How to determine 30cm when reversing into the parking space?
2 Answers
When reversing, look at the right (left) rearview mirror. After straightening the steering wheel, reverse until the left front door handle aligns with the left parking line, then turn the steering wheel fully to the right. When you see the left bottom corner of the parking space, straighten the steering wheel. Adjust the car body to be vertical and parallel, then continue reversing into the parking space. After adjusting the car body, look at the left rearview mirror. When the lower edge of the left rearview mirror shell aligns with the front boundary line of the parking space, the distance from the rear of the car is 30cm, and you can stop at this point.
When I first got my driver's license, I was always afraid of hitting the edge while reversing into the parking space. Judging the 30cm distance was a big challenge. My instructor taught me to focus on the right rearview mirror—once the car body is parallel to the parking line, the gap should be about the width of a fist, which is roughly 30cm. At first, I was all over the place, reversing as slow as a snail. I'd get out to measure the distance every time and readjust if it was off. Sunny days were fine with clear lines, but on cloudy or rainy days with poor lighting, I'd use roadside poles or parking markers as references. After practicing over a dozen times, my spatial awareness improved—now I can judge the distance at a glance while reversing and make slight steering adjustments when I feel I'm getting close. Don’t rush while reversing; take it steady to avoid mistakes and scratches on the car.
