Why Should the Steering Wheel Be Straight When Parking?
3 Answers
Parking with the steering wheel straightened is essential for the following reasons: 1. It prevents accelerated aging of the steering system; 2. It avoids severe damage to the suspension system; 3. It ensures even tire pressure distribution. The function of the steering wheel is to convert the force applied by the driver on its edge into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering column. It mainly consists of a skeleton, foam, and the driver's airbag. Key precautions for steering wheel operation include: 1. Quickly and accurately returning the steering wheel to its original position when turning; 2. Avoiding excessive force when turning the steering wheel; 3. Holding the steering wheel firmly with both hands in hazardous mountain areas or on poor road surfaces to prevent accidents; 4. Refraining from turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is stationary.
Having driven for decades, I can't stress enough the importance of straightening the steering wheel when parking. Leaving the wheels crooked puts uneven stress on the steering system, causing premature wear to components like the steering rack and ball joints – costly and time-consuming to repair. Worse yet, parking on slopes with misaligned wheels increases the risk of vehicle rollaway, especially with manual transmissions downhill where gravity can pull the car into an accident. This simple habit also protects your tires by preventing uneven wear that leads to thinning on one side, which causes instability at highway speeds. I've seen experienced drivers skip this step only to develop squeaky steering within months – all due to chronic improper parking. Smooth daily driving, cost savings, and safety all start with you.
As a novice driver, I didn't pay much attention to straightening the steering wheel when parking at first. As a result, the car was often crooked when starting, making adjustments quite troublesome. Parking with wheels askew puts uneven pressure on the steering mechanism. Over time, gears may jam, and the suspension system deforms faster, leading to high repair costs. Tires wear unevenly and have shortened lifespans, requiring costly replacements. Straightening the wheels is particularly important when parking on slopes, effectively preventing the car from rolling, and this applies equally to automatic transmission vehicles. Once you develop the habit, everything becomes smoother - starting the car next time will be quicker and safer, saving you from unnecessary worries.
