Does Parking with Wheels Not Straight Affect the Car?
2 Answers
Parking with wheels not straight can be harmful to the car. 1. It can damage the steering system: The steering linkage cannot return to its neutral position and remains under stress, which may accelerate aging over time. 2. It can harm the suspension system: The suspension system will tilt in the direction the wheels are turned, causing the soft rubber cushions and bushings to remain under stress and wear out faster. 3. It accelerates tire wear: Not straightening the wheels puts excessive stress on the tire sidewalls, leading to deformation and faster wear. Additional relevant information is as follows: 1. Tire inspection: Inspect tires at least once a month. Check tire pressure when the tires are cold, including the spare tire. If the pressure drops too quickly, identify the cause promptly rather than simply inflating at a tire shop. Inflate to the manufacturer's specified pressure. Replace tires when they wear down to the tread wear indicators. Driving with tires beyond the wear indicators is dangerous in wet conditions, as drainage performance is significantly reduced, affecting wet traction. 2. Tire risks: Older tires are more prone to tread deformation and blowouts. Tires greatly impact vehicle safety and handling; faulty tires can lead to hazards like blowouts, so timely replacement is advised. As rubber products, tires naturally age regardless of maintenance.
To be honest, this is a question many people ask. I used to be lazy and just parked with the wheels turned. Later, a mechanic told me that doing it once or twice for a short time isn’t a big deal, but doing it long-term can really damage the car. The power steering system remains under tension, and the rack-and-pinion gears are constantly under stress, which over time can lead to steering system issues. Especially when parked on a slope with the wheels turned to full lock, it’s like making someone stand with their neck twisted all night. Once during a heavy rain, my neighbor parked with the wheels turned, and because the drainage ditch was in the wrong position, the tire was submerged in water for half a month, and the wheel hub rusted. Now, I always take an extra 20 seconds to straighten the wheels when parking—it gives me much more peace of mind.
