What does parallel parking mean?

[StColeman]

"Parallel Adjustment Method": 1. After straightening the wheels, observe the rearview mirror. Generally, at this point, you should look at the right rearview mirror. If the car body is parallel to the sideline, you can continue reversing directly. If the car body is not parallel to the sideline, make slight adjustments until they are parallel. 2. Remember the principle of turning the steering wheel in the direction the rear of the car is leaning. Note that while adjusting for parallelism, also observe the distance between the lower edge of the left rearview mirror and the front sideline of the parking space. Generally, you can stop when the lower edge of the mirror aligns with the top line of the parking space. Although small-angle adjustments are the principle, if the rear of the car is leaning too much, you should appropriately increase the adjustment angle, usually turning to the 12 o'clock position, but if the lean is excessive, you can adjust to the 2 o'clock position. 3. When adjusting the direction, keep both hands on the steering wheel to prevent erratic movements. Many test cars, due to prolonged use, have looser steering wheels, and if not held steady, the direction can change easily. Additionally, avoid crossing hands while turning the wheel. The earlier mention of keeping both hands on the steering wheel is to prevent erratic movements; crossing hands can lead to loss of control, causing the car body to exit the parking space.

[JosephLynn]

As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, parallel parking means aligning the car straight within the parking space without tilting against the lines. I remember struggling to get it right when I first started learning—the rear end would always veer to one side, making it hard to even open the door. With practice, I developed a technique: position the car parallel to the parking space about one meter away, shift into reverse, slowly release the brake, and keep a close eye on the side mirrors to make minor steering adjustments—check the right mirror for the right wheel distance, and the left mirror similarly. Once half the car is in, straighten the wheels and continue reversing while maintaining equal space on both sides. Now, I can do it effortlessly, but beginners shouldn’t rush. Practice in an empty parking lot first—safety comes first to avoid scraping others’ cars or blocking the way. Proper parallel parking not only looks neat and saves space but also prevents door dings or wheel-over-line disputes. Making it a habit is incredibly practical for city driving.

[LaElizabeth]

Hey, as a young driver, I also struggled with parallel parking at first—basically getting the car parked straight and aligned. I used to park crookedly, which made my friends laugh at me. But after practicing a lot, I found the key points: before reversing, align the front of the car with the parking space, pass it slightly, and then start the rearview camera. Align the blue lines on the screen with the parking lines, and slowly reverse while adjusting the angle. Don’t turn the steering wheel too sharply—take it step by step. I often use the side mirrors and my body to sense the car’s balance. My advice is to find an empty space and practice repeatedly. If you’re crooked, just pull forward and try again—don’t force it. Parking parallel not only makes it easier to open the doors but also avoids honking from others!

[MatteoAnn]

Parallel parking refers to the state where the vehicle is perfectly aligned with the parking space lines. In practice, ensure the initial position is parallel to the parking space, steer slowly while reversing, and monitor equal distances on both sides. Guiding with the rear wheels allows easier angle adjustments, preventing the car body from tilting and causing entry/exit difficulties. A rearview camera provides precise visual assistance to enhance effectiveness. With more practice, developing spatial awareness will naturally help maintain parallel placement, reducing safety risks such as scratches or occupying excessive space.