2002 Toyota Avalon General Question

Hello, Would you help please. My drive way parking is curly about 30% angle and up, everytime I park my car, the steering wheel always turn almost up side down. I and my husband always argue about the steering wheel. He said I HAVE TO turn the steering wheel straight back. Do I have to turn the steering wheel straight back when I park my car?

Posted Nov 7th by Ky Doan the owner of a Toyota Avalon parking, steering, straighten, steering wheel

Answers from the Automotive Experts

Hello Ky The reason to have the steering wheel turned when parking on any hill is so if the brakes failed your car would roll away from the road and away from traffic. (the car will roll the direction the wheels are turned) If this is not an issue when parking in your driveway then keeping the wheels straight is a safe choice. To know the wheels are straight, keep the tires rolling, even a few inches as you straighten. It will be easy to tell what direction your car is moving. It normally takes 1 1/2 turns of the steering wheel to get the tires straight when the wheel is turned all the way right or left. Happy driving! Colleen M

⟩ Answered on Nov 9th, 2011 by Colleen McGee, Driving Instructor at Americas Driving School

Ky, Thank You for writing into AskPatty! To address your concern of parking your car with your steering wheel straight, there really is no right or wrong way to position your steering wheel when you park. For example, you may turn into a parking spot at an angle, when you turn your car off your steering wheel may be turned a few degrees from center. Hope this helps! A. J. Valle

⟩ Answered on Nov 9th, 2011 by Amanda J. Pierce, MBA "AJ", Certified Mechanic at BizzM3ch Solutions

Ky, I think this is a preference thing. I tend to straighten my wheels when I park the cars so that there's no surprises when it's backed out again. Turning the wheel can be a safety concern when you're on an incline. Make sure the tires are turned in the direction so that if it becomes unsecure, the car will roll back into a safe area. Happy Driving, Judy

⟩ Answered on Nov 9th, 2011 by Judy Curry, Co-Founder and Vice President of Marketing at Currys Auto Service

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