How to steer when the rear of the car is tilted to the left while reversing into a parking space?
3 Answers
When reversing, if the rear of the car tilts to the left, steer the wheel to the right. It's essential to understand the concept of steering. When the rear of the car tilts to the right, steer the wheel in the opposite direction. Make slight adjustments to the steering wheel to straighten the car body.
When the rear of the car tilts to the left while reversing, it's simple—just turn the steering wheel slightly to the right! With over a decade of driving experience, I've encountered this situation countless times. When you see the rear of the car leaning left in the rearview mirror, don’t panic. Maintain a steady speed and smoothly but swiftly turn the steering wheel half to a full turn to the right. This will make the rear wheels turn right, pulling the car’s rear back into alignment. After turning, reverse slowly for a short distance and check if the car has straightened. If it’s still off, turn the wheel a bit more to the right. The key is to make gentle adjustments—avoid jerking the wheel, which could cause the car to sway or even lose control. I use this technique often when parking, especially in tight spots, and it’s saved me from many scrapes. Practice a few times, and you’ll develop muscle memory, making reversing much smoother. Remember, steering direction is reversed when reversing: turning left makes the car go right, and vice versa—a common point of confusion for beginners.
I'm a new driver who just got my license, and this reversing situation was quite scary. When I saw the rear of the car tilting to the left, I should have turned the steering wheel to the right. My instructor taught me the specific steps: first, stop the car and ensure safety; then slowly turn the steering wheel about 45 degrees to the right; gently reverse a few centimeters and stop, checking the change in the rear position with the rearview mirror; if it's still tilting left, continue turning the wheel a bit more to the right, but not exceeding one full turn; until the car body is parallel to the parking space, then straighten the steering wheel. The key is to go slow and not rush, because quick turns can make the car lose control. I messed up during my first practice and hit a cone, but luckily there was no damage to the car. Now every time I reverse into a parking spot, I silently remind myself 'left tilt, right turn,' and with more practice, it feels easier. Safety first—never make mistakes in a hurry.
