We often develop bad habits while driving. This is the case of this very common maneuver which can damage an essential element of your vehicle. And even, ultimately, put yourself in danger…
When you drive a car regularly, you often develop habits that are not all good. One of these common, yet harmful practices is turning the steering wheel while the car is stationary. We often do this maneuver, especially when parking. Although this may seem trivial, this action is actually very damaging to tires by considerably reducing their lifespan.
Tires are one of the most important parts of a vehicle. They provide the connection between the car and the road, guaranteeing grip, handling and safety. When turning the steering wheel while stationary, the tires experience excessive abrasion against the ground. This unnecessary friction wears down tire rubber prematurely, increasing the frequency with which they need to be replaced.
To extend the life of your tires, it is essential to adopt good practices. First, always try to roll the car slightly when turning the steering wheel, even at low speeds. This reduces static friction and preserves the tire surface. Then, get into the habit of regularly checking the condition of your tires. Wear indicators, these small rubber bars integrated into the grooves of the tires, tell you their level of degradation. When the grooves reach 1.6 millimeters, it is imperative to replace the tires for safety and legal reasons. However, for optimal safety, especially in winter, it is advisable to change the tires as soon as the depth of the grooves reaches two millimeters.
In addition to this check, it is important to maintain correct tire pressure. Inadequate pressure can cause uneven wear and reduce tire performance. Refer to your vehicle manual for the recommended pressure and check it at least once a month.
Another crucial aspect is the choice of tires. Wide tires, for example, are more susceptible to wear caused by stationary maneuvers. Their contact surface with the ground is larger, which increases resistance when turning the wheels without moving forward. If you use wide tires, be particularly careful to avoid this bad habit.
Beyond tire wear, turning the steering wheel while stationary can also put excessive strain on the car’s steering system. Mechanical components, such as the steering rack and ball joints, can wear prematurely. So, in addition to preserving your tires, avoiding turning the wheels when stationary also helps to extend the life of these essential parts of your car. So the next time you park, remember to move your car forward or backward slightly before turning the steering wheel. Your car, and your wallet, will thank you.