Is Steering the Wheel While Stationary Harmful to the Car a Myth?
2 Answers
Steering the wheel while stationary is not a myth and can indeed harm the car. Here is more relevant information: 1. Hazards: Steering the wheel while stationary can cause significant damage to the steering wheel itself. Repeatedly steering while stationary forces the steering wheel to operate under high stress for prolonged periods, requiring substantial power assistance, which can lead to excessive gaps in the linkage system. The most severe consequence is premature aging of the steering wheel, reduced operational flexibility, and potentially causing traffic accidents. 2. Developing Good Driving Habits: The most important habit is to start steering only after the vehicle is in motion. For example, when making a U-turn to minimize the turning radius, try to reduce the number of steering inputs. You can quickly steer the wheel as it begins to turn slightly to achieve the same effect as steering while stationary. If you must steer while stationary in a very tight space, avoid turning the wheel to its extreme limit, as doing so in a power-assisted steering vehicle may damage the power steering pump.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and initially, I didn't pay much attention to turning the steering wheel while stationary, thinking it was quite effortless. However, I later noticed that the tires wore out unusually fast, especially during seasonal checks when the sidewalls were covered in scratches. The mechanic said it was due to stationary sliding. The steering system also had issues once, with a loud noise from the hydraulic pump, costing several hundred dollars to fix. Since then, I've been careful to let the car move slightly before turning the wheel, especially in summer when the road surface is hot and wear is more noticeable. Now it's a habit—if the parking space is tight, I move the car a few centimeters first before turning the wheel, which has significantly extended tire life. I've also discussed this with fellow car enthusiasts, and most agree that this small habit can save on repair costs. In the long run, taking good care of the car is crucial.
