Does Parking with Wheels Not Straight Affect the Car?
2 Answers
Parking with wheels not straight does affect the car, with specific impacts as follows: 1. Causes damage: Not straightening the tires can harm the suspension and steering gear. When parked on flat ground, the wheels bear the entire weight of the car. If the tires are not straight, the shock absorbers, lower control arms, and rubber connections of the suspension will be stretched or compressed. Over time, this can lead to loosening and deformation of the suspension. 2. Steering system: Affects the normal operation of the steering system. The wheels will pull the steering tie rods, preventing them from returning to their original position, while the gears of the steering wheel and the rack of the steering tie rods remain under stress. Over time, this can accelerate the aging or deformation of these components. 3. Suspension system: Affects the normal operation of the suspension system. The wheels will develop an angle, causing the suspension system to tilt in one direction. The elastic struts, rubber seals, and some rubber damping pads within the suspension system will be under stress, which can cause damage to the suspension system over time.
I've been driving for many years and have seen many people park their cars with the wheels crooked. To be honest, it has a significant impact on the car, especially on slopes. If the wheels aren't straightened, the steering system is under constant stress, like doing weight training, leading to deformation and premature aging of suspension components. Once, I forgot to straighten the wheels when parking on a slope, and the car almost rolled down, nearly causing an injury—a profound lesson. Over time, this causes uneven tire wear, forcing you to replace tires prematurely, which is not cost-effective. I recommend developing the habit of aligning the wheels by turning the steering wheel every time you park. This not only protects car components and extends their lifespan but also reduces the risk of accidents. Safety first, after all.