
Methods for adjusting direction when reversing into a parking space: 1. If the steering wheel is turned too early, observe the right rearview mirror as the right rear of the car gradually approaches the right corner of the parking space. When the rear of the car is about 30 cm away from the corner and the right front door handle is still outside (i.e., to the right) of the extended line of the right boundary of the parking space, immediate adjustment is needed—turn the steering wheel one full circle to the left! Continue reversing until the right front door handle crosses the extended line of the right boundary of the parking space, then turn the steering wheel fully to the right. Once the car enters the parking space and the body is parallel to the boundary line, straighten the steering wheel. 2. If the steering wheel is turned too late, there is basically no room for correction. 3. If the rearview mirror shows a "left wide, right narrow" position, turn the steering wheel 1/4 turn to the left, then straighten it when the car body is aligned. 4. If the rearview mirror shows a "right wide, left narrow" position, turn the steering wheel 1/4 turn to the right, then straighten it when the car body is aligned. 5. Another scenario is when the car body is parallel to the parking space but the entire vehicle is offset to the left or right. If not adjusted, it is easy to hit the front corner of the parking space when exiting. If the car is offset to the left, first turn the steering wheel 1/4 turn to the right, ensuring the front wheels do not cross the line. When the right-side distance is appropriate, turn the steering wheel 1/4 turn to the left. Once the car body is parallel to the parking space again, straighten the steering wheel. If the car is offset to the right, follow the same steps but in the opposite direction.

I have ten years of driving experience, and adjusting the direction while reversing into a parking space is actually quite simple. I first align the center line of the parking space with the car body and then reverse slowly while keeping a close eye on the rearview mirror. If the car leans to the left, I gently turn the steering wheel to the right; if it leans to the right, I turn it to the left, but not too much—about thirty degrees is enough. Many beginners tend to turn the wheel all the way in a panic, which only makes the car more crooked. I maintain a steady speed and keep shifting my focus between the left, center rearview mirrors, and blind spots to avoid hitting nearby cars. If I don’t get it right the first time, I move forward a bit and try again, avoiding any forceful maneuvers. After a few practices, you’ll get the hang of it.

I just got my driver's license and find adjusting directions during reverse parking quite challenging. I usually park the car near the parking spot first, check that the rearview mirrors are dust-free, then slowly reverse. I mainly focus on the rearview mirrors, and when I notice the distance between the car body and the parking lines isn't right—for example, if the gap on the left is too big—I gently steer to the right to correct it. Remember not to turn the steering wheel more than half a turn, or you might lose control. I often practice in parking lots with friends, who say I'm too tense, so I take deep breaths to relax. I also installed a reversing camera to help judge by looking at the screen. If the car is seriously off, I stop, straighten the steering wheel, and try again. With more practice, it gets much better.

As someone who frequently teaches driving, adjusting the direction during reverse parking is a key point. I tell my students: start reversing slowly and use the side mirrors to observe the lines on both sides of the parking space. If the car body leans to one side, slightly adjust the steering wheel in the opposite direction. For example, if it leans left, turn the wheel 15 degrees to the right. Keep the steering adjustments small and the speed steady, so the car body can gradually straighten. Also, remind them to check the safety of the surroundings front and back, and don’t forget to look at the side mirrors. During practice, emphasize the concept of 'minor adjustments'—avoid turning the wheel too much at once.


