What are the tips for reverse parking?
3 Answers
Here is a detailed introduction to the techniques for reverse parking: 1. Identify the starting point: Taking right-side reverse parking as an example, the distance between the car at the starting position and the left line should be 1.2-1.8 meters, the steering wheel should be straight, and the car body should be parallel to the left line. When reversing, use the bottom edge of the left rearview mirror as a reference. When the two coincide, turn the steering wheel fully to the right and continue reversing. 2. Control the corner point: Watch the right rearview mirror. When you spot the corner point of the parking space, pay attention to the changing distance between the corner point and the car body. When the distance is less than 30 cm, turn the steering wheel back halfway and continue reversing. Once the car body enters the parking space and is parallel to the parking line, turn the steering wheel back one full turn. If the distance is not less than 30 cm, do not turn the steering wheel back. Keep reversing until the car body is parallel to the parking line, then turn the steering wheel back one and a half turns at once. 3. Align the stopping point: The stopping point is the parking spot after entering the parking space. The reference method is the same as for the starting point. When you see the bottom edge of the left mirror coincide with the shoulder line of the parking space, stop the car.
As a young driver, I initially found parallel parking quite challenging, but mastering some techniques made it much easier. Start by practicing a few times in a spacious area, sitting upright to clearly see the rear situation. Reverse slowly without accelerating, gently turning the steering wheel toward the parking space side without overdoing it. Make good use of rearview mirrors and backup cameras for assistance. If the position is off, pull out and try again—don’t rush and avoid hitting obstacles. Stay calm and avoid nervousness, maintaining a steady speed while reversing without stopping. Practice more to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s blind spots and controls, and with time, it’ll become smoother. Safety comes first—ensure no people or cars are around before proceeding.
With years of driving experience, my technique for reverse parking is all about estimating distance and angle. Before parking, align the car parallel to the parking space with about one step's distance to make it easier to line up. When reversing, the slower the better—control your speed without pressing the accelerator, gently brake, and steer the wheel. Start turning early when the rear enters the spot, with small adjustments rather than sharp turns. Always check the left and right mirrors—don’t rely solely on the reversing camera, as it can be misleading. In tight spaces, stop first, plan your path, and try again. Remember to frequently check tire position and adjust angles in time. Once you master it, calculating angles becomes second nature, making the whole process smooth.
