Where to Stop at the Starting Position for Reverse Parking?
3 Answers
When the corner of the garage appears in the left rearview mirror, gradually straighten the steering wheel while observing the distance between the car body and the garage boundary line, ensuring not to cross the line. Below are related introductions about reverse parking: 1. Technique: Align the mirror and turn right fully. When starting the first reverse parking 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. After the left rearview mirror covers the parking line, turn the steering wheel fully to the right; when reversing with the steering wheel turned fully to the right, watch the right rearview mirror. Observe the distance between the car body and the right front corner of the garage, keeping this distance at 30 cm. If it is too narrow, adjust the steering wheel. The standard width of the garage line is 15 cm, so in the rearview mirror, it should appear roughly twice the width of the garage line. 2. Precautions: Generally, start in 1st 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 parking at the starting position for reverse parking, as a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I feel it really comes down to experience. I remember when I first learned to drive, the instructor taught a rather rigid method—stopping the car about a meter away from the entrance line on the outside of the parking space. Now, with more driving experience, I realize that actual parking environments vary widely, such as in narrow alleys or supermarket underground garages. The starting point needs to be adjusted flexibly—don’t just rely on the ground lines, but use fixed objects like entrance pillars as reference points, ensuring the car’s front is roughly parallel to the entrance. Before starting to reverse, always check the rearview and side mirrors multiple times to avoid misalignment from the beginning, which could make it harder to straighten the car later. In short, practice a few more times to get the hang of it, stay calm, and prioritize safety. If the position is slightly off, adjust the steering promptly to avoid hitting the wall.
For beginners learning reverse parking, the starting position is crucial and most prone to mistakes. Instructors usually advise not to let the front of the car exceed the front end of the parking space entrance line. The specific position depends on the site markings, with the standard being that the car is parked such that the parking space entrance appears at one corner of the left rearview mirror, allowing for smooth steering wheel rotation into the space. Many people overlook the differences in vehicle length; sedans and SUVs require different starting points—SUVs need to be positioned slightly further back to prevent the rear wheels from crossing the line. Before starting, ensure the gear is in reverse and check for pedestrians or obstacles around. It's recommended to practice several times in an open area to develop a habit of remembering your car's reference points, which helps avoid panic when parking alone. Remember to adjust the direction continuously during reverse parking and avoid rigidly sticking to a one-step approach.
