What are the effects of turning the steering wheel while stationary on the car?
3 Answers
Here are the specific effects of turning the steering wheel while stationary on the car: 1. First, it will cause the steering wheel to age prematurely. Turning the steering wheel while stationary for a long time can also cause significant damage to the steering wheel itself. 2. It affects the service life of the car tires. When the vehicle turns the steering wheel while stationary, the entire weight of the car is concentrated on the front tires, causing uneven pressure on the tires and increasing their wear. 3. It increases hydraulic pressure, weakening the load capacity of the vehicle tires. When turning the steering wheel while stationary, the vehicle relies on vacuum assistance, which reduces the driving difficulty for many car owners, but during this process, the pressure on the power steering pump increases significantly.
I've been repairing cars for nearly 20 years, and what I fear most is seeing drivers turn the steering wheel while the car is stationary. At this point, the tires are like being nailed to the ground and rubbed, causing severe rubber wear and significantly shortening their lifespan. The steering system suffers even more, with the hydraulic power steering pump working under extreme strain, which over time can lead to oil leaks or burnout. While cars with electronic power steering fare slightly better, the steering gear endures several times the usual torque, causing the gear clearance to widen with wear, resulting in a clunky steering wheel feel when driving. Some car owners might think the squealing tires are a minor issue, but the rubber bushings in the chassis suspension are also suffering—it's like forcibly bending your joints, causing the ball joints to loosen prematurely and making the car unstable at high speeds. My advice is to let the car move slightly before turning the wheel when maneuvering; it's easier on both the car and the driver.
During a test drive of a new car, the salesperson specifically reminded me not to turn the steering wheel while the car was stationary. He showed me the steering gear on the display rack and explained that when the tires are stationary, the friction with the ground is at its maximum. Turning the wheel sharply in this situation is like rubbing an eraser hard against concrete. The electric power steering motor continuously outputs maximum torque, and prolonged overheating can easily damage the circuit board. The most troublesome part is the steering linkage ball joint, which is designed for turning while the car is in motion. Forcing it to turn while stationary can cause the dust cover to crack prematurely. I've observed the maintenance records at the 4S dealership, and cars that frequently turn the steering wheel while stationary often need a complete steering gear replacement within two to three years, costing an extra three to four thousand yuan compared to normal usage. When parking, try releasing the brake slightly to let the car roll before turning the wheel, and you'll noticeably feel the steering wheel become lighter.
