Your car can make several different strange noises when you turn the steering wheel, but the most annoying is a persistent whine. That whining noise is usually caused by a vehicle’s power steering system. Your power steering system plays a crucial role in the handling of your car by helping you turn the wheels more easily. When various issues hinder the power steering system, it may cause a loud whine of protest when you turn the wheel.

If your power steering fluid levels fall too low, air may become trapped in the fluid, causing the whining sound. Thankfully, this is a simple fix. Just top off your car’s power steering fluid and the whining should stop. Make sure to do this sooner rather than later, as driving a vehicle with low power steering fluid levels can damage the pump.

If you seem to recall having filled your power steering fluid not so long ago, you should check for a leak. Normally, power steering fluid should last for 40,000 miles or more, so if you have to fill it more regularly than that, a leak is likely. Leaks can occur in many parts of the power steering system, including the hoses, the pump and the reservoir. If you have difficulty finding the leak, just bring your car in for service from a trusted mechanic in Minnesota.

In the event that you can’t find a leak and your fluid levels are normal, you’ve probably got a damaged power steering pump causing the whining when you turn. Ask your mechanic about repair or replacement services.