Does it have any impact if the steering wheel is not straightened when the car is parked properly?
2 Answers
It does have an impact if the steering wheel is not straightened when the car is parked properly. The impacts include: 1. The wheels will pull the tie rods and prevent them from returning to their original position. At the same time, the gears of the steering wheel and the racks of the tie rods will remain under stress, which can accelerate the aging or deformation of these parts; 2. It puts significant pressure on the sidewalls of the tires. Since the sidewalls of tires are relatively thin, this can cause uneven force distribution on the tires, accelerating the aging and deformation of the tire sidewalls. Methods to avoid parking the car with the steering wheel not straightened include: 1. Consciously straighten the steering wheel when parking; 2. Judge whether the steering wheel is straightened based on the number of turns of the steering wheel.
I've been driving for over a decade and always believed that not straightening the steering wheel does affect the car. When parked with wheels misaligned, the steering system bears extra pressure; for instance, parking on a slope with an unaligned steering wheel may cause body imbalance and even a risk of rolling. Over time, components like tie rods and ball joints wear out faster, leading to strange noises and reduced driving flexibility. From my own experience, tires are also prone to uneven wear, shortening their lifespan; when turning after starting, the steering feels heavier, affecting control. So now I've developed the habit of taking a moment to straighten the steering wheel and wheels every time I park—safe and saves maintenance hassle. This small detail shouldn't be overlooked for both new and old cars; protecting the steering system can extend the vehicle's lifespan.
