What are the effects of not straightening the wheels?

[LeRowan]

Here are the impacts of not straightening the wheels: 1. Accelerated aging of steering system components: When parking with the wheels turned, if the steering wheel is not straightened, the tie rods will be pulled by the wheels and unable to return to their original position. At the same time, the gears of the steering wheel and the rack of the tie rods remain under stress. Over time, this can lead to accelerated aging or deformation of these parts, potentially causing issues such as vehicle drift and abnormal tire wear. 2. Increased risk of suspension system oil leaks and abnormal noises: If the steering wheel is not straightened when parking, the wheels will have a camber angle, causing the suspension system to tilt in the same direction. This creates stress on components like rubber bushings, struts, and rubber shock absorbers, preventing them from returning to their normal positions. Prolonged exposure to this stress can cause the shock-absorbing rubber components to age prematurely.

[McHarmony]

I've been driving for decades, and not straightening the wheels is no small matter. Parking on a slope or forgetting to straighten the steering wheel puts uneven pressure on the tires, causing severe steering deviation when driving. On the highway, even a slight turn makes the car feel unstable, which can be deadly. Once, a young neighbor of mine parked like this, and halfway down the road, the steering wheel shook like it was dancing, nearly sending him off the shoulder. Over time, one side of the tires wears down almost bald, and the suspension suffers too, with increased bearing wear, leading to costly repairs. Not to mention the longer braking distance, which becomes even more dangerous in rain or snow. So, I always take a few extra seconds to straighten the wheels when parking—safety always comes first.

[LaMatthew]

I have to budget carefully, and not straightening the wheels costs me extra money! The tires wear out faster on one side, and replacing a new set can cost hundreds or even thousands. Last time, I had to replace the tires prematurely due to this oversight, wasting money unnecessarily. Fuel consumption also increases because the tires can't handle the pressure, forcing the engine to burn more fuel. For example, my small car's fuel consumption went from 8 liters to over 10 liters. The suspension is constantly under stress, and repairs are expensive. I've done the math—each month, I spend an extra dozen or so on fuel and maintenance, adding up to tens more than the cost of simply straightening the wheels when parking. During maintenance, I always ask the mechanic to check the wheel alignment to prevent issues and save both money and hassle.