Where is the parking point for reverse parking?
3 Answers
The parking point is when the left rearview mirror just covers the sideline. Here are the precautions for reverse parking: 1. Control speed: Maintain a consistent speed using 1st gear or reverse gear idle speed. The speed at which you start should be the same as the speed during the entire process. 2. Control steering: Pay close attention during the reversing process, grasp the key points of steering, and turn at the right time. 3. Control the steering wheel: The car's path during the test mainly depends on the speed of turning the steering wheel and the driving speed. When reversing, aim for the sideline and adjust the direction in time to keep the car straight while parking.
As an ordinary driver with years of experience, I believe the reference points for reverse parking aren't fixed—it mainly comes down to intuition and accumulated experience. But recalling my driving lessons, the instructor taught specific reference points: when you see about half of the corner of the parking space in your right rearview mirror, that's when you should turn the wheel to enter. This varies from person to person. When driving a sedan, I align the bottom of the left rearview mirror with the parking line and quickly turn the wheel; with an SUV, I need to check earlier because the larger body makes it easier to scrape. During practice in parking lots, I always keep the speed slow, ideally under 5 km/h, or else I'll miss the reference point and go off course. Honestly, reference points are just aids—ultimately, it's about gaining a feel through more driving. If you're a new driver, I recommend finding an open space to simulate a parking spot and practice repeatedly. Use markers at first, and once you're used to it, you won't need to rely on them, avoiding nervous mistakes. Vehicle size also makes a big difference—small cars are more agile, while larger ones require earlier reference checks for space. Backup cameras help, but don't rely on them entirely. Combining manual reference checks with technology is the most reliable approach. With enough practice, smooth parking will come naturally.
I usually prefer practical driving tips, and when it comes to the reference points for reverse parking, I find that they vary across different car models. As a beginner, I memorized reference points—like turning the wheel when the side mirror aligns with the parking pole or line—but now, with more experience, I rely more on instinct. Key moments include steering when the left rear wheel nears the parking edge, but this depends on the parking space size—standard spots are easier, while tight spaces require adjustments. Speed control is crucial; reversing too fast can make you miss the reference point and risk a collision. I always scan the surroundings before reversing to ensure no obstacles are in blind spots. Modern car reverse sensors are quite helpful, especially when combined with reference points for quicker adaptation. However, reference points aren’t magic formulas—they require practice tailored to the driver and vehicle. For example, compact cars have smaller reference points, while larger vehicles like SUVs may align better at one-third of the parking corner. Don’t rush when parking; reference points are just a starting point—visual perception matters more. Practice several times in daylight first; once familiar, nighttime reverse parking won’t be daunting.
