What Happens When You Turn the Steering Wheel to the Full Lock?

[StellaAnn]

Turning the steering wheel to the full lock can damage the car. The following are the hazards of turning the steering wheel to the full lock: 1. It can cause damage to the car's suspension. 2. It accelerates tire wear and reduces tire lifespan. 3. It increases the oil pressure in the steering system's high-pressure oil pipe, exacerbating damage to the steering system. Here is the correct way to operate the steering wheel: 1. When holding the steering wheel, the driver should adopt a correct posture to ensure flexible use. 2. Grip the steering wheel with both hands using an appropriate amount of force—not too tight or too loose. When holding the steering wheel, the elbows should be slightly bent. The size of the steering wheel should allow the entire palm to wrap around it comfortably, neither too thick nor too thin.

[SanFelicity]

Over the years of driving, I've noticed many people have the habit of turning the steering wheel to its limit when parking or making turns, which is actually quite harmful to the car. When the steering wheel is turned to the limit, the power steering pump operates under high load continuously, which can easily lead to overheating of the oil or even oil leaks, especially in vehicles with hydraulic power steering systems. It might be fine for a short while, but repeatedly doing this can significantly shorten the lifespan of the power steering pump, and replacing one can cost several hundred dollars. Additionally, tire wear can also increase because the edges of the tires bear uneven force, leading to uneven tread wear over time, reduced grip, and more skidding in rainy conditions. I recommend leaving some leeway when parking, not letting the steering wheel lock at its limit. Developing this habit can save a lot on repair costs and improve driving safety.

[VanGriffin]

As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I'm well aware of the drawbacks of turning the steering wheel to its full lock. From a mechanical perspective, the steering linkage and ball joints endure excessive stress in this extreme position, potentially causing deformation or wear to springs and bearings. Particularly at low speeds, such as when parking in reverse, the whining sound from the power steering pump indicates it's struggling—mild cases result in increased noise, while severe cases can lead to pump failure, costing both time and money for replacement. Additionally, this habit slows down the vehicle's steering response and increases fuel consumption, as the engine must work harder to drive the power steering system. I recall a time when I tested this—turning the wheel to full lock over a dozen times in a month resulted in an average fuel consumption increase of 0.5L/100km. Prevention is straightforward: leave some room when turning and regularly check the power steering fluid level.

[AubreeAnn]

Turning the steering wheel to its full lock poses significant risks to driving safety, which I am particularly concerned about. When turned to the limit and stuck, it temporarily locks the steering angle, causing excessive tire turning and insufficient grip. On narrow roads or sharp turns, even slight acceleration can lead to skidding or loss of control, especially in rainy or snowy conditions. Additionally, the power steering system can become overloaded instantly, leading to temporary failure and delayed response when suddenly turning the wheel, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions. I always remind my family to avoid this practice, especially during the novice driving period. In daily driving, try to make turns with smooth and gentle movements instead of forcing it too hard, ensuring both safety and vehicle protection. Consistently practicing this can also reduce tire wear and extend the lifespan of your beloved car.