Posted on 7/25/2025
Turning the steering wheel should feel smooth and responsive, allowing you to navigate safely and confidently. When your steering wheel becomes stiff or hard to turn, it can be both alarming and dangerous. Difficulty steering can make parking or taking tight turns challenging and can increase your risk in emergency situations. Understanding why this happens and addressing it quickly can help keep you safe on the road. Low or Leaking Power Steering Fluid One of the most common reasons for a hard-to-turn steering wheel is low or leaking power steering fluid. This fluid helps create the hydraulic pressure that makes steering easy. Over time, leaks can develop in hoses, seals, or the power steering pump, which reduces fluid levels and causes the steering to become stiff. Signs of a leak include fluid puddles under your vehicle (usually reddish or amber in color) and a whining noise when you turn the wheel. Checking and refilling power steering fluid may provide temporar ... read more