Dead steering does not damage the steering wheel

“Dead” steering is a familiar term for drivers, representing turning the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary. Drivers must use this steering method when they have to turn around in tight spaces, constantly moving forward and backward, most often in cross-parking situations.

When the vehicle is stationary, the friction force acting on the wheels is greater than when rolling, so the driver will feel heavier when turning the steering wheel, especially with a vehicle with a hydraulic power steering system. Because of this heavy feeling, many drivers are afraid that the gauge system will be affected.

However, a technical expert of a Japanese automaker said that drivers do not need to worry. During driving, the actual dead steering is very little compared to dynamic steering (when the vehicle is rolling), so there will be no effect on the steering system. The only effect is that the tires will wear out faster, but not significantly.

This expert further noted that, in theory, with the electric power steering system, the steering wheel is adjusted by the electric motor, so nothing will happen. Meanwhile, with hydraulic power steering, the motor drives the hydraulic pump of the steering wheel, so if combined throttle and steer to death, the booster pump works harder, there is still a risk of damage to the pump’s seals and gaskets. But this is just a theory, in practice, if it’s not much, it’s almost not harmful.

Many longtime repairmen also said that in fact, there have been no cases of broken steering wheel due to a lot of dead steering. So the driver’s worries are unnecessary.

Fast-wearing tires are more important when you have to steer dead. Therefore, the driver should still flexibly combine rolling and steering so that the tire surface wears evenly, limiting dead steering in some cases such as the vehicle parked on an inclined slope, the two guide wheels are not on the plane, rough or gravel road…

Besides, Hold the steering wheel properly It also helps the driver to operate the car flexibly, limiting the amount of steering or excess driving. However, in all ways of operation, safety is still the first priority, not the damage to the vehicle.

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