Can You Turn the Steering Wheel When the Tire is Close to the Curb?
3 Answers
You should not turn the steering wheel when the tire is close to the curb. Here are the handling methods for wheel damage: 1. Wheel damage: Check if the tire has bulges or cuts, drive carefully, and reverse slowly. 2. Wheel parameter determination: The front wheels are steering wheels and require toe-in and camber angles, which are determined through a four-wheel alignment. 3. Impact of turning the wheel close to the curb: When the front wheels turn freely, these parameters are minimally affected. However, turning the wheel while pressed against the curb becomes a constrained turn, which can disrupt the set toe-in and camber angles, thereby affecting the vehicle's driving performance. To avoid adverse effects, a four-wheel alignment can be performed again.
Never turn the steering wheel abruptly when your wheels are tightly against the curb. With over 20 years of driving experience, I've seen many beginners make this mistake. Directly turning the wheels can cause the tire sidewalls to scrape against the curb edge, damaging both the rims and tire walls. In severe cases, it may even harm the chassis or suspension system, with repairs costing at least a few hundred dollars. My advice is to first reverse the car slightly until there's about a fist's distance between the wheels and the curb before turning—this method is both stable and safe. Developing this habit is crucial, especially when parallel parking in big cities, to prevent minor issues from escalating. Damaged tires also affect driving balance, and an accident during sharp turns could lead to irreversible regret. Safety first—think ahead while driving to avoid unnecessary troubles.
When the wheels are pressed against the curb, turning the steering wheel directly won't work. As a driving enthusiast who often mentors new learners, I emphasize that wheels need space to turn during steering. Otherwise, the tires will forcefully rub against the curb, leading to surface scratches or deformation. Over time, this accelerates wheel wear and affects the vehicle's handling. The best approach is to slightly move the car away, creating space for the wheels before turning. It's a simple method: gently press the accelerator to reverse a tiny bit, ensure safety, and then slowly turn the wheel. When parking, be mindful not to get too close to the curb—preventing problems is better than repairing the car. Don't take shortcuts for temporary convenience; a little caution can make your beloved car last longer.
