Should You Release the Clutch or Brake First When Reversing into a Parking Space?
4 Answers
Subject 2 reversing into a parking space starts with releasing the clutch, and there is no need to press the brake. Below is an introduction to the content of Subject 2 and techniques for reversing into a parking space. Content of Subject 2: Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It is the abbreviation for the field driving skills test. For the C1 license, the test items include five mandatory components: reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving through curves. Techniques for reversing into a parking space: After getting into the car, first adjust the seat's front and back position, and set the backrest to a comfortable angle to ensure free movement of the steering wheel and optimal visibility of the car's hood. Adjust the left and right rearview mirrors so that the car body appears in about one-third of the mirror, with the rear door handle visible at the top edge of the mirror. For right-side reversing, shift into first gear, align the car head straight, and drive out of the parking space in a straight line. When the car hood just covers the opposite side line of the parking space, turn the steering wheel fully to the right. When the car body is parallel to the left side line, straighten the steering wheel and continue forward until the car head crosses the sensor line. At this point, the distance between the car body and the left side line should be within the optimal range to ensure that the subsequent reversing does not cross the line. For left-side reversing, shift into first gear and move forward. When the front hood just obscures the roadside line, turn the steering wheel fully to the left. Once the car head passes the roadside line, press the clutch, step on the brake pedal, shift into reverse gear, and keep the steering wheel fully turned to the left. When the front line of the parking space is about to disappear from the rearview mirror, stop the car to complete the left-side reversing.
When I first started learning to drive, I was always worried about stalling or hitting something while reversing into a parking space. I remember the instructor taught me to gently release the clutch a little bit first to get the car moving slowly, and then tap the brake as needed to stop or adjust the position. If I released the brake first, the car might roll back too quickly, especially on an underground parking ramp, which could easily lead to loss of control. I made a mistake once—I panicked, released the brake, and the car rolled back almost hitting a wall. Later, I developed the habit of using the clutch at the biting point, which made reversing much smoother. When parking, you need to check the rearview mirror and coordinate with steering wheel movements. With more practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Safety first—don’t rush, and with a few more tries, it’ll become easier.
Having driven a manual transmission for many years, I always ease off the clutch slightly first when reversing into a parking space, rather than using the brake. Keeping the clutch in the semi-engaged state allows for smooth and controlled backward movement, similar to gently pressing the accelerator—resulting in a very gentle speed. The brake is only used for precise stopping. If you press the brake first or release it completely, the engine is prone to stalling or the car may roll too quickly, especially in tight parking spaces where it could scratch the rims. I reverse into my garage every day for work, and this sequence has become second nature, making the operation effortless. When reversing, keep scanning blind spots—don’t rely solely on mirrors—and combine it with parking sensor beeps for added safety. Overall, the clutch is key for speed control, while the brake just assists in positioning.
From a mechanical perspective, the clutch connects the engine to the transmission. When slightly released, the wheels receive power and rotate slowly, while the brake directly stops the wheels. For reverse parking, I recommend first releasing the clutch to provide initial thrust, then using the brake for fine-tuning the position. This prevents sudden stalling and avoids rolling back due to insufficient power. With limited visibility when reversing, moving slowly is crucial. Developing good habits can extend the clutch's lifespan and reduce maintenance issues.
