Where Are the Reference Points for Reverse Parking?

[Johnny]

Whether it's right-side or left-side reverse parking, there are two most important reference points: The first point is when to fully turn the steering wheel left/right during reverse parking, characterized by the lower edge of the left rearview mirror aligning with the starting line (dashed line). The second point is when the vehicle is completely inside the parking space, the body is straight and centered in the space, indicating that the right-side parking is about to be completed, and it's time to stop—this stopping point is what we call the second reference point. Left-side reverse parking (left exit): Observe the left car door; when the exit line aligns with the middle of the two car doors, turn the steering wheel left by one and a quarter turns (one full turn plus one vertical turn) and hold it steady until the window switch presses against the exit line, then stop. Left-side entry: Shift into reverse gear, ensuring not to move the steering wheel (keep it at one full turn plus one vertical turn). When the left rear wheel is about to touch the extended line of the left corner (note: just before touching—touching the extended line would be too late; this may seem abstract, as the extended line is an imagined extension of the left line inside the parking space), fully turn the steering wheel left. When the left rear wheel is about to enter the space, check if adjustments are needed. Ensure the left rear wheel enters the space, then check the right rearview mirror—when the right corner becomes visible, straighten the steering wheel. The stopping point is the same as above. Right-side reverse parking (right entry): First point: When the lower edge of the left rearview mirror aligns with the parking line parallel to the left rearview mirror, fully turn the steering wheel right. Second point: When the most protruding part of the vehicle and the right corner appear two fingers' width apart in the right rearview mirror, turn the steering wheel left by one full turn (no more, no less). Third point: In the right rearview mirror, when the right corner points to the middle of the front door handle, fully turn the steering wheel right again. Fourth point: As soon as the left rear corner becomes visible in the left rearview mirror, immediately straighten the steering wheel. Fifth point: The stopping point inside the parking space—again, when the lower edge of the left rearview mirror is about to align with the parking line parallel to the left rearview mirror. Right exit: As soon as the left rear wheel crosses the exit line, fully turn the steering wheel right. When the window line aligns parallel to the parking boundary line, straighten the steering wheel. At this point, the front should appear wider and the rear narrower, as the vehicle body naturally has a curvature—what looks slanted is actually correctly parked.