How to Find the 30 cm Mark for Parallel Parking?
3 Answers
Align the right quarter of the car's hood with the garage boundary line and proceed slowly. Stop when the front left corner of the garage appears in the right rearview mirror.
I've been driving for many years, and finding the 30 cm distance for parallel parking relies on experience and rearview mirror assistance. After pulling up parallel to the curb, I always check the right rearview mirror: when the curb appears in the lower middle part of the mirror, it's roughly 30 cm. In my early days, I often made mistakes, but later realized that adjusting speed is crucial—going too fast easily overshoots the line, so I keep moving slowly and stop to check the actual distance if the position feels off. Practice makes perfect—I recommend finding an open space, placing a dummy marker, and repeatedly practicing parking until muscle memory takes over, eliminating the need to constantly glance at the mirror. For safety, don’t just focus on the distance; ensure there are no pedestrians or vehicles around to avoid scraping the curb.
As someone who frequently teaches others how to park, the standard method to position the car 30 centimeters from the curb is as follows: First, align the car parallel and close to the roadside. Observe the right rearview mirror and position the roadside line to align with the lower third of the mirror—this usually results in a 30-centimeter distance. If unsure, ask a partner to step out and check the distance, providing feedback for gradual adjustments. Initially, choose a quiet stretch of road to practice, placing a phone or small object as a marker for reference. When adjusting the car's position, use the lowest gear to move forward slowly. Remember to check tire conditions and road surface; avoid attempting this on rainy nights or in crowded areas. With a few practice runs, you'll master it effortlessly.
