Should You Turn the Steering Wheel Earlier When the Side Alignment Line Is Too Wide?
3 Answers
When you notice that the alignment line is too wide, if there is sufficient space ahead, you can turn the steering wheel to the right by a quarter or half a turn. Additional details are as follows: 1. Technique for 30cm side parking alignment: You can use the highest point of the windshield wiper as a reference—keeping this point aligned with the sideline while driving straight. Another common method is to observe through the right rearview mirror, ensuring that one-third of the car body aligns with the sideline. 2. Alignment standard: The optimal distance for alignment should be around 30cm to avoid affecting the subsequent reversing process. During side parking in the test area, having an alignment line that is too wide or too narrow is not ideal for the examinee. If the alignment line is too wide, the front of the car may easily cross the line when parking. Similarly, if the alignment line is too narrow, the rear of the car may easily touch the line.
I just started learning to drive and always feel flustered when parking. If the guiding line is too wide during parallel parking, meaning there's a lot of extra space, I usually turn the steering wheel earlier. This is because the extra space gives me more room for error, and turning inward earlier prevents the car from sliding outward or scraping the curb. I remember one time parking in the city with a very wide space—I didn’t turn early enough and almost hit the car behind me, so I had to quickly readjust. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to glance at the rearview mirror while reversing. If there’s plenty of space, I turn the wheel halfway first and then straighten it once the front of the car is aligned. Beginners tend to panic easily, so practicing in smaller spaces helps build confidence and rhythm over time. With experience, you’ll naturally adjust based on the available space—don’t force yourself to follow textbook maneuvers rigidly. In short, turning earlier when there’s extra space reduces anxiety, but take it step by step—safety always comes first.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I actually find that having too much space for parallel parking makes it easier. Turning the steering wheel early is a practical technique that helps the car get into position faster. With my experience, giving more steering input in wider spaces isn't an issue as long as you properly observe your surroundings. When I was younger, I also encountered similar situations where too much space could lead to reckless maneuvers by beginners, but I suggest first assessing the actual width. If the alignment space is generous, it means there's room for adjustment, and turning the wheel early can help avoid getting too close to obstacles. In practice, while reversing slowly, controlling your speed and turning the steering wheel slightly ahead of time can save time. Don't overthink rigid rules—being flexible is key to handling various scenarios. Remember to learn from each parking experience, and soon you'll master it effortlessly.
