How to Steer When Reversing into a Parking Space?
3 Answers
Methods for steering when reversing into a parking space: If the left side is wider and the right side is narrower when reversing, steer to the left to correct. Conversely, if the left side is narrower and the right side is wider, steer to the right to correct. Below are several common reversing methods: 1. "Non-character" style reversing into a parking space: This positioning method is more suitable for novice drivers. The advantage is that if mastered well, it is relatively easy to complete in one go. The drawback is that it is somewhat mechanical, and if there are many vehicles on both sides or the space is narrow, multiple adjustments may be needed. 2. "Straight-line" parallel parking: This method often requires occupying the lane, so many learner drivers, although finding it easy to operate, may lose their rhythm if the car behind honks, which can easily lead to failure.
When I first started learning how to reverse into a parking space, I had to first determine the relative position between the car and the parking spot. For example, drive the car to about one meter away from the front end of the parking space, shift into reverse gear, and slowly back up. Observe the side mirror until the parking space line and the rear of the car are parallel. If it's a left-side parking, turn the steering wheel to the left by nearly one full turn or one and a half turns—the exact angle depends on the width of the car. Wait until the rear of the car gradually aligns with the centerline of the parking space before straightening the wheels. Throughout the process, maintain a very slow speed to allow timely steering adjustments. If the car gets too close to the left, make a slight right turn to correct the position. Don’t forget to use the window view or rearview camera to judge the distance while reversing to avoid hitting the wall. After practicing in the parking lot a few times, you’ll get the hang of it. Don’t rush at the beginning—if you go too fast, you might skid and cause an accident.
After driving for a long time, I've noticed that the steering techniques for reverse parking vary from person to person. My habit is to first reverse until the rear of the car is close to the middle of the parking space, then turn the steering wheel fully to the right (for right-side parking) or fully to the left (for left-side parking). Once the front of the car smoothly aligns into the space, I gradually straighten the wheels. This method usually works in one go for standard parking spaces, but for narrow spaces, I have to make slight adjustments by turning the wheel half a turn at a time. The steering should feel gentle, combined with lightly pressing the brake to control the speed, avoiding sharp turns that could cause the tires to scrape the road or neighboring cars. Experience has taught me that the lower the speed, the more stable the steering control. Additionally, frequently checking the rearview mirror to compare the distance between the lines and the car body helps. With practice, you can also use the beeping sound of the reverse parking sensor to assist in positioning.
