After GM’s highly publicized recalls, we’ve learned quite a bit about the affected cars, their faulty ignition switches and the reasons a faulty ignition switch can lead to a crash. Without a properly working ignition switch, the engine can shut off while driving, which causes both power steering and power brake failure, as well as air bag malfunction.

For young and inexperienced drivers, as well as some older drivers, we may need to explain just how frightening this can be. Power steering allows drivers to turn the wheel with very little effort. When the power steering goes out, it takes all your strength to turn the wheel and navigate the car safely. The same goes for power brakes. When the power brakes fail, you may have to put both of your feet and all of your weight on the brake pedal just to slow the car down a little bit.

So, if you’re driving highway speeds and the engine shuts off, the steering begins to fail, and you realize the brakes aren’t working so well either, it can be pretty easy to react with pure panic. Even if you maintain a cool head and resist the urge to panic, it still takes great strength and finesse to bring the car to a safe stop out of traffic.

GM may not be the last company to have faulty ignitions switches, or other technical glitches that result in engine failure. As our cars become “smarter” and our engines become more integrated with computers, there’s always a risk that something similar may go wrong. Older cars are also at risk of engine failure, and poor maintenance can lead to engine stalling and a loss of power steering as well. So, why not learn how to deal with power steering failure now? Here are a few tips to help drivers prevent power steering failure, as well as how to handle the emergency when it happens:

– First of all, if you are driving a Cobalt, Pontiac, Saturn or Chevrolet, check to see if your vehicle is part of the massive recall. The following tips are for presumably-working cars.

– If your car makes noises when you turn the steering wheel, then you may be getting low on power steering fluid. Listen for whining, moaning or shrieking whenever you turn the wheel. Power steering fluid is cheap and easy to replenish, however you may need to check and see if you have a leak.

– If you notice a stain on the ground underneath your car, then you may have a fluid leak. Place a piece of white paper under the leak. If the fluid looks amber, pink or red, then it is probably power steering fluid. Make sure your fluids are topped off and get the leak repaired ASAP.

– Your steering wheel should turn freely with very little effort. If you find it difficult to turn the wheel, then your power steering system is going out.

– If your power steering fails while you are on the road, DO NOT PANIC! DO NOT SLAM ON THE BRAKES! Calmly release the gas pedal and use all your strength to maintain control and direction, then turn on your emergency lights to warn other drivers.

– Move toward the side of the road carefully. Without power steering, it will be much harder to steer your car.

– When you see a safe place to pull over, bring the car to a gradual stop. Slamming on the brakes may cause the car to lose control and skid, which will be nearly impossible to steer out of without power steering.

– If the power steering fails because the engine has stalled, then your brakes will also be harder to use if you have power brakes. You will need to press the brake pedal much harder and farther down to slow the car. If this does not work, then try downshifting to a lower gear or using elevation and friction to bring the car to a safe stop. Then, park using the emergency brake and call your local mechanic.