What Causes the Left Side to Cross the Line During Parallel Parking?
4 Answers
The reasons for the left side crossing the line during parallel parking are as follows: 1. Entering the parking space too late: By the time the entire vehicle is inside, it's too late to straighten, causing the right side to cross the line. This is the most common cause of crossing the line. 2. Reversing too quickly: The vehicle isn't straightened before the rear wheels cross the rear line or the body touches the line. 3. During exit, the driver focuses only on adjusting the front of the vehicle: Neglecting to check the distance between the right wheel and the corner line in the right mirror. Due to correcting the direction too quickly, the right wheel crosses the line upon exiting. Before attempting parallel parking, ensure the vehicle is properly positioned, maintaining a distance of 30-50 cm between the right side of the vehicle and the side line to avoid significant errors.
After driving for so many years, I often see beginners pressing the left line when parking. The main reasons include not leaving enough space when starting, being too close to the left side, and common mistakes in steering timing, such as turning the steering wheel too early or too late, causing the front of the car not to be aligned. In addition, unstable speed control can exacerbate the problem of pressing the line, and the car's own small turning radius makes it more prone to happen in tight spaces. Personally, I suggest observing the environment before parking, adjusting the rearview mirror to see the boundaries clearly, and using roadside trees or the car in front as reference points. If you press the line, don’t panic, slowly reverse and try again. Safety first, and more practice will improve your skills.
When I first started learning to drive, I often ran over the left line. Later, I figured out the reasons: initially parking too close to the left side without leaving enough margin, or hesitating with steering which affected the angle. Poorly adjusted rearview mirrors made it hard to judge distances, adding to the trouble, and tight spaces naturally increased the risk. Switching cars with different body sizes made it even easier to run over the line. Now, I park slowly, using reference points to align the tire positions, immediately correcting and starting over if I run over the line. With more practice, I’ve gotten familiar and make fewer mistakes.
When dropping off family members, I often encounter the issue of the car pressing against the left line. This is mostly caused by starting in the wrong position or turning the steering wheel too early, resulting in the car body being tilted. It's more likely to happen in tight spaces where it's difficult to straighten the car, and incorrect rearview mirror angles can make it hard to see the boundaries, leading to pressing against the line. I believe the key is to estimate the distance accurately before parking and turn the steering wheel decisively. If the car presses against the line, stop and reposition to try again.
