Should You Turn the Steering Wheel Early or Late for a One-Shot Parking?
2 Answers
It is better to turn the steering wheel to full lock early for a one-shot parking. Here are the relevant details: Traffic Accidents: When encountering emergencies while driving on the road, avoid jerking the steering wheel suddenly as it may lead to traffic accidents. Minor adjustments are usually sufficient. Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is generally composed of a skeleton and foam, forming a simple structure. Modern steering wheels often include various switches, such as buttons for answering phone calls, accelerating/decelerating, and cruise control. When driving on bumpy roads, it is essential to grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands to prevent loss of control. Misaligned steering wheels may be related to tire pressure, tire wear, chassis component wear, or improper wheel alignment. Adjusting tire pressure and performing a four-wheel alignment measurement may be necessary.
I still remember when I was first learning to park in reverse for my driver's license test, the instructor always said I turned the steering wheel too early, causing the wheels to scrape against the curb several times - it was terrifying each time. Later I realized that turning too early makes the rear wheels get too close to obstacles prematurely, increasing the risk of scraping, while turning slightly late, though possibly not perfect in positioning, leaves room for adjustment. Through practice, I found the ideal timing is to start turning when the side mirror aligns with the halfway point of the parking space - this depends on speed and vehicle size. SUVs are harder to control than compact cars, with greater risks when turning early. For regular parking, it's best to first observe the surroundings and practice in open areas to develop muscle memory; with experience, smooth one-attempt parking becomes easier. Looking back now, patiently waiting for the optimal moment is much safer than rushing to turn the wheel.
