Does not returning the steering wheel to the center position damage the car?
3 Answers
Not returning the steering wheel to the center position can indeed damage the car. Below is an introduction to the potential damages caused by not centering the steering wheel: 1. Damage to the steering system: If the steering wheel is not centered when parking, the wheels will pull the steering tie rod, preventing it from returning to its original position. At the same time, the steering wheel's gears and the tie rod's rack will remain under stress. 2. Damage to the suspension system: This can lead to the aging of the shock-absorbing rubber in the suspension system, and play (looseness) may develop at the connection points of the suspension's swing arms and links. The greater the play, the more severe the wear becomes, creating a vicious cycle. 3. Damage to the tires: Uneven force distribution on the tires will accelerate the aging and deformation of the tire sidewalls. Once the sidewalls age and deform, it may lead to air leakage or tire blowouts.
I've been driving for twenty years and often see people not straightening the steering wheel when parking, which indeed harms the car. Over time, this can cause uneven tire wear because the tires are pressed at an angle, leading to unbalanced force distribution, and the edges will wear out quickly. The cost of replacing tires isn't low. The steering system also suffers—components like the tie rods, steering gear, and pinion endure extra stress due to the misaligned angle, accelerating aging over time. Suspension parts, such as shock absorbers, also bear unnecessary stress, affecting their lifespan. Parking should be done gently; leaving the steering wheel crooked is like forcing parts to work overtime, leading to faster wear and costly repairs. Developing the habit of straightening the wheel is simple and convenient, helping the car run longer and smoother.
As a new car owner, I initially thought it didn't matter whether the steering wheel was straightened or not. But in actual experience, I found it problematic. If the car is parked with the steering wheel not centered, the tires are prone to deformation, especially uneven wear on the sidewalls, which cost me unnecessary money when replacing new tires. The steering mechanism bears unnecessary stress, potentially damaging the power steering system and making the handling feel sluggish. It's better to keep the wheels straight when parking to avoid fatigue on the suspension system. I recommend checking once daily when parking - developing this habit can save both trouble and money.
