Which way to turn the steering wheel when parking with the front narrow and the rear wide?
2 Answers
When the front is narrow and the rear is wide, turn the steering wheel towards the wider side to make the wider side narrower and prevent the other side from crossing the line. For example, if the left side is wider, turn left to move the car to the left and adjust to the proper position. Below are detailed tips for parking by the roadside: 1. Parking procedure: Prepare in advance, reduce speed, observe the situation behind the car in the right rearview mirror, and after confirming safety, move the car body to the right. When one-third of the front of the car aligns with the edge line of the right lane, you can stop. 2. Use the right rearview mirror: Use the right rearview mirror to observe the distance between the car and the roadside, especially when parallel parking, to avoid the tires rubbing against or being squeezed by the roadside. When the right door handle overlaps or just touches the roadside line, the distance is generally within 30cm.
When parallel parking in a space that's narrower at the front and wider at the back, I turn the steering wheel toward the curb—for example, turning right when parking on the right side. This helps the rear of the car tuck inward, reducing the gap at the wider back. After years of driving, I've learned that gentle movements are key—avoid jerking the wheel hard, as it can easily lead to scraping the curb or the car body. I recommend using the side mirrors to monitor the rear wheel distance—safety first. For instance, when practicing roadside parking, you can slowly move forward while slightly turning the wheel right to align the car with the curb. If the position isn't right, reverse a bit and readjust—never force it. A common mistake beginners make is rushing, which often results in the rear swinging out farther. The key is practice makes perfect—repeatedly practicing parallel parking in an empty parking spot can improve your feel and reduce the risk of scrapes. Remember environmental factors: be extra cautious on slippery roads, as higher speeds make control harder. In short, patience and attentiveness are the best solutions.
