Is it harmful to the car if the steering wheel is not straight after parking?
2 Answers
It is harmful to the car if the steering wheel is not straight after parking, and the damages include: 1. Some components such as tires, tie rods, and steering gear are constantly under tension, leading to part aging; 2. Reduced hydraulic pressure in the steering system, resulting in oil leakage symptoms; 3. The vehicle may experience deviation while driving. The reasons for the steering wheel being not straight after parking are: 1. Damage or looseness of chassis components; 2. Improper wheel alignment; 3. Uneven wear of the steering wheels; 4. Deviation in the tie rod ball joints inside the steering gear; 5. Poor parking habits. Solutions for a not straight steering wheel after parking: 1. Tighten or replace chassis components; 2. Perform a four-wheel alignment calibration; 3. Swap the left and right steering wheels; 4. Adjust the tie rod ball joints inside the steering gear; 5. Maintain good parking habits.
I've seen many friends ask this question. Actually, having the steering wheel crooked when parked doesn't necessarily harm the car, but doing it long-term may cause minor issues. For example, if you always park with the wheels turned, components of the steering system like tie rods or universal joints endure extra stress, which can lead to faster wear over time. This doesn't mean immediate damage—occasional instances are fine—but making it a habit isn't good. Especially when parking on slopes, a crooked steering wheel can destabilize the vehicle's center of gravity, increasing pressure on tires and suspension. I always make it a habit to straighten the steering wheel when parking; it makes adjusting easier next time and prevents driving off with misaligned wheels. Additionally, if the steering wheel is frequently crooked, it might indicate a wheel alignment issue, like misaligned front wheels, requiring prompt inspection. Overall, this is a preventive measure—forming good habits extends your car's lifespan.
