Is It Harmful to Turn the Steering Wheel to the Limit?
3 Answers
Turning the steering wheel to the limit can cause some damage to the car tires and reduce their lifespan. Below are some steering wheel usage techniques and precautions: Steering Wheel Usage Techniques: When using the steering wheel, both hands should cooperate and apply appropriate force. When turning, one hand should lead while the other assists, either pushing or pulling as needed. For a left turn, the right hand should lead by pushing left, while the left hand assists by pulling. When the vehicle enters a new path and needs to straighten, the right hand can still lead by turning right. The left hand can also assist by pushing. Alternatively, you can pause at a certain position, relax your grip slightly, and let the wheel slide through your hands. Once the turn is complete, regain a firm grip (the opposite applies for right turns). Usage Precautions: While driving, avoid turning the steering wheel too forcefully. Do not continue pushing with both hands in the same position. Avoid gripping the wheel with both hands at a single point or using one hand for extended periods, and refrain from unnecessary side-to-side shaking. When the vehicle is not moving, avoid turning the steering wheel forcefully in place to prevent damage to the steering system.
Driving instructors always emphasize not to turn the steering wheel all the way to the end, and there's a good reason for it. My dad, who drove a taxi for thirty years, constantly reminds me: 'With hydraulic power steering, holding the wheel at full lock keeps the power steering pump under continuous high pressure. The whining sound from the hoses is a warning—over time, the oil seals will definitely leak.' If you always park with the wheels rubbing against the curb, the steering ball joints can deform, causing the steering wheel to become misaligned over time. A mechanic once showed me the grooves worn into a steering gear's teeth—all from turning the wheel to full lock every day. The car I drive now has electric power steering, which is slightly better, but the dealership technician still recommends leaving half a turn of leeway, as keeping the steering linkage under tension accelerates wear. Especially when making a U-turn, if you hear a 'clunk' sound, it's best to ease off the steering a bit—it’s the right move.
When I first bought my car, I loved turning the steering wheel all the way, thinking it made turns sharper. Later, at a car club meet, an engineer explained: the steering system has limiters, and while it's fine for short periods, holding it for over 30 seconds can trigger the power steering pump's oil temperature warning. A tire shop owner also warned me that cars frequently parked with wheels turned all the way often wear the inner edges of the front tires faster, requiring early replacement. Once, while making a U-turn in a friend's old BMW, the steering wheel suddenly locked up like a rock when turned fully, scaring me into letting go immediately. Now, I follow the 'three-step turn' method taught in driving school when parking—though a bit tedious, it saved me over 8,000 yuan last year on steering gear replacement. Remember to ease off as the wheel nears its limit; being gentle with your car is always the right move.
