What are the tips for looking at mirrors when reversing into a parking space?
3 Answers
The tips for looking at mirrors when reversing into a parking space include identifying the starting point, controlling the corner point, and aligning the stopping point accurately. Before reversing into the parking space, it is essential to adjust the position of the rearview mirrors. Mirror positioning: Both the left and right side mirrors or the interior rearview mirror should be adjusted so that the horizon is at the midpoint vertically in the mirror when the driver is in the normal driving position. Additionally, the side mirrors should show no more than one-quarter of the car's body. Steering wheel techniques for reversing: Engage reverse gear, release the handbrake, slowly lift the clutch to the semi-engaged position, and after starting, stabilize the clutch to adjust the speed. Reverse slowly while looking back over the right shoulder to observe the triangular window of the right rear door. When the front middle pole reaches the edge of the triangular window, quickly turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. If you notice the right rear of the car might hit the middle pole, immediately turn the wheel sharply to the left. Wait a moment, and if you estimate the car's rear won't hit the pole, continue turning the wheel all the way to the right. Once the car's rear smoothly enters the parking space, observe the left rearview mirror. When the left body line is parallel to the left boundary line of the parking space, quickly straighten the steering wheel to the left. After the front of the car smoothly enters the parking space, observe the left rearview mirror to check the parallelism between the car body and the boundary line. Adjust the steering wheel accordingly—turn left if the gap is too wide and right if it's too narrow. Maintain the adjusted direction until the body reaches the parking marker, then stop. Method for reversing into the right side of the parking space: After reversing steadily, when poles 3 and 4 are about 20 cm apart from aligning, quickly turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. As you approach the middle pole, if the left rear of the car might hit it, immediately turn the wheel sharply to the right. Wait a moment, and if you estimate it won't hit, continue turning the wheel all the way to the left. Once the car's rear smoothly enters the parking space, observe the left rearview mirror. When the left body line is parallel to the left boundary line of the parking space, quickly straighten the steering wheel to the right. Make slight left or right adjustments as needed and stop at the parking marker. Preparation for reversing into a parking space: After getting into the car, first adjust the seat's position forward or backward, and adjust the backrest to a comfortable angle to ensure free movement of the steering wheel and a clear view of the car's hood. Adjust the left and right rearview mirrors so that the car's body occupies about one-third of the mirror, and the rear door handles are visible at the top edge of the mirrors. Adjust both side mirrors accordingly.
When reversing into a parking space, the key is to adjust the mirrors properly. First, adjust the rearview mirror when parked to ensure a clear view of the rear and both corners of the car, avoiding angles that are too small or too large to miss blind spots. When starting to reverse, operate the steering wheel slowly and frequently scan both the interior and exterior mirrors; observe the parking lines and the distance to surrounding objects in the mirrors as you reverse. Personally, I find it helpful to turn my shoulders and head to expand the field of vision, avoiding sitting rigidly and focusing on just one point, which helps compensate for blind spots. The images in the mirrors can sometimes be distorted, making the actual distance feel closer, so practice more to get familiar with this sensation, such as simulating the scenario in an empty space a few times. For safety, mirrors are auxiliary tools—don’t rely on them too much; combine them with a reversing radar or stepping out to check for added peace of mind. Remember to control your speed and go slow, using the mirrors to guide minor directional adjustments in tight spaces. Mastering these skills will make reversing into a parking space much easier.
As an experienced parker, I emphasize the combination of mirror adjustment and usage. First, ensure the rearview mirror covers the rear of the car and the area behind it. Before starting to reverse, take a quick glance at both the interior and exterior mirrors to confirm the surroundings. During the reversing process, switch your gaze: use the interior mirror to judge the overall direction, and the exterior mirrors to monitor the side distance of the car. Keep your movements natural and avoid staring fixedly. Slightly turn your body to avoid blind spots for a clearer view. The speed must be slow to facilitate adjustments; going too fast can easily lead to mistakes. When practicing, find an empty space and draw lines to simulate a parking space, then try repeatedly. Personal experience shows that mirror images may deviate from actual positions, and only through practice and memory can you achieve precision. If the garage is narrow, mirrors can help determine the turning point, but if unsure, getting out to check is absolutely safe. With more practice, you'll develop a feel for it, and reversing into a parking space won't be difficult.
