Cars can be an expensive proposition. It's not just the purchase price, either: insurance, maintenance, and fuel expenses also contribute significantly. Most folks are looking for ways to take low-cost-or-no-cost steps to extend the life of their vehicles and reduce wear and tear.
In this blog, we are going to talk about a common issue that most people do to their vehicles, but probably don’t realise it creates additional wear and tear.
It’s called dry steering.
What is dry steering?
Dry steering is the action of turning the steering wheel of a vehicle while the vehicle is not moving. Most modern cars have power assisted steering, making dry steering relatively easy. Dry steering in a car without power assisted steering often requires significant effort in order to turn the wheel. Modern technology has made it much easier to turn the wheels on cars when they are not moving, giving the impression that doing it is no big deal.
While maybe not the biggest deal, dry steering does put additional stress on the steering components of a vehicle, creating wear and tear that can reduce the life of the components. Dry steering should be avoided because it places undue stress on your front tires, potentially leading to premature wear and damage. When the car is stationary, turning the wheel essentially scrubs the tires against the road surface, which can cause significant wear, and even tearing if small stones are present.
If you have ever tried to dry steer a car without power assisted steering, you will appreciate how much force and load is placed on the steering columns/racks, bearings, and other steering components. This can be demonstrated somewhat by trying to steer your car whilst stationary and without the engine running as power assisted steering requires the engine to be running to function.
You might be surprised at how often dry steering occurs in everyday driving. Consider parallel parking, for instance. Often, drivers will come to a complete stop and then crank the steering wheel to fit into a tight space. Similarly, when maneuvering in a multi-storey car park, especially in tight corners, it's easy to stop and adjust the steering. Even simply correcting your parking position after you've stopped, by turning the wheel to straighten the car, is a form of dry steering. These seemingly minor instances add up over time, contributing to the wear and tear on your vehicle's steering system.
Does avoiding dry steering make me a better driver?
Beyond the mechanical benefits, consciously avoiding dry steering can actually contribute to making you a more skilled and confident driver. This practice encourages a more engaged and proactive driving style, forcing you to be more mindful of your vehicle's dynamics and the space around you, ultimately leading to safer and more skillful driving habits. Avoiding dry steering isn't just about saving your tires and steering components; it also contributes to improved driving habits and a greater sense of control over your vehicle. When you steer while the car is in motion, even at a crawl, you immediately feel how the tires are gripping the road and how the vehicle is beginning to respond to your input. This provides essential feedback that helps you gauge the necessary steering angle and anticipate the car's movement. Dry steering removes this immediate feedback loop; you're making a change to the wheels without knowing exactly how the car will react the moment it starts moving.
If you dry steer, you might turn the wheel more than necessary because you lack the immediate visual and tactile feedback of the car's movement. Then, when you do start moving, you might find yourself needing to quickly correct the steering, potentially leading to jerky movements and a loss of smoothness. Steering while moving allows for smaller, more precise adjustments based on real-time feedback. Consciously avoiding dry steering encourages you to think ahead and plan your maneuvers more effectively. Instead of stopping and then drastically turning the wheel, you'll start to anticipate your turns and begin steering earlier, while the vehicle is still rolling. This fosters better spatial awareness and a more proactive approach to driving, which are hallmarks of a skilled and safe driver.
Drivers who avoid dry steering tend to execute smoother turns and parking maneuvers. Initiating the turn while moving allows the weight of the vehicle to help the tires roll rather than scrub, resulting in a more controlled and predictable path. This not only reduces stress on the car but also makes your driving more comfortable for passengers and safer for those around you. Linking your steering actions with the vehicle's movement strengthens your understanding of how the car responds to your commands. This ingrained sense of connection is vital in emergency situations where quick and accurate steering adjustments are essential.
How do I avoid dry steering?
The easiest way to avoid dry steering, and to also ease some of the wear and tear on your tires and steering system, is to ensure that the vehicle is moving when turning the wheels. Just a little movement, even at a crawl, greatly reduces the friction between your tires and the road. It’s not as though your wheels will fall off if you are in a situation where you have to engage in dry steering, it’s just a good habit to form to help extend the life of your tires and your vehicle.
The key to minimising dry steering is to anticipate your turns and begin steering while your vehicle is still rolling, even at a very slow pace. When parallel parking, for example, try to maintain a slight forward or backward creep as you turn the wheel. Even a few centimetres of movement can make a significant difference. When navigating tight corners in a car park, try to plan your path and steer smoothly, avoiding complete stops whenever possible. Generally when you're going slowly, the faster you can turn your hands (think - SLOW speed, FAST hands). If you must stop, attempt to straighten the wheels as much as possible before coming to a halt. This reduces the amount of steering required when you start moving again.
Another helpful technique is to ‘creep’ the car forward or backward slightly while turning the wheel. This involves gently applying pressure to the accelerator or releasing the brake just enough to allow the vehicle to move a few centimetres at a time. This minimal movement significantly reduces the friction between the tires and the road surface, easing the strain on the steering components. It is important to perform this movement slowly and deliberately, particularly in tight spaces, to maintain control of the vehicle. By incorporating these small movement techniques into your driving habits, you can ease the strain on your vehicle's steering system.
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Dry steering, while seemingly minor, can contribute to premature wear on your vehicle's steering components and tires. By implementing these minor adjustments to your driving, you can minimise this wear. Even slight movement can make a difference. With a little awareness and practice, you can extend the life of your vehicle and enjoy a more comfortable driving experience.
Want to learn more? Explore our other guides, such as Driver's Guide to Steering Techniques and Driver's Guide to Tire Care, for additional driving and maintenance tips.