What is the steering wheel sequence for parallel parking?
3 Answers
Here is the introduction to the steering wheel sequence for parallel parking: Preparation: For parallel parking, start by aligning the vehicle. Keep the right side of the car approximately 30 cm away from the curb and drive straight to the starting line. Reversing: Begin reversing from the starting line. Observe the right rearview mirror. When the front line of the parking space disappears from the mirror, turn the steering wheel fully to the right and continue reversing. Look at the left rearview mirror. 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 one full turn to the left again. Exiting: Check both rearview mirrors. When the car body is parallel to the lines on both sides, 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. When the left one-third of the car hood aligns with the left roadside line, turn the steering wheel one full turn to the right again. When the car body is parallel to the lines on both sides, straighten the steering wheel. Slowly drive out of the parallel parking area.
I used to be a novice driver and always struggled with the steering sequence when parallel parking. Later, I learned this method. First, pull up parallel to the car in front, about half a meter apart. Then, shift into reverse and immediately turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, starting to back up slowly. At this point, keep an eye on the left side mirror. When you see your rear bumper align with the front of the car behind you in the mirror, quickly straighten the steering wheel to let the car back up straight. Continue reversing while watching the right side mirror. When your rear wheel is about to touch the curb or aligns with the parking space, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, and the car will smoothly slide into the spot. If the position isn’t straight, make small adjustments by moving forward or backward slightly. After parking, remember to straighten the wheels, engage the handbrake, and shift into Park. The key is to operate at a slow speed—going too fast increases the risk of scraping nearby cars. I recommend practicing in an empty space a few times; once you master this sequence, you’ll be able to park quickly and accurately.
My driving experience tells me that parallel parking steering sequence is quite simple: after aligning the car parallel to the front vehicle, start reversing in reverse gear and turn the steering wheel fully to the right. Slowly back up while watching the left mirror, and as soon as the car body aligns with the rear vehicle, immediately straighten the steering wheel. Then continue reversing while watching the right mirror, and when the rear wheel position is about right, turn the steering wheel fully to the left, and the car will slide into the parking spot. After stopping, make slight adjustments to the position. I often use this method, it's fast and avoids hitting the curb. The key is to practice more to avoid mistakes on busy streets; turning the steering wheel the wrong way can easily get stuck or cause scratches. I recommend beginners to record a video with their phone to review the steps or have a friend observe from outside the car to ensure safety and efficiency. After parking, check the lights and position to avoid affecting others' driving. Over time, it becomes a habit and doesn't require much thought.
