Must the tires be straightened when parking?
2 Answers
When parking, the car tires must be straightened. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Not straightening the tires on flat ground can damage the suspension and the hydraulic power steering gear: When parking on flat ground, the wheels bear the full weight of the car. If the tires are not straightened, the shock absorbers, lower control arms, and the rubber at the suspension connection points will be stretched or squeezed, leading to loose and deformed suspension. Additionally, the hydraulic power steering gear generates assistance through the pressure difference of the hydraulic oil. After the engine is turned off, the hydraulic oil pressure will disappear, causing the steering gear's rack and pinion to tighten, which may result in damage. 2. On slopes, the tires do not need to be straightened: Parking on a slope carries the risk of the car rolling backward. If the tires are angled, they can prevent the car from continuing to roll backward in case of such an event. 3. If the tires are not straightened, the sidewalls might get scratched: Issues like tire bulges or scratches often occur on the sidewalls, which are the thinnest and most fragile part of the tire. Once damaged, the tire can only be scrapped.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have always made it a habit to straighten the tires when parking. It's not mandatory, but it's essential from a safety perspective, especially when parked on slopes or uneven surfaces. Leaving the wheels turned can make the car prone to sliding, particularly during rainy or icy seasons when reduced friction may cause unintended movement. My neighbor's car once slid into a ditch because the tires were turned and the handbrake wasn't engaged. The steering system also bears extra stress, and suspension components can deform over time, leading to increased repair costs. Developing this habit is simple—just straighten the steering wheel before turning off the engine, ensuring a smooth and worry-free start next time. Taking two seconds to check after parking saves major trouble. Road safety is no small matter; details determine everything.
