How to Steer When Parking in Reverse?
2 Answers
When reversing, steer in the direction you want the rear of the car to go. If you want the rear to move left, steer left; if you want it to move right, steer right. First, shift into reverse gear. After seeing the left shoulder line, turn the steering wheel fully to the right. Then, look at the left side mirror. When you see the corner of the parking space, turn the wheel half a turn to the left. Once the car is straight, turn the wheel one full turn to the left to complete the maneuver.
The most crucial aspects of steering during reverse parking are anticipation and speed control. When I first practiced reverse parking, my instructor emphasized that the steering wheel should be turned slightly earlier than actually needed because there's a delay in the rear of the car's response. For left-side reverse parking, when you see the corner of the parking space and the rearview mirror form a specific angle, you should turn the steering wheel fully to the left while keeping an eye on the left rearview mirror to adjust the distance between the car body and the side line. The same principle applies to right-side reverse parking, but in the opposite direction. Steering adjustments should be made in small increments, half a turn at a time for the most stability. Remember not to rely solely on the reversing camera; you must also pay attention to both side mirrors. Controlling the speed is key; use the clutch to maintain a speed of around 5 kilometers per hour, which allows ample time for judgment. If you turn the steering wheel too late, don't panic; quickly straighten it and make small adjustments, which is more effective than making sharp turns.
