What to Do If You Can't Find the Reference Points When Reversing into a Parking Space?
2 Answers
The first reference point when reversing into a parking space is the point at which you turn the steering wheel fully. When the left rearview mirror aligns with the starting line, immediately turn the steering wheel fully. The second reference point is when the car body is about to enter the parking space, and the rear of the car is close to the parking space line. Observe from the rearview mirror to ensure the wheels maintain a horizontal distance of about 30 centimeters from both sides of the parking space. Adjust if the distance is too wide or too narrow. Additional information is as follows: Reversing into a parking space: The so-called reference points are specific visual markers used during the reversing process to perform certain actions. Whether reversing to the right or left, the two most important reference points are the point at which you turn the steering wheel fully to the right (or left) when reversing and the reference point used to adjust the direction just before completing the parking. Once the car is in the parking space, observe the left rearview mirror and the edge of the parking space. When the lower edge of the left rearview mirror aligns with the edge of the parking space and you can no longer see the edge of the parking space from the left rearview mirror, press the clutch and brake, stop the car, and the reversing process is complete. When adjusting the steering wheel during reversing, there are no absolute reference points. The general principle is to steer toward the side where the car body is farther from the edge, ensuring the car is centered in the parking space and parallel to the edge lines.
When I first started learning to drive, I also struggled with finding the right reference points for reverse parking. The key is really to practice more to develop a feel for it. Don't just focus on a single point in the rearview mirror; try judging by combining the rearview mirror and the angle of the car body. Before each reverse, adjust your seat and rearview mirror positions first, and maintain a fixed sitting posture to ensure accurate sightlines. I recommend simulating a parking space with lines in an open area first, practicing repeatedly over a dozen times to build muscle memory. If you keep crossing the lines, try turning the steering wheel slightly earlier to leave some margin. If it still doesn't work, ask a friend to help observe the distance and adjust based on their feedback. Remember not to rigidly memorize reference points—every car has different dimensions, so you need to be flexible to park properly.
