How to steer when reversing into a left parking space?
3 Answers
When reversing, if the rear of the car is moving to the left, turn the steering wheel to the right. It's important to have a clear understanding of steering wheel concepts. When the rear of the car drifts to the right, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction. Make slight steering adjustments to align the car body.
When reversing into a parking space to the left, I think the key is to time those few seconds of steering wheel turning just right. First, adjust the car's position to bring the rear close to the entrance of the parking spot, then stop parallel before reversing. At a low speed, keep a close eye on the left rearview mirror. When the rear wheel is about to align with the corner of the parking space, immediately turn the steering wheel sharply to the left all the way—this helps the rear swing in smoothly. As the car starts to turn, don’t just focus on the left side; also scan the right rearview mirror to avoid hitting obstacles. After turning the wheel left, the front of the car will swing right, so I need to maintain a steady speed without accelerating, waiting until the car is almost straight before quickly straightening the steering wheel. Only stop once the position is aligned to avoid crossing lines or scraping pillars. Practicing a few times makes it easier—don’t rush if the position isn’t right yet, as patience saves trouble. Keeping the speed slow is more important; going too fast can lead to mistakes and affect parking accuracy.
Simply put, reversing into the parking space with a left turn of the steering wheel is just a habitual action. I proceed as usual by starting the car, reversing, and observing the left rearview mirror. As soon as the wheels pass the corner point of the parking space, I swiftly turn the steering wheel to the left, and the rear of the car easily swings in. Watch the right side as the car moves, ensuring it doesn’t deviate too much; once it’s roughly aligned, immediately straighten the steering wheel. I always remind myself not to turn the wheel too late or too early, and not to make unnecessary adjustments until the position is correct. Maintaining a steady and slow speed is key to avoid excessive corrections. With practice, it takes just a few minutes to master. Rely more on the rearview mirrors rather than turning your head to look around, making entering and exiting the garage smooth and effortless.
