How to Unlock Your Steering Wheel

When you’ve got a busy day ahead of you in Elk River or Anoka, a locked steering wheel can really ruin your morning. But luckily, learning how to unlock your steering wheel is quick and easy. Read on to find out just how to unlock your steering wheel in seconds with hints from our service department and find out just why this happens to the best of us!

Why Does my Steering Wheel Lock?

Your car has tons of built-in safety features and the steering wheel locking mechanism is designed to protect you in an emergency. For example, if your brakes fail in Anoka or you park on an incline in Rogers, your locked steering wheel will prevent you from drifting downhill! But it’s also possible to lock the steering wheel unintentionally, like if you grab the wheel as you get out of the vehicle. This can trigger the locking mechanism to deploy, which you may not notice until the next hectic morning!

Unlocking and Locking a Steering Wheel

Learning how to unlock a steering wheel is easier than you might think. If you’re panicking and struggling with your wheel, take a few deep breaths and try the following technique:

• Pull the wheel to the right. Pull the wheel to the left. Did your wheel have a little extra give in one direction? That’s the correct direction to unlock your steering wheel.
• Hold the wheel in the proper direction and put your key into the ignition to start the car.
• If your car starts, you’re good to go! If your car does not start, try the other direction. Eventually, your vehicle will start as usual.

What if you want to lock the wheel? When your ignition is off, just turn your steering wheel all the way to one side until you hear a click. This will lock your steering wheel in place until you unlock it again.

Find Out More with Cornerstone Chevrolet

You’ve learned how to lock and unlock a steering wheel, now learn more about your vehicle with Cornerstone Chevrolet. Whether you’re looking for a new vehicle with all the latest technology or extra tips and tricks from our service department, we’re here to help! Contact us with any questions in the Coon Rapids and Ramsey areas.