Steering when parked

[jeremytaylor]

A girl I know who usually knows a thing about cars (shock horror ) told me off the other day for leaving my wheels turned while parked. She said that it put uneven loads and stresses on the steering components, and would cause premature wear.

I had never thought of this before, but I guess it could make sense.

Anyone out there know if there is any truth in her thoughts??

 

[gl boy]

A girl I know who usually knows a thing about cars (shock horror ) told me off the other day for leaving my wheels turned while parked. She said that it put uneven loads and stresses on the steering components, and would cause premature wear.

I had never thought of this before, but I guess it could make sense.

Anyone out there know if there is any truth in her thoughts??

do you mean you move the wheels when parked or just wheels at an angle when parked?

 

[robert.saunders]

But there's something about a RWD MB saloon left parked on full lock - it looks 'macho'

However, I agree it can't be good

 

[jeremytaylor]

Leaving them at an angle when parked.

(I know that turning the wheels while stationary increases loads, wears tyres, etc.)

 

[gl boy]

Leaving them at an angle when parked.

(I know that turning the wheels while stationary increases loads, wears tyres, etc.)

that was my opinion too

 

[gl boy]

But there's something about a RWD MB saloon left parked on full lock - it looks 'macho'

However, I agree it can't be good

have you not taken your tablets tonight

 

[robert.saunders]

have you not taken your tablets tonight

you may have a point, I even worried myself when I typed it

 

[television]

Its simple really with nothing moving, nothing is wearing, end of the story

 

[kjay]

I think this is tought as 'good practice' in driving lessons. Similar to leaving it in neutral.

Am undicided on the mechanical side - Surely there are more loads put on the steering during spirited driving?

 

[gl boy]

you may have a point, I even worried myself when I typed it

lol

 

[MBManInKen]

Steering the wheels towards the kerb is good practice. It makes it a lot harder for a potential thief to tow it away.

The impact of this on the wear and tear should be negligible compared to that of normal driving.

 

[pluggers]

I have heard it prematurely wears the ball joints out

 

[Sp!ke]

A girl I know who usually knows a thing about cars (shock horror ) told me off the other day for leaving my wheels turned while parked. She said that it put uneven loads and stresses on the steering components, and would cause premature wear.

In San Francisco you run the risk of getting a parking ticket if you park on a hill and don't have your wheels turned hard to the curve....

 

[kjay]

In San Francisco you run the risk of getting a parking ticket if you park on a hill and don't have your wheels turned hard to the curve....

Or getting shot!

 

[Sp!ke]

Not at all, San Fran is mostly a really chilled out place to be. A real party town.

 

[pammy]

Sounds like tosh to me. Yes moving the wheels while stationary I can understand - but leaving the wheels at an angle can't see how that can cause any damage. Be very happy to hear to the contrary though - then I won;t do it any more - I quite like to see angled wheels I was always taught when on a hill to leave them directed towards the kerb just in case your brake cables fail or similar. Mind I've never known that happen

 

[glojo]

I agree with most points that have been raised. It is definitely good practice to l;eave the wheels straight, (plus it looks right), Sp!ke is spot on about San Francisco, but I always think that if you leave a vehicle with the wheels on full lock***, then when you pull away you will indeed possibly be putting stress onto the steering mechanisms if you turn the wheel very quickly at extremely low speeds.

***Apart from possibly San Francisco

Regards
John

 

[kth286]

the important thing is to ensure the steering lock engages I would have thought, whatever angle that may be.

 

[Benzowner]

the important thing is to ensure the steering lock engages I would have thought, whatever angle that may be.

That is a good point, the steering lock will not engage when the steering is straight, it has to be at a slight angle

 

[nickcc101]

Not at all, San Fran is mostly a really chilled out place to be. A real party town.

Brilliant place, visited for 3 days last year with wife both had a great time.
Loved Fishermans Wharf.