How to Check the Rear When Reversing?
4 Answers
When the front of the car is completely inside the garage, stop the car to ensure the rear does not extend beyond the garage. Here are the detailed steps: 1. Observe the wheel area in the rearview mirror: Start reversing by turning the steering wheel one and a half turns to the right. Check the area above the wheel in the right rearview mirror; it should be about 40 cm away from the right line of the garage to ensure the right side does not cross the line when reversing into the garage. 2. Observe the left rearview mirror: When the left line of the garage becomes visible, immediately turn the steering wheel half a turn to the left and continue reversing. 3. Observe both rearview mirrors: When solid lines of the garage appear on both sides at roughly equal distances, immediately turn the steering wheel one full turn to the left and continue reversing. 4. Observe the left rearview mirror: Once the front line of the garage is completely covered, apply the brakes.
When I first learned to drive, I also had trouble finding the rear reference point while reversing. Later, I found that relying on the rearview mirror is the most reliable method. First, adjust the mirror angle to ensure you can see the ground behind the car. Then, practice in an open area by selecting a fixed reference point, such as a white line on the ground or the base of a wall. When the object in the mirror gets very close to the rear bumper, it means you're about to hit something. Remember to go slow, lightly press the brake, and inch backward carefully. I’ve had a few scrapes before, all because I was too impatient and didn’t pay attention to the changes in the reverse light’s reflection. Nowadays, I always check the surroundings before reversing, ensuring there are no obstacles, and combine it with the reverse radar’s alerts—practice makes perfect. The whole process requires trial and error, so don’t worry about wasting a little time; safety comes first. After a few tries, you’ll develop a sense of the distance.
After years of driving, I rely mostly on experience and intuition for reversing, not high-tech aids. I judge distance by the size of objects in the rearview mirror: when an obstacle appears small, occupying just a portion, the car still has space; once it fills half the mirror, it's time to stop. This method is practical, especially in tight spots, preventing scrapes. Body position matters too—when the wheel is turned fully, the rear swings to one side, so adjust the steering early. I suggest not just relying on backup cameras; manual operation hones judgment. Pay attention to ground markers like garage lines or road indentations—they're natural reference points. Stay focused on the rear view when reversing, avoiding distractions.
Many people nowadays prefer using reversing cameras and radars when backing up, which I find particularly efficient. The system directly displays distance lines at the rear of the car, with green, yellow, and red zones clearly marked: the green zone indicates a safe distance, the yellow zone warns to slow down, and the red zone means you must stop immediately. However, don’t rely on it entirely, as the camera may have blind spots, such as failing to detect low objects. I once tried relying solely on the camera and almost hit a small post. So, it’s still essential to combine it with checking the rearview mirror and manually inspecting the surroundings. When parking, look for fixed reference points on the ground, such as parking lines or the corner of a wall, and use their appearance in the camera as a guide. While these devices are convenient, developing your own sense of distance is more important.
