How to Determine If a Parking Space Can Fit Your Car
2 Answers
Check the size of the parking space. According to the strict standards during the driving test, for parallel parking, the length of the parking space should be 1.5 times the length of your car. If the parking space meets this size requirement, you can back into it and park straight in one attempt. If the space is smaller, it will be more difficult to park. When backing into the space, observe the front of your car yourself, and use the rear parking sensors for the back of your car. Alternatively, you can ask a reliable companion to guide you. Usually, places where parking is allowed will have marked parking lines. If there are no parking lines, parking is not permitted.
I mainly rely on accumulated experience from driving multiple times to judge whether a parking space is suitable. When I see a potential spot, I first observe the entrance width to ensure it's about a fist wider than my car; otherwise, a narrow entrance might risk scraping against pillars. Then, I slowly reverse or move forward while constantly checking the side mirrors to see if the yellow lines are parallel to the car body. If the lines are clear and about ten centimeters away from the car, it's usually safe. On darker days, I sometimes use my phone's flashlight to inspect the surroundings of the parking space to confirm there are no obstacles. This judgment isn't based on mathematical calculations but rather on practiced intuition—over time, hesitation fades away.