Does Not Straightening the Steering Wheel Have Any Impact?
2 Answers
Not straightening the steering wheel does have impacts, including: 1. It causes uneven force distribution on the tires, accelerating the aging and deformation of the tire sidewalls, leading to air leakage or tire blowouts; 2. It accelerates the aging or deformation of steering mechanism components, resulting in vehicle deviation and uneven tire wear; 3. It causes the damping rubber in the suspension system to age, creating play in the connections between the suspension's swing arms and links, with greater play leading to more severe wear in the suspension system. Methods to avoid not straightening the steering wheel: 1. Observe the angle of the steering wheel after parking; 2. Judge based on the number of turns of the steering wheel; 3. Use forward and backward movement of the vehicle to make adjustments; 4. Stick your head out of the window to observe the angle of the tires.
Not returning the steering wheel to the correct position does indeed have negative effects. From a technical perspective, it continuously puts pressure on the steering system, leading to excessive wear of gears and tie rods, and may also cause uneven tire wear, shortening their lifespan. When parking without straightening the wheels, the suspension bears uneven forces, which over time can lead to deformation and increased repair costs. I've seen numerous cases in repair shops where vehicles experienced power steering failure due to this. It's advisable to develop the habit of straightening the steering wheel before turning off the engine each time you park; for automatic transmission vehicles, it's even safer to straighten the wheels before shifting to P. This practice protects vehicle components, prevents potential malfunctions, and extends the overall lifespan.
