How to Drive Out of an Angled Parking Space?
3 Answers
Left side mirror aligns with the right line of the parking space. Angled parking spaces are relatively easier to maneuver, and backing into them is considered a simpler version of non-perpendicular parking. First, position your car to the right side of the parking space, then adjust the vehicle. When the left side mirror aligns with the left boundary line of the parking space, turn the steering wheel fully to the right and continue moving forward. When the car's longitudinal axis forms an appropriate angle with the parking space (the left side mirror can see the left front corner of the car), stop the car. Straighten the wheels and slowly reverse; observe both side mirrors to ensure the vehicle is aligned straight with the parking space.
After driving for so many years, I've learned that the most crucial thing when exiting an angled parking space is to check the surroundings. Before moving the car, always scan all around, paying special attention to pedestrians and electric scooters in the blind spots of the rearview mirrors. First, turn the steering wheel halfway to steer the car outward, and when the front of the car is about 45 degrees out, quickly straighten the steering wheel. This is where the advantage of an angled parking space becomes apparent—no need to repeatedly adjust like with a perpendicular parking space. Slowly glide forward while keeping an eye on the left and right rearview mirrors to ensure the rear of the car doesn’t scrape the neighboring vehicles. If there are SUVs or other large vehicles parked on both sides, it's best to roll down the window and listen for any sounds. Flash the hazard lights twice before exiting to alert cars behind you—a trick my driving instructor taught me. Only accelerate after the car has completely cleared the parking lines; this is the safest approach for beginners in mall underground garages.
Last week, I took my little one to the supermarket and parked in a diagonal parking space. Actually, it's easier to drive out of this kind of space compared to a perpendicular one, but you need to pay attention to the angle since the car is slanted. I remember three key points: After starting the engine, don’t rush to move; first, lean out and check if any cars are passing by on either side. Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the slant—for example, if you’re in a left-slanted space, turn right. Don’t turn the front wheels too much initially; wait until the B-pillar clears the front of the adjacent car before continuing to turn. Keep an eye on the rearview mirrors the whole time—if you can see the license plate of the car behind you, the distance is safe. Focus especially on the position of the front left wheel, as many parking garages now have pillars that obstruct the view, so make sure the wheel doesn’t scrape the curb. And most importantly, press the accelerator gently—an automatic car can move out just by idling.
