What are the reasons for hitting the left line during parallel parking?
3 Answers
Reasons for hitting the left line during parallel parking: 1. Technical reasons: When reversing from the right to the center, hitting the left line is due to turning the steering wheel too late. If reversing from the left to the center, hitting the left line is due to turning the steering wheel too early. 2. Other reasons: (1) Issues with reference points: The reference points in the driving school practice area and the test site cannot be exactly the same. If you rigidly memorize certain points to turn the steering wheel fully, etc., you won't know how to make slight adjustments when facing a slightly different test site. (2) Vehicle issues: Unlike the driving school's training car, the test car requires you to adjust the seat, mirrors, etc., and get used to the clutch. Additionally, due to wear and tear, the height of the wiper line, which is a key reference point, will definitely not be consistent with that during practice, indirectly leading to inaccurate reference point alignment.
It's quite common for me to park with the left wheels over the line, especially when I first started driving. The main reason is not mastering the timing of steering. If I turn the steering wheel too early or not quickly enough, the left wheels easily rub against the line. Sometimes it's also because I misjudge the size of the vehicle, like when I drove my friend's large car, thinking there was enough space, but ended up crossing the line. Visibility is also important—if the seat is adjusted too low, it's hard to see the front line and control the wheels. After more practice, I found an open area to place cones for simulation, practicing slow turns first while watching the wheel positions in the mirrors and adjusting the steering in time. This helps avoid crossing the line and boosts confidence. New drivers shouldn’t rush—just practice more. Stay relaxed while driving; if you cross the line, just readjust and don’t let it affect your mood.
I've encountered the issue of pressing the left boundary line several times. To sum it up, it's usually due to a lack of spatial awareness or slightly rough technique. It might be because the steering wheel was turned too late or at the wrong angle, causing the left tire to deviate and touch the boundary line. Sometimes, it's due to not being accustomed to the vehicle's dimensions, like when switching to a new model and not being familiar with its width. I recommend using the rearview mirror to position the car when parking, ensuring the vehicle is parallel to the boundary line before slowly moving in. It's also easy to press the line in poorly lit areas where visibility is low. Practice parking in complex environments a few times to get familiar with your car's turning radius and avoid forcing it into tight spaces. Continuously pressing the line can also damage the tires and rims, which isn't worth it. It's always better to drive cautiously.
