When reversing into the parking space, should you turn the steering wheel towards the wider side?
3 Answers
Taking left-side reversing as an example, if you notice that the distance to the left edge of the parking space is too large, turn the steering wheel to the left. Below are some related tips for reversing into the parking space: 1. Technique: Align the mirror and turn fully right. When starting the first reversing maneuver, observe the position relationship between the left rearview mirror and the parking line. First, turn the steering wheel half a turn to the right and then start moving. When the left rearview mirror covers the parking line, turn the steering wheel fully to the right. While reversing with the wheel turned fully right, watch the right rearview mirror. Maintain a distance of about 30 cm between the car body and the right front corner of the parking space. If the distance is too narrow, adjust the steering wheel. The standard width of the parking line is 15 cm, so in the rearview mirror, it should appear roughly as two parking line widths. 2. Precautions: Generally, start in first gear and avoid shifting incorrectly. When controlling the speed, turning the steering wheel as quickly as possible is always better. If there is a conflict between the two, prioritize controlling the speed.
When I was learning to drive, my instructor taught me this basic rule: when reversing into a parking space, if one side of the car body is too far from the garage line, turn the steering wheel towards that side. If the left side is too wide, turn left; if the right side is too wide, turn right. This way, the rear of the car will automatically move towards the wider side, filling the gap. At first, I often got it wrong, thinking I needed to turn the opposite way to move the rear, and almost hit a pillar. Now I’m used to it—I always check the mirrors first to see which side is too wide, then slowly adjust the steering. Remember not to rush, turn the steering wheel slowly, and with more practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Reversing into a parking space is a skill—safety first, so it’s best to find an open space to practice repeatedly.
Having driven for many years, I'd like to share some experience: The core principle of steering wheel adjustment when reversing into a parking space is to turn the wheel towards the side where the car body has more space. Is there a gap on the left? Turn the steering wheel to the left; if it's wider on the right, turn right. Don't overcomplicate it—the most common mistake beginners make is turning the wheel the wrong way, which only makes things worse. I recommend carefully observing the width using the side mirrors and making minor corrections. Also, keep the speed slow to avoid losing control. Using gentle braking will make the car more responsive. Practice this maneuver repeatedly, and you'll find yourself easily handling all kinds of parking spaces.
