How to Steer the Wheel When Reversing into a Parking Space?

[JoannaLynn]

Steps for steering the wheel when reversing into a parking space are: 1. If entering from the left, turn the steering wheel to the left in advance; if the left side is narrow, delay turning the wheel to the left. 2. If entering from the right, delay turning the steering wheel to the right; if the left side is narrow, turn the wheel to the right in advance. 3. Park the car next to the parking line and align the left rearview mirror with the left line of the parking space. 4. Turn the steering wheel fully to the right, and stop the car when the body forms a suitable angle with the parking space. 5. Straighten the wheels and reverse slowly. Reversing into a parking space is a key assessment point in the driver's test, primarily evaluating the driver's ability to maneuver the vehicle in a confined space.

[MacJulia]

When I first learned how to parallel park, I was all flustered and kept turning the steering wheel the wrong way. Looking back, my instructor taught me to do it in steps: first drive close to the parking spot, stop, shift into reverse, and keep a close eye on the rearview mirror or backup camera. If parking on the left side, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right to make the rear of the car move left; if parking on the right side, turn it all the way to the left to make the rear swing right. Once the car is aligned with the parking space, straighten the wheel and slowly reverse in. But at first, I kept turning the wheel the wrong way, making the car wobble crookedly, which scared me into a sweat. After practicing a few times, I got the hang of it—small angle adjustments are crucial. If the rear is veering left, gently turn right; if it's veering right, gently turn left, and keep the speed as slow as crawling. Practice in an open area using bottles as markers, and once you're familiar with the reference points, try a real garage. Don’t rush to become an expert in a day. Take it slow, and steering will become second nature—safety first, after all.

[VanNevaeh]

The technique for steering during reverse parking is actually quite simple: when facing the parking space, you basically steer in the opposite direction. The rule of thumb is to turn the wheel right when parking on the left side and left when parking on the right side. This means if you're parking in a left space, turn the steering wheel fully to the right to reverse, and the rear of the car will turn left; for a right space, turn fully left, and the rear will turn right. As the front of the car approaches parallel, quickly straighten the wheel, then slowly reverse in. Maintaining a low speed throughout is key, giving you time to check the mirrors and adjust the angle. If you're slightly off, minor steering adjustments will straighten you out. Start practicing in a spacious parking lot—don't tackle tight spots right away. Installing a rear parking sensor can also help. Remember to stay focused, keep both hands firmly on the wheel, and prioritize safety. After a few tries, it'll become second nature.

[SanVivienne]

When reversing, steer the wheel gently and safely. I always emphasize controlling the speed first before turning—lightly tap the brakes to slow down, then smoothly rotate the steering wheel to avoid sudden movements that could lead to loss of control. Adjust the direction based on the rear position: turn the wheel left to move left, right to move right; recenter it quickly and steadily. Check mirrors or cameras for obstacles, and proceed cautiously if there are blind spots. This technique, combined with low-speed maneuvering, minimizes the risk of scrapes. Over time, developing this habit will make you more aware of your surroundings, enhancing overall driving safety.

[AllisonMarie]

The steering wheel feel varies significantly when parking different vehicles. My compact car has a light steering wheel, allowing easy adjustments with just a slight turn; however, large SUVs have heavier steering, requiring more effort and bolder movements. Vehicle structure also plays a role: shorter bodies respond quickly to steering inputs, while longer bodies react more slowly. When reversing into a parking spot, adjust your technique based on the car: gentle and precise for compact cars, firm and quick for larger vehicles. Spend more time driving your usual car to familiarize yourself with its steering characteristics, making the operation feel natural in your daily driving habits.