How to Control the Speed During Parallel Parking?

[DiAlice]

Parallel parking mainly relies on depressing and lifting the clutch to control the speed, and the slower the speed is controlled, the better. The stalling process usually occurs under the following circumstances: when the clutch is lifted too high and the speed becomes too fast, pressing the clutch down a bit often results in pressing it slightly too much, causing the car to stop moving, and then lifting the clutch again leads to stalling. Here are the tips to avoid stalling and control the speed effectively during parallel parking: 1. During the parallel parking test, the car can pause slightly midway, but it must not stall. Additionally, for the car to smoothly enter the parking space, the speed must be slow enough. 2. When the clutch is too high and the speed is too fast, pressing the clutch down a bit is necessary. If you press it slightly too much and the car stops moving, remember this crucial point: do not continue to lift the clutch at this moment. Instead, press the clutch all the way down again, then slowly lift it up, and the car will definitely not stall.

[EmersonRose]

As a seasoned driver who navigates congested urban streets year-round, I have extensive experience in controlling speed during parallel parking. The safest approach is to maintain the clutch in a semi-engaged state throughout the process, with the right foot hovering over the brake pedal ready for gentle taps. The narrower the parking space, the more crucial it is to maintain controlled speed—inch forward like crawling, which truly tests one's patience. The steering wheel's turning rhythm must synchronize with the vehicle's speed, slowing to a snail's pace when the wheels are about to touch the curb. I prefer to ease off the accelerator three meters in advance, allowing the car to glide naturally into position, which prevents sudden braking that could cause the car to jerk. When the obstacle in the rearview mirror is about a fist's distance away, stop decisively and readjust—better to make a couple more steering corrections than to rush.

[PeytonFitz]

When I first got my driver's license, I always stalled during parallel parking. Now I've figured it out: the speed must be slower than walking pace! With an automatic transmission, you don't even need to touch the gas pedal—just use the brake to control and you can park steadily. When you see a learner car practicing, remember to brake and adjust immediately when the lower edge of the rearview mirror aligns with the curb line. Be extra cautious in rainy weather; the ground is slippery, so cut your speed in half and increase your braking distance by half a meter for safety. Once, I rushed and accelerated during parallel parking, ending up scraping the front bumper of the car ahead and had to pay 800 yuan in damages. Since then, I've stuck a 'slow' sticker on the steering wheel to remind myself.

[VanConnor]

Yesterday, while teaching my wife parallel parking, I noticed that beginners often struggle with speed control. The key is to gently tap the brakes as if stepping on an egg, and for manual transmission cars, press the clutch until the engine slightly trembles. It's common to unconsciously accelerate when turning the steering wheel fully, so deliberately counting "one, two, three" helps maintain rhythm. I advised her to pause for a second every 30 cm to check the mirrors, ensuring the car's path is as precise as a zigzag line. Never reverse at idle speed, as hitting a speed bump could cause the car to suddenly lurch forward. Finally, always straighten the wheels when parking, or the car might jerk forward upon starting.