What is the best action to take if your power steering fails?

The best action to take if your power steering fails is to grip the steering wheel firmly, pull over, and restart the engine. This response is essential because power steering provides assistance that makes it easier to turn the vehicle. In the event of a power steering failure, steering will become significantly more difficult. By gripping the wheel firmly, you maintain control of the vehicle as you maneuver it to a safe location.

Pulling over is crucial; it allows you to safely manage the situation without posing a risk to yourself or other drivers. Restarting the engine may restore the power steering functionality, offering a chance to prevent further driving difficulties. This proactive approach ensures safety and allows for assessment of any underlying issues with the steering system.

The choice to remain calm and keep driving could lead to a dangerous situation, as struggling to steer without power assistance may compromise vehicle control. While shifting into neutral could disengage some resistances, it does not address the immediate need to safely maneuver the vehicle off the road. Therefore, the best practice is to pull over securely and check the vehicle's systems.