out of a busy junction becomes hard work, and many drivers worry the steering could fail completely.
The good news is that losing power assistance does not mean losing steering. The mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front wheels is still there. The car simply needs much more effort to turn, especially at low speed. That said, it is a fault to take seriously and get checked promptly.
This guide explains how power steering works in modern cars, the common causes of a power steering warning light or heavy steering, and when it is not safe to keep driving in Abu Dhabi traffic.
How Power Steering Works
Most cars use one of two systems. Older and some larger vehicles use hydraulic power steering, where an engine-driven pump pushes fluid to assist the steering rack. Many modern cars use electric power steering (EPS), where an electric motor on the steering column or rack provides assistance based on signals from a torque sensor and the car's control modules.
Some vehicles use electro-hydraulic systems, where an electric motor drives a hydraulic pump. Knowing which type your car has helps narrow the likely cause, and the owner's manual or a technician can confirm it.
Common Causes of a Power Steering Warning Light
The warning light usually looks like a steering wheel symbol, sometimes with an exclamation mark, and it may be amber or red depending on the car. Here are the most common causes, grouped by system.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Faults
- Low battery voltage: EPS motors draw a lot of current at low speed. A weak battery or a charging system that is not keeping up can make the system reduce assistance or switch off and set the warning light. This often happens just after a jump start or with an ageing battery.