Is Steering the Wheel While Stationary Harmful to the Car a Myth?
4 Answers
Steering the wheel while stationary is indeed harmful to the car and not a myth. Here are the specific details: 1. Damage to Tires: Tires are made of rubber. Although their durability is relatively flexible, the weight of a car is borne by four tires, which can bear loads of over one ton or even two tons. Habitually turning the steering wheel while stationary increases friction between the tires and the ground, leading to wear on the tire tread. This undoubtedly shortens the lifespan of the tires. 2. Damage to Power Steering System: Many cars today are equipped with power steering systems; otherwise, even a strong man would find it exhausting to handle a steering wheel without power assistance. When the tires are turned while stationary, the resistance increases, requiring the power steering system to exert several times more pressure than usual to assist in steering. Frequent operation under such conditions reduces the lifespan of the power steering system and increases its failure rate.
When helping friends with car repairs, I've found that the hazards of turning the steering wheel while stationary are not just rumors. When the steering wheel is turned in place, the tires barely move, relying solely on hard grinding between the tire and the ground. This dry friction significantly increases the burden on the steering system. For older cars with hydraulic power steering pumps, the sudden spike in pressure can accelerate the aging and oil leakage of the pump's seals. Even for newer cars with electric power steering, the motor has to output higher torque, which may shorten its lifespan over time. I've seen many car owners who frequently maneuver in tight parking spaces develop steering noise and power steering degradation issues. By the way, this also damages the tires—tread wear becomes more concentrated, and tire edge wear is common. It's advisable to develop the habit of slightly moving the vehicle while turning to avoid unnecessary strain on the steering system.
I've been driving for twenty years and love pondering these little details. The issue of turning the steering wheel while stationary isn't entirely a myth. When the car is stopped, you can feel the resistance when turning the wheel. Why is it bad for the car? Components like the tie rods and ball joints are designed to operate with some rolling friction. Forcing them can deform the lubricating grease, accelerating wear. Especially in hot summer weather, when the oil temperature rises and you force it, the component gaps may increase, causing the steering wheel to feel slightly loose when driving. I've also noticed another point: if your car has an auto start-stop function, turning the wheel while stationary might cause the engine to restart, adding strain to the battery. Now, I've developed the habit of letting the car move slightly before adjusting the angle—this makes steering easier and is gentler on the entire vehicle.
As a car tech enthusiast, I must say the claim that turning the steering wheel while stationary harms the car is well-founded. Consider this: when the car is stationary, the tire contact patch is at its maximum, increasing steering resistance by approximately 30%. Traditional rack-and-pinion systems have to forcefully counteract this resistance, accelerating metal fatigue and gradually increasing play over time. While cars with electric power steering don't face hydraulic pump issues, their control modules will detect abnormally frequent torque demands, potentially triggering overheating protection. More practically, tires suffer too: during stationary turns, grip concentrates on a single spot, which can grind small pits directly into surfaces like gravel roads. It's advisable not to hold the steering wheel at full lock for more than five seconds, especially in older models.
