How to Determine the Rear of the Car When Parallel Parking?
4 Answers
Stop when the front of the car is completely inside the parking space, and the rear will not extend beyond it. Here are the detailed steps: 1. When starting to reverse, turn the steering wheel one and a half turns to the right. Observe the top of the wheel in the right rearview mirror; it should be about 40 centimeters away from the right line of the parking space to ensure the right side does not cross the line during parking. 2. Watch the left rearview mirror, and when the left line of the parking space becomes visible, immediately turn the steering wheel half a turn back to the left and continue reversing. 3. Observe both rearview mirrors. When the solid lines of the parking space appear on both sides and the distances are roughly equal, immediately turn the steering wheel one full turn back to the left and continue reversing. 4. Watch the left rearview mirror until it completely covers the front line of the parking space, then brake.
I have quite a bit of driving experience, and when judging the rear position while reversing into a parking space, I mainly rely on a combination of rearview mirrors and sensory perception for assistance. The interior rearview mirror helps me see the distance and obstacles directly behind the car, and I’m used to using it to get an overall view of the rear. The side mirrors help determine the position of the rear relative to the sides—when objects in the mirror gradually shrink or blur, it means the rear is getting close. During actual reversing, I often glance back quickly to confirm there are no blind spots. Reference points are also crucial, such as placing reflective stickers on garage walls or using parking lines—when the line disappears in the mirror, I can estimate the distance. Practice is key—find an open area and use cones to simulate parking spaces, and with enough practice, you’ll develop an instinct. Always go slow—don’t rush. Check the surroundings before every reverse to ensure safety. Remember, stepping out to take a direct look is always better than risking an accident. While backup cameras are helpful, don’t rely entirely on technology—developing your own experience through practice is what truly counts.
When I first started learning to drive, I was always nervous about reverse parking, especially when judging the position of the rear of the car. My instructor taught me to first look back through the window to observe the actual scene behind, which provides a more direct view and helps avoid blind spots. At the same time, I check the side mirror—if the parking lines in the mirror start to shrink or disappear, I know the rear is about to hit something. I prefer reversing slowly at a steady speed and adjust promptly if I notice distance changes. Another tip is to use the car's shadow or streetlights at night—when the shadow shortens, it’s a sign of proximity. Plus, many new cars now come with reverse assist features like cameras or radar alerts, which beep to warn me. After practicing a few times, my confidence has grown a lot. Having a companion guide me also adds safety, but remember: senses come first, technology second.
As a driving instructor, I emphasize that the key to judging the position of the rear of the car lies in integrating vision and tactile perception. When reversing, turn your head to observe the rear window while also checking the angle changes of the rear of the car in the right side mirror. As you get closer, the reference objects in the mirror will shrink or distort, signaling the need to slow down. During practice, it's advisable to set up simple markers, such as drawing lines on the ground or placing marks on a wall, to gauge distance through reversing. Speed control is crucial; moving slowly in first gear ensures safety. A common mistake is relying too much on mirrors without turning the head to observe, which can lead to errors. Practice reversing in simulated parking spaces frequently to develop muscle memory—backup cameras can assist but should not replace training. Never forget the principle of safety first; stop and check immediately if any issues arise.
