What Causes the Right Side to Be Too Wide When Reversing into the Left Parking Space?
2 Answers
Left reversing into the parking space with the right side being too wide is caused by turning the steering wheel too early. Below are the relevant details about reversing into the parking space. Key Points of the Reversing into Parking Space Test: Accurately judge the position of the vehicle body and manipulate the vehicle to correctly reverse into and exit the parking space from both sides by referring to the ground markings. During the test, the vehicle must not stop while moving forward or backward. Reverse into the parking space from the control line at one end of the road (the vehicle body crosses the control line) and park; then move forward to exit the parking space and drive past the control line at the other end before reversing into the parking space again and parking; finally, move forward to exit the parking space. Test Evaluation Criteria: Not following the prescribed route or sequence results in a deduction of 100 points; the vehicle body crossing the line results in a deduction of 100 points; failing to reverse into the parking space results in a deduction of 100 points; stopping midway results in a deduction of 100 points.
When the right side is too wide during left reverse parking, the most common reason is turning the steering wheel too late. When I first learned to drive, I often had this issue—getting too close to the left side of the parking space while leaving a large gap on the right. The reason is simple: when turning left, if you delay steering, the front of the car doesn’t have enough time to swing left, causing the rear wheels to approach the left line too early. By the time you try to correct it, the rear has already brushed against the left side, forcing you to swing right, resulting in a wide right gap. Sometimes, it’s also due to returning the steering wheel too early or too late, missing the perfect timing. After several attempts, I found the key is to estimate the distance by checking the mirrors before entering the turn. As soon as the corner of the parking space appears in the rearview mirror, immediately turn the steering wheel fully left—slightly earlier by half a second—to leave room for adjustment. With more practice, you’ll learn your car’s turning point, and this problem will rarely occur. In fact, it’s not just about feel; reversing requires a combination of anticipation and observing the rearview mirror angles.
