Common Parallel Parking Methods?

[Kathleen]

There are generally 2 common parallel parking methods: 1. Fixed-point reversing method: When using this method, first drive past the parking space to assess whether your vehicle can fit. If confirmed suitable, drive forward until your car is roughly aligned with the front vehicle in the space, maintaining a lateral distance of about 0.5 meters. Adjust to keep proper distance from surrounding vehicles, then stop when your right mirror aligns with the B-pillar of the adjacent car. 2. Mirror reversing method: During reversing, control the vehicle's movement while observing the distance between the right rear wheel and curb through the right mirror. When appropriate, turn the steering wheel fully left to bring the car close to the curb while maintaining enough space to straighten the vehicle. Monitor the entire body through mirrors; when most of the car enters the space, use head-turning or parking sensors to judge distance from the rear vehicle.

[ConnorLee]

I've tried several methods for parallel parking, with the most commonly used ones being the parallel parking method, reverse parking method, and S-shaped straight reverse method. Parallel parking is the most practical—first drive parallel to the car in front, leaving a one-meter gap, turn the steering wheel fully and reverse in, then quickly straighten the wheel upon seeing the parking line to complete the maneuver. Reverse parking works well in tight residential parking spaces, allowing you to back straight into the spot without worrying about scrapes. The S-shaped method is ideal for narrow alleys, similar to straight reverse with minor adjustments, avoiding sharp turns. When I first started driving, I got stuck a few times, but practice made perfect. I recommend finding an empty lot with marked lines to simulate parking and remember to frequently check your surroundings using the rearview mirror. Don’t be afraid to reverse multiple times—practice makes perfect, and it’ll become smooth naturally.

[LaZoey]

Let me share the teaching perspective on parallel parking. Step one is parallel parking, where you need to get close to the curb, align with the car in front, and adjust the steering when reversing at a 45-degree angle. Step two is backing into the parking space more directly—align with the spot and reverse in at a slightly faster speed. Step three, the S-shaped reverse, is suitable for tight spaces; keep the car straight while reversing to avoid blind spots. Beginners should practice step by step, such as first focusing on aligning with parking lines and distance control. Mistakes often occur due to slow steering or incorrect position estimation. I teach students to rely more on rearview mirrors for assistance, avoid rushing to accelerate, and practice eight to ten times to master the essentials. Practice steadily in a safe spot near the garage, and don’t forget to check blind spots.

[LeMaya]

I just got my driver's license and mostly use parallel and S-shaped methods for parallel parking. Parallel parking requires aligning parallel to the parking space first, then reversing while turning the steering wheel to enter, but I often misjudge the position. The S-shaped method is simpler as it involves reversing directly into the spot, but it's harder to control in narrow spaces. I've also tried reverse parking, which is super convenient for parking at the entrance of my neighborhood. At first, I was nervous, but later my instructor suggested using the reversing camera to help with positioning, and practicing a few times made it better. Don't be afraid of the difficulty; just find an open space and take it slow. Pay more attention to the wheel angle and keep a safe distance from other cars.

[WalkerLynn]

When driving daily to pick up and drop off kids, I prefer reverse parking and parallel parking for side parking. Reverse parking is super practical outside crowded supermarkets, allowing quick entry into parking spaces and reducing reversing time; parallel parking is used when lining up along the roadside, carefully aligning and slowly moving in. The S-shaped method is also used but less common, suitable for emergency narrow spaces. During actual parking, pay attention to traffic conditions to avoid blocking the road and inconveniencing others. I make it a habit to adjust the rearview mirrors first to assist in judging position errors. Parking a few times helps estimate the car's width to avoid scratches. Practicing in open areas when possible ensures steadier precision.