Should the Steering Wheel Be Straightened After Parking the Car?
3 Answers
After parking the car, the steering wheel should be straightened. If not, it can have the following impacts: 1. Damage to the steering system. If the steering wheel is not straightened when parking, the wheels will pull the steering tie rod, preventing it from returning to its original position. At the same time, the steering wheel's gears and the tie rod's rack will remain under stress. Over time, this can accelerate aging or deformation, leading to vehicle misalignment and uneven tire wear. 2. Damage to the suspension system. When the steering wheel is not straightened, many car models' wheels will develop an angle, causing the suspension system to tilt in one direction. This places stress on components like the elastic struts, rubber seals, and rubber damping pads in the suspension system, preventing them from returning to their normal positions. This can lead to accelerated aging of the suspension's damping rubber, and excessive play in the connection points of the suspension's control arms and links, creating a vicious cycle of increasing wear. 3. Damage to the tires. When the steering wheel is not straightened, due to the kingpin inclination angle and the design of passenger car tire camber, the tire does not rest entirely on the tread but instead bears force on the shoulder and part of the tread. This puts significant pressure on the tire's sidewalls. Since the sidewalls are relatively thin, frequent unbalanced stress can accelerate their aging and deformation, potentially leading to air leaks or blowouts.
To be honest, after decades of driving, straightening the steering wheel when parking has become second nature to me. The reason is simple: if you don't straighten it, the steering mechanism remains under constant stress, which over time accelerates wear on the suspension system—especially the steering gear's oil seals, which may start leaking or become deformed. The tires also suffer, wearing unevenly and requiring premature replacement, which can be a significant expense. Not to mention the safety risks—if parked on a slope without straightening the wheel, the car might roll unexpectedly when started, potentially causing an accident. Developing this good habit takes just a few seconds to adjust the wheel, but it protects your car's performance and makes daily driving smoother and more worry-free. In the long run, it extends component lifespan, saving both money and hassle.
From the perspective of automotive working principles, the steering wheel must be returned to the straight position after parking. The gears and bearings in the steering mechanism will wear out faster under pressure, especially if you frequently park on inclined roads. The hydraulic or electric power steering system may also be damaged, affecting overall handling. Additionally, uneven tire contact with the ground can lead to accelerated wear. After a few months of use, one side may be completely worn out while the other remains intact, resulting in unnecessary expenses for new tires. Returning the steering wheel to the straight position when parking also prevents the risk of sudden vehicle movement upon the next ignition, ensuring safety first. In short, this is a small matter but involves significant issues. Developing this habit only requires a simple action.
