car brakes and steering wheel locked up while driving

When a car’s brakes and steering wheel lock up while driving, it creates a dangerous situation that requires immediate attention. Several factors, including mechanical failures, electronic system malfunctions, or hydraulic problems can cause this issue. Here’s a comprehensive plan to address and potentially resolve the situation safely:
Immediate Actions

1. Stay Calm and Try to Slow Down:
   • Try pumping the brake pedal gently to see if it helps unlock the brakes.
   • If the car has a manual transmission, gradually downshift to reduce speed.
   • For automatic transmissions, switch to a lower gear if possible.
2. Use Emergency Brake with Caution:
   • Gently apply the emergency brake (handbrake) to help slow down the vehicle, but be cautious as it could cause the rear wheels to lock and lead to a skid.
3. Signal for Help:
   • Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers that you’re facing an emergency.
   • If you have a functional horn, use brief signals to attract attention if needed.
4. Steer Safely to the Roadside:
   • Even with steering difficulty, try to guide the vehicle to a safe place. If the vehicle is still moving and you cannot steer, look for a safe area to let the vehicle come to a stop naturally.
5. Call for Professional Assistance:
   • Once stopped and in a safe location, call for roadside assistance or emergency services. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle again.

Long-Term Solution
After addressing the immediate danger, the next step is diagnosing and fixing the issue.

1. Tow to a Certified Mechanic or Dealership:
   • Have your vehicle professionally towed to a certified mechanic or dealership where they can diagnose the problem under safe conditions.
2. Diagnosis:
   • The mechanic will need to check for multiple potential issues:
     • Hydraulic System: For brakes locking up, the issue might be with the brake fluid, master cylinder, or brake lines.
     • Electronic System: Modern cars have complex electronic systems (like ABS and power steering) that might malfunction, causing the brakes and steering to lock.
     • Mechanical Failures: The mechanic should inspect for any mechanical failures in the braking system, power steering pump, or steering rack.
3. Repair or Replace Faulty Components:
   • Based on the diagnosis, the necessary components should be repaired or replaced. This could range from simple fixes (like fluid replacement or bleeding the brakes) to more complex solutions (like replacing the power steering pump or repairing electronic control units).
4. Thorough Testing:
   • After repairs, the car should undergo thorough testing under various conditions to ensure that the issue has been fully resolved and the vehicle is safe to drive.
5. Preventive Maintenance:
   • Regularly maintain your car based on the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent such incidents. This includes regular checks on braking systems, steering components, and fluid levels.