How to determine the reference point for right-side parallel parking?
3 Answers
Slowly drive the car out and observe the left rearview mirror. When you see the rear wheel is about to touch the exit line in the mirror, immediately turn the steering wheel fully to the right (drive slowly). This point determines whether the car will lean left or right. Try to keep the car centered. When the front of the car approaches the center, return the steering wheel halfway, and straighten it completely once the car body is aligned. Shift into reverse gear and start backing up. Watch below the left rearview mirror until it covers the yellow line, then quickly turn the steering wheel fully to the right while maintaining clutch control. After turning right fully, observe the right rearview mirror. When the right corner of the parking space appears in the mirror, if the rear wheel is close to the corner, return the steering wheel halfway plus an additional quarter turn. As the car enters the parking space, check both side mirrors. Turn the steering wheel half a turn toward whichever side has more space at the rear, then straighten it immediately when the car body is aligned.
When learning to drive, I practiced a lot of reverse parking, and there are actually tricks to backing into a spot to the right. The reference point I figured out is when the car passes the parking spot parallel, and the right rearview mirror aligns with the back corner of the spot, start turning the steering wheel all the way to the right. Then slowly reverse while keeping an eye on the distance between the car body and the curb to ensure it stays within a safe range. When the car is at about a 45-degree angle, start straightening the steering wheel while checking the side window to avoid hitting the wall. Remember to go slow—after a few practices, you'll find the rhythm. The key is to practice more and not be afraid of mistakes, which also helps avoid scratches.
As an experienced driver, I believe the key lies in finding the right spot: drive the car parallel to the parking space, just slightly beyond it; when reversing slowly, turn the steering wheel fully to the right as soon as the right rear wheel aligns with the front line of the parking space. At this point, keep an eye on the rearview mirror to adjust the direction, and gradually straighten the wheel as the car body gets close to the side of the parking space. Throughout the process, lightly press the brake to control the speed, minimizing errors. Practice with various parking space sizes, and you'll soon get the hang of it.