When reversing into a parking space, if the left side is wider, which way should I turn the steering wheel?
4 Answers
When reversing into a parking space, if you see from the rearview mirror that the left side is wider, turn the steering wheel to the left to adjust the distance between both sides to be roughly equal. If the right side is wider, turn the steering wheel to the right until the distances on both sides are similar. The principle of turning the steering wheel towards the wider side when reversing means: 1. Taking left-side reversing as an example, if you notice that the distance between the car and the left edge of the parking space is too large, turn the steering wheel to the left. If the distance between the car and the left edge is too narrow, immediately turn the steering wheel to the right to correct the position and ensure the car enters the space properly. 2. For right-side reversing, observe the right rearview mirror to monitor the distance between the car body and the right edge of the parking space while reversing. If the distance between the car and the left edge is too large, turn the steering wheel to the left; if the distance between the car and the left edge is too narrow, immediately turn the steering wheel to the right. 3. Again, taking left-side reversing as an example, during the reversing process, the car body will form an angle with the parking space. Observe the left rearview mirror to check the width and distance between the car body and the edge of the parking space.
I've been driving for over ten years, so I'm quite familiar with maneuvers like parallel parking. If the left side is too wide, it means the car is a bit far from the left boundary. In this case, I usually turn the steering wheel to the left to adjust. The steering wheel's movement affects the direction of the rear: turning left moves the rear to the left, while the front swings to the right, filling the gap perfectly. The movement should be gentle—avoid sharp turns to prevent scraping nearby obstacles. When practicing, find an open space and use the rearview mirror and rear camera to assist observation. Safety first—always be aware of your surroundings while reversing, and don’t get distracted. With enough practice, muscle memory will develop. Driving is all about this—practice makes perfect, allowing you to handle any parking spot with ease.
As someone who frequently teaches novice drivers, I emphasize that when the left side is too wide during reverse parking, the steering wheel should be turned to the left. The reason is that turning the wheels will cause the rear of the car to move left and backward, thereby reducing the left-side gap. Remember to make smooth movements and avoid jerking the wheel, as this can easily lead to loss of control and collisions with poles or other vehicles. During the practice phase, it's recommended to use marked reference points or practice more in open spaces. For safety, always check the rearview mirrors and blind spots before reversing to ensure there are no pedestrians or obstacles. Developing good habits can prevent accidents. Novices often get nervous and turn the wheel in the wrong direction, but with more practice, they will improve.
When I first started learning to drive, parallel parking was a real headache. Too much space on the left? Just turn the steering wheel to the left. Turning left makes the rear move left while the front turns right to fill the gap. Using a reversing camera helps, but don't rely solely on it—keep checking the mirrors. Take it slow to ensure safety. Practice a few times in the parking lot and you'll get the hang of it—don't be afraid to make mistakes.
