Honda: Steering problem with my Honda Civic LX 1995, honda civic lx, new york temperature

Question
Hi Gary,

I have Honda Civic LX 1995. Today morning to get started for my office I found my steering to be hard to move, it was like very difficult make the turn. I am just wondering why has this happened suddenly. Is this because of cold weather here in New York(Temperature -9C to -5C) that the steering oil got frozen. I am not sure? But what I observed was that when I kept the car for idling for 5-10min than it got smoother to move the steering. Can you tell me if there is any problem with the steering or is it just because of cold weather start? Please advise.

Thanks
Saurabh

Answer
I would not say that the fluid is frozen, but it's viscosity will be affected by freezing temperatures. A few other things ,on this model, add to the extra effort required to turn the wheel when it's cold. The interior is subjected to freezing temperatures also. The steering column, air bag cable reel, and even the rubber bushing that allows the steering shaft to pass through the firewall will all be pretty cold. If your power steering is not excessively noisy or whining, I would not be very concerned.