What Are the Secrets for Beginners to Reverse Parking?
3 Answers
Here are the secrets for beginners to reverse parking: 1. Visualize the width: First, visually estimate the width of the parking space, check if there are any obstacles behind, whether there are cars parked on both sides, and if the length suits your vehicle. If visibility is poor at night, it's best to step out and observe the exact position before reversing. 2. Use idle speed: Maintain idle speed while reversing and adjust the car body promptly. Each car has different reference points, so the timing for steering varies and cannot be generalized. Sometimes you may need to park straight along the curb, often reversing into a spot between two already parked cars. This type of parking is more challenging, so it's best to have someone guide you. Pay attention to the horizontal distance from adjacent cars. When you see the rear of the car nearing the curb in the rearview mirror, quickly turn the steering wheel fully, and straighten the wheel as soon as the car body is aligned. Don’t forget to check the distance from the car behind while reversing. If unsure about the distance, step out and check before continuing. 3. Steer quickly: Turn the steering wheel swiftly during reversing to align the car body in a short time. Sometimes, one forward and backward movement might not align the car properly, requiring multiple attempts to park correctly. Of course, beginners planning to buy a car might consider purchasing one with a 360-degree panoramic camera, which makes reversing much easier.
When I first started driving, I also had trouble backing in. Later, I realized the key is controlling the speed. Just use idle speed for the entire reversing process, with your foot lightly on the brake ready to stop at any moment. First, observe the parking space environment and note reference points like curbs or pillars beside the spot. Don’t turn the steering wheel too sharply—adjust the direction based on where the rear of the car is drifting, and remember to straighten it afterward. You can use the reversing camera, but don’t just stare at the screen; glance at the left and right rearview mirrors frequently. The most practical tip is to practice in an empty parking lot to get a feel for how the rear of the car moves. Especially for 90-degree reverse parking, wait until the rear door handle passes the obstacle before turning to avoid scraping. Remember, slow is smooth, and smooth is fast—panicking often leads to mistakes.
As someone who has taught many students, beginners should focus on three key points when reversing: anticipation, reference points, and adjustments. Before starting, walk around the car to assess the environment and mentally simulate the reversing path. Adjust the seat and mirrors, ensuring the left mirror shows the rear wheel position. Remember three reference points while reversing: check the side mirror to see if the car body is parallel to the line, observe the distance between the window edge and obstacles, and note the height difference between the left and right curbs. Use the 'slow turn, quick return' method for steering, with each adjustment not exceeding 15 degrees. Pay special attention to blind spots in the right mirror; slightly turn your body to look back if needed. Don’t rely too much on the guidelines of the reversing camera, as they may have slight deviations. Regular practice to develop a feel for the car is most important.
