Does it have an impact if the wheels are not straightened when parking?
2 Answers
Parking with the wheels not straightened has the following impacts: 1. Accelerated aging of the steering tie rod: The tie rod remains under force for a long time and cannot return to its original position, which accelerates aging over time; 2. Accelerated aging of the power steering pump: When the hydraulic resistance system's power steering pump pushes oil and there is no return action, it causes negative pressure in the power steering pump, leading to accelerated aging over time; 3. The suspension will tilt towards the direction the wheels are not straightened, accelerating the wear of soft-support rubber pads and rubber sleeves; 4. For the tire sidewalls, not straightening the wheels increases the force on the tire sidewalls, accelerating their wear, which may lead to dangerous situations like tire blowouts over time.
Parking with wheels not straightened does have some impact. While it's not a major issue, prolonged practice may gradually damage the vehicle's steering system. The steering column bears extra pressure and is prone to aging or malfunction over time. It's particularly dangerous when parking on slopes without straightening wheels - if the handbrake fails, the car could slide down the slope causing accidents. I always remind myself to develop the habit of straightening wheels, especially when parking on steep slopes or in residential areas, for safety and peace of mind. Additionally, tires may suffer uneven wear from prolonged crooked parking, leading to higher replacement costs. Occasionally checking steering feel or listening for unusual sounds during startup can help detect minor abnormalities. It's advisable to mention this during regular maintenance checks rather than waiting for problems to arise - small habits can prevent big troubles.
