What is the steering wheel sequence for parallel parking?
4 Answers
Here is the introduction to the steering wheel sequence for parallel parking: 1. Preparation: For parallel parking, start by aligning the vehicle. Keep the right side of the car approximately 30 cm away from the curb line and drive straight to the starting line. 2. Reversing: Begin reversing from the starting line. Watch the right rearview mirror, and when the front line of the parking space disappears from the mirror, turn the steering wheel fully to the right while reversing. Look at the left rearview mirror, and when you see the inner corner of the parking space, turn the steering wheel one full turn to the left. Continue reversing. When the left rear tire is about to touch the dashed line of the parking space in the left rearview mirror, turn the steering wheel another full turn to the left. 3. Exiting: Observe both rearview mirrors. When the car body is parallel to the left and right lines of the parking space, stop the car. Turn on the left turn signal to prepare for exiting. When the right corner of the car hood aligns with the right roadside line, turn the steering wheel one full turn to the right. Continue driving forward, and when the left one-third of the car hood aligns with the left roadside line, turn the steering wheel another full turn to the right. When the car body is parallel to the left and right lines, straighten the steering wheel. Slowly drive out of the parallel parking area.
The sequence of turning the steering wheel for parallel parking is quite particular. When I first started driving, I always parked crookedly, but later I figured out the trick: first, align your car parallel to the front car with about half a meter of space in between, shift into reverse, and slowly back up. The moment your rearview mirror lines up with the B-pillar of the front car, immediately turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Then, keep an eye on the left rearview mirror—when you see the entire front end of the car behind you fully exposed, quickly straighten the steering wheel and continue reversing. The crucial third step is to watch the left rear wheel—once you feel it touches the parking space boundary line, immediately turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. At this point, the car will smoothly slide into the parking spot. Finally, adjust the distance front and back, and voilà—perfect! The whole process involves turning the steering wheel just three times, but remember to reverse slowly to avoid scraping the front car's bumper.
After teaching parallel parking for so many years, I've summarized a simple mantra: 'One right, two straight, three left.' The specific steps are: first, reverse while maintaining a half-meter distance parallel to the front car, then turn the steering wheel fully to the right; next, watch the left rearview mirror and straighten the wheel when the entire rear car comes into view; finally, turn the steering wheel fully to the left the moment the left rear wheel touches the line to park successfully. Key points to focus on are three reference positions: aligning with the B-pillar is the signal to turn right fully, the complete appearance of the rear car is the timing to straighten, and the wheel touching the line is the command to turn left fully. Practicing with a small mark on the rearview mirror can make it more intuitive, and remember to control the reversing speed at first gear crawling speed for more precise steering.
I used to be most afraid of parallel parking when taking my driving test, but now I'm much more skilled at it. The core steps involve three maneuvers: first, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, then straighten it once the rear car is fully visible, and finally turn all the way to the left to complete the parking. During the actual operation, start reversing when your car is half a meter away from the front car, and turn the wheel fully to the right as soon as your right side aligns with the front car's B-pillar. Watch the left mirror until the rear car is completely visible, then straighten the wheel and continue reversing. When the left rear wheel touches the parking space line, immediately turn the wheel fully to the left. The entire process requires turning the steering wheel one and a half turns from left to right. Beginners are advised to practice in open areas, keeping a wider distance rather than too close to avoid scraping the wheel rims.
