Should the steering wheel be straightened when parking?
3 Answers
After parking, the steering wheel needs to be straightened. Not straightening the steering wheel can cause many problems: 1. If the direction is not straightened after parking, it is equivalent to the power steering pump pumping out oil to push the steering without returning the oil, creating negative pressure in the power steering pump and accelerating its aging. 2. 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. This causes prolonged stress on the steering gear and tie rod rack, accelerating their aging or deformation. 3. If the steering wheel is not straightened when parking, the tire force will be unbalanced, accelerating the aging and deformation of the tire sidewall, leading to air leakage or blowouts.
I think whether the steering wheel returns to center when parking depends on the situation, but as an experienced driver, I strongly recommend straightening it every time. Why? First, it protects vehicle components: if the steering wheel isn't centered, the steering column and suspension system endure prolonged torsion, which can accelerate wear on bearings or power steering pumps—costly and troublesome to repair. Second, it prevents tire damage, as uneven pressure causes faster deformation and uneven wear, shortening tire lifespan, especially dangerous when parked on slopes. I learned this the hard way in my youth—once parked without straightening the wheel, and when it rained that night, my car nearly slid toward the curb before I braked in time. Forming this habit is simple and safe, just a few seconds' effort: check the steering wheel position after parking to avoid major repairs later. It's incredibly helpful for car maintenance.
I usually drive to commute, and parking in the city is frequent. Keeping the steering wheel straight is a good habit, mainly for safety reasons. If the car is parked on a slope without the steering wheel straightened, and the handbrake fails or the brake isn't firmly engaged, the car might roll down the slope and hit something. Imagine parking on a steep slope after work and finding the steering wheel misaligned the next morning—controlling the direction becomes unstable, and inexperienced drivers might even lose control. Additionally, not straightening the steering wheel over time can harm the steering system, causing uneven force distribution and affecting steering precision. I make it a habit to ensure the steering wheel is centered every time I park—just a quick twist does the trick, saving me from waking up at night worrying about a runaway car. It's simpler than switching music channels. Reminding myself to cultivate this small detail helps prevent accidents and ensures a stress-free commute.
