How to Parallel Park?

[AllieRose]

First, determine if the parking space is available. If it is, drive past the space and stop your car parallel to the car in front, maintaining a horizontal distance of about 1 meter. Adjust your mirrors: keep the left mirror at normal level and lower the right mirror until you can see the right wheel, preparing for the reversing process. Then, turn the steering wheel fully to the right and start reversing. Through the adjusted right mirror, carefully observe the distance between the right rear wheel and the curb, adjusting the car's trajectory to get as close to the curb as possible while maintaining enough space to straighten the car. The distance between the wheel and the curb must be visually confirmed in the mirror—never guess. This is a crucial step in determining whether parallel parking is successful or how well the car is parked. Keep an eye on the movement of the corner of the parking space. When it disappears from view, it means the rear wheel has entered the parking area—this is the moment to turn the wheel. As the corner approaches the rear wheel, prepare to turn the steering wheel fully to the right, and when the corner and the bottom line disappear, quickly turn the steering wheel fully to the right.

[OGianna]

I'm a novice who just started learning to drive, and I remember being extremely nervous during my first parallel parking attempt, even sweating in my palms. The steps roughly go like this: First, drive slowly to find a suitable parking spot, just slightly larger than your car's length. Once positioned, align your car parallel to the one in front, with your rear bumper matching theirs. Then, shift into reverse and slowly back up. When your side mirror aligns with the rear bumper of the front car, quickly turn the steering wheel all the way to the left—remember to maintain a slow speed without rushing. Once your car is at about a 45-degree angle into the spot, straighten the wheel and continue reversing. Finally, stop when the rear is close to hitting the car behind or the curb, then adjust slightly forward to ensure safe distances from both vehicles. The whole process takes practice, especially simulating it a few times in an empty lot to get familiar with steering angles and timing—soon it’ll feel much easier. A reminder: Before exiting, ensure the wheels are straightened and the handbrake is engaged. If the spot is tight, adjust the mirrors for better visibility.

[Ana]

I've been driving for decades and have mastered parallel parking. The key is to stay calm and avoid rushing, while regularly observing road conditions and parking space sizes. The steps are actually quite simple: signal before parking, align parallel to the front car with about a meter's distance, and match the front of your car to theirs. When reversing, check both side mirrors and the rear window, slowly backing until the front car's bumper aligns with your B-pillar, then turn the steering wheel fully right to enter the space. Once the car is at an angle, start straightening the wheel. Practice makes perfect—I always remind myself to leave some margin, not to get too close to the cars in front or behind, especially on rainy days when the road is slippery and you need to go slower. Don’t forget to engage the handbrake and turn off the lights when exiting the car. After a few tries, it becomes as natural as eating. Beginners are advised to practice with an experienced driver.

[BentleyMarie]

The most important thing in parallel parking is safety first. I always look around to ensure there are no pedestrians or vehicles nearby before starting. The steps include stopping the car to confirm the parking space is long enough, turning on hazard lights as a warning, then aligning with the front car to start reversing. While reversing, constantly check the rearview mirror, keep the speed below 5 km/h, stop when close to the rear car or curb, and adjust the steering wheel to avoid scratches. Before finishing, always engage the handbrake and turn off the engine. Remember not to park on slopes to prevent the car from sliding, and avoid blocking intersections to prevent traffic disruption. Beginners should practice in open areas until confident before parking on the road for peace of mind.

[SanAmelia]

As a daily commuter with years of driving experience, I can handle parallel parking every time. The steps are quite straightforward: first, choose a parking spot that's neither too tight nor too loose, and align parallel to the car in front. When reversing, pay attention to the rear of the car and the side mirrors, turn the steering wheel left to enter the spot, then promptly straighten the wheels to adjust the position. From a practical standpoint, parking a small car is easier than a large SUV, as bigger vehicles require more space and multiple attempts. A handy tip I always use is adjusting the mirror angles before driving to avoid blind spots. After parking, remember to engage the handbrake and turn off the lights to save battery. With a bit more practice in daily life, you'll master it—don't hesitate to take a little extra time to ensure you're parked just right.