How to Maintain a 30cm Distance on the Right Side During Parallel Parking?
3 Answers
The method to maintain a 30cm distance on the right side during parallel parking is as follows: 1. Parallel parking at 30cm: Generally, before entering the parking space, keep a distance of about 30–50cm from the side (position the right 1/3 of the car's hood over the parking line to maintain a distance of about 30–50cm between the car body and the parking line.) 2. This distance is for observing the parking position through the right rear mirror: This distance allows for observing the parking position and determining a reasonable reversing distance into the space. If the distance to the right is too wide, it may affect the positioning points for entering the parking space and, when reversing straight and turning the wheel fully to the right, the left wheel might cross the left warning line.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and maintaining a 30 cm distance on the right side during parallel parking is really no big deal. I remember when I first started learning, my instructor taught me a simple method: first find a parking spot, drive past the car in front a little, then align your car as parallel as possible with the parked car or curb. Before reversing, I use the right mirror to check the distance—when the rear wheel of the car in front roughly aligns with my mirror, that's about 30 cm. If I can't see it, I turn my head to check the blind spot instead of relying solely on intuition. The speed must be as slow as a turtle crawling, and don’t turn the steering wheel too sharply to avoid losing control. With enough practice, you’ll naturally get it right—now I can usually park in one go. For beginners, it's fine to bring a tape measure to check the distance initially. Safety comes first—don’t rush to save time, as 30 cm is just right to avoid door scratches and complies with most parking space rules.
When parallel parking in the city, my favorite method is to adjust the initial position before starting. Park parallel to the car in front, maintaining about one meter of space, then begin reversing. Turn the steering wheel fully and slowly coast while watching the distance change in the right-side mirror. When reference points like the front bumper of the car ahead or the curb approach my wheel arch, it's roughly 30 cm away. If it feels too close midway, straighten the wheel for minor adjustments—don't force the reverse. Keep the speed gentle throughout, not exceeding 5 km/h. For better-equipped cars, use parking sensors as an aid but don’t over-rely on them; actual visual checks are most reliable. Remember, 30 cm is a safe distance—easy to avoid collisions and doesn’t block others. Practice a few times, and it’ll become second nature.
