
Parking a car differs slightly between automatic and manual transmission models. Manual transmission model: First, press the brake to slow the car down. Then, hold the brake to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Engage the handbrake, shift the gear to neutral. Turn off the engine, exit the car, and lock the doors. Automatic transmission model: First, press the brake to slow the car down. Then, hold the brake to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Shift the gear to neutral, engage the handbrake, and finally shift the gear to P (Park). Turn off the engine, exit the car, and lock the doors. The front wheels of a car are steering wheels, meaning the rear wheels can only rotate around a point on the extension line of the rear axle. To park a car in a parking space, first position the rear wheels correctly. The front wheels can be approximately considered as capable of moving laterally, making the task straightforward.

I've been driving a taxi for over 20 years, and parking requires stability and safety. First, observe the surroundings in advance, especially pedestrians and electric bikes, and signal with the turn light to indicate parking. Then, control the speed and slowly pull over, keeping the distance from the curb no more than 30 cm—too far and you risk getting scratched. Once stopped, remember to pull the handbrake, shift to P for automatic transmissions, or first gear for manual to prevent rolling. Be extra careful when parking on slopes: turn the steering wheel left when facing uphill and right when facing downhill to let the tires rest against the curb. Finally, close the windows, turn off the engine, remove the key, and take valuables with you. This routine becomes second nature with practice—safe and hassle-free.

When I first got my driver's license, I often parked crookedly, but now I've finally got the hang of it. Choose a flat spot for parking, avoiding fire lanes and people's doorsteps. When reversing, pay attention to all three mirrors alternately—don't just focus on the reversing camera. For parallel parking, leave enough space front and back, about half a meter is ideal, making it easier for yourself and others to move. In summer, try to find a shady spot to prevent the paint from aging due to sun exposure; in winter, avoid windy areas to prevent door handles from freezing. Always check if the doors are locked after parking—I once almost lost something because I forgot to lock the car.

I live in an old residential area where parking spaces are extremely scarce. Now I've developed some parking skills: slowing down two kilometers in advance to look for a spot; checking if a vacant space is actually available before parking; folding in the side mirrors when squeezing into tight corners; backing into parking spaces is the most reliable method—easier to exit and less likely to get blocked in; if there's really no space, I park in a conspicuous spot and leave a note with my phone number on the windshield. Always straighten the wheels when parked to avoid damaging the suspension. If parking for more than three days, I release the handbrake to give the brake pads a rest and cover the car with a dust-proof cover.


