One of TikTok’s most popular motoring influencers has shared one of the most common parking habits that annoys her, warning it could lead to problems.
Abigayle Andre runs the TikTok channel SheTalksCars, regularly making short videos to help drivers make the most of their car and share unusual features on the latest models.
In a popular video, Abigayle suggested that drivers should never park their car whilst the steering is on full lock.
She explained: “I really need to understand why people park like this. What is the logic there please? It’s one of my parking icks is that, parking with full lock on when you’re not on a hill or a slope.
“You’re just in a parking bay at Tesco and it’s really close to the line so somebody else can’t get into the space. It’s a bit of a Karen move, really.”
Many motorists get frustrated when they need to squeeze their car into a tight parking space, with many requiring drivers to put their steering on full lock to get in the spot.
However, drivers should always remember to straighten up their wheels before leaving the car in order to prevent taking up any excess space and running the risk that other vehicles may clip their tyres.
Similarly, leaving a vehicle on full lock can also cause unecessary strain on the tension springs and, in some cases, power steering system.
However, whilst the practice is generally frowned upon when a vehicle is parked on a flat surface, it is generally advisable to putt the steering on full lock when stopping on a hill.
According to the Highway Code, drivers should leave the vehicle with the front wheels steering into the curb, along with putting the vehicle into gear.
In doing so, the vehicle is less likely to move off and cause any damage to itself, other vehicles and pedestrians if the handbrake fails.
