How to Avoid Scratching the Front of the Car When Reversing?
3 Answers
To avoid scratching the front of the car when reversing, observe the surroundings before reversing. Here are some related tips on reversing: Reversing method: First, observe the surrounding environment before reversing and maintain a slow speed. Check through the rearview mirror whether the distance between the car's parking space and the adjacent position is about one foot. At this point, the car body has rotated 70 to 80 degrees. Then, lightly tap the brake to control the distance on both sides of the car and proceed to reverse straight. Precautions for reversing: When reversing in complex environments and narrow passages, be very careful with steering. Pay attention to visual blind spots and existing obstacles, and also avoid causing car scratches due to incorrect steering direction.
When reversing, the front of the car is prone to scratches. Here are a few practical tips I’d like to share. First, get used to checking the rearview mirror while also glancing at the front of the car, because when reversing to the left, the front of the car will swing to the right, making it easy to scrape obstacles on the right side. Second, control the steering wheel rhythm—don’t turn it all the way at once. Adjusting slowly will minimize the front-end swing range. Third, when reversing in a tight parking spot, it’s best to drive forward a bit first to straighten the front as much as possible before reversing, which significantly reduces the front-end swing. Fourth, reversing speed is key—lightly hold the brake and move slowly. A slower speed gives you enough time to observe the front-end position. Fifth, consider placing a small raised marker on the hood as a reference point. Aligning it with a side wall or a nearby tire helps judge distance more accurately. Sixth, practice more to understand the turning radius of different car models—SUVs and sedans differ quite a bit. Keep these in mind, and you’ll mostly avoid that heart-stopping 'clunk' sound.
When teaching my daughter to drive, I found that the rearview camera is particularly useful for avoiding scratches on the front bumper. However, don't just focus on the screen; combine it with the left and right side mirrors to check the front of the car. At the beginning of reversing, first observe the distance to obstacles in the right side mirror, then use the left side mirror to judge the swing of the front bumper. Rearview cameras with trajectory lines are especially practical—pay attention to whether the virtual trajectory line passes obstacles. Remember, each time you turn the steering wheel, the front of the car will swing in the opposite direction, with the maximum offset occurring when the steering is fully turned. If you encounter a narrow road and need to reverse, it's better to reverse a couple more times than to force it. If you're really unsure, step out and check the distance before continuing. Be extra cautious with long-front vehicles like pickup trucks, as the front turns later than the rear, a characteristic that's quite noticeable. Finally, it's advisable to clean the side mirrors after washing the car—clear visibility greatly helps in observing the front bumper's position.
