The warning light (indicator light) of the power steering system notifies you when there is a problem with the power steering system and it will be disconnected until it is repaired.
Anyone who has driven a car with a manual power steering system knows that it can be a real physical task. To make driving easier, carmakers have been using power steering for decades.
The original power steering system uses a hydraulic pump to move the fluid into the chambers in your steering system. When you move the steering wheel with the engine running, the pump will fill one of the chambers to help you turn the wheels.
The electric power steering system began to be common as technology became less expensive over the years.
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The electric power steering system does not require any fluid and they are generally quieter; so more and more vehicle manufacturers are starting to use them. A warning light on the dashboard will let you know when a problem has been detected with the power steering system.
This warning light tends to be in the shape of a steering wheel, sometimes with an exclamation mark. For cars with electric power steering, the light can say EPS. In any case, the warning light will be red or yellow.
Power steering system: A common reason for the warning light to illuminate is the lack of power steering fluid. You should stop your car if you see this warning light on and check the liquid level immediately. Replace it with the correct type of liquid and the light should turn off.
Remember that a low fluid level means a leak that needs to be remedied as soon as possible. Adding liquid will only be a temporary repair until you fix the leakage.
If the fluid level is not the problem, you will need to have the problem diagnosed further by a certified technician and repairs will more than likely be necessary.
With this warning light on, you will not have assistance to help you drive. You will still be able to drive, but the steering wheel will be difficult to maneuver, so you will have to be very careful when driving.
Electric power steering system. The warning light will not come on for fluid levels because there is no liquid used. In fact, simply restarting the engine can sometimes turn off the warning light.
Like your home computer, small errors can make your computer think it’s a real problem with the power steering system.
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A quick reset and the computer will work properly. If this light does not go out after restarting, then the problem must be investigated further. Like the hydraulic system, the assisted power will be deactivated for the moment and the steering will be cumbersome as long as the warning light stays on.
Is it safe to drive with this warning light lit on your dashboard ?
Not. Without power steering, the vehicle will be very difficult to maneuver. You have to be very careful when driving, so it would be better not to use the vehicle at all if you can avoid this. Otherwise, lack of steering assistance could lead to a collision.
Replacing the power steering fluid at regular intervals will help keep the power steering system in top shape.
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