What is the simplest and most accurate method for real-life reverse parking?
2 Answers
Engage the reverse gear, gently lift the clutch to move the car backward, control the speed, and look at the left rearview mirror. When the right starting sensor line appears in the left rearview mirror position, turn the steering wheel fully to the right. Depending on different marker positions, you must turn the steering wheel fully to the right, adjusting the speed of turning based on the vehicle's speed—either faster or slower. Observe the right rearview mirror. Once the far-right line is visible, maintain a distance of 30 cm between the car body and the parking space corner. If it's less than 30 cm, turn the steering wheel back half a turn to adjust. When the parking space line in the right rearview mirror aligns parallel with the car body, straighten the steering wheel, adjust the car's position, and reverse into the parking space completely.
When I first learned how to reverse into a parking space, I found the reference point method to be the easiest and most precise. First, drive your car next to the target parking spot, stopping parallel to the car in front and about one meter away. Then, shift into reverse, lightly press the brake, and slowly back up. When you see the front wheel of the car behind you in your right rearview mirror, immediately turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Once the car forms about a 45-degree angle, straighten the wheel and continue reversing. Finally, when the rear of the car is close to the curb, turn the steering wheel to the left to adjust and align. Practice a few times in a residential area or an open space, and with careful observation in the mirrors, you can get it right in one go. Take it step by step and stay steady. Make sure to adjust the mirrors to the right height to avoid misalignment. For beginners, it’s safer to have a friend guide you from outside the car.
