Which way to turn the steering wheel when the right side is too narrow during reverse parking?
4 Answers
When the right side is too narrow during reverse parking, you should turn the steering wheel to the left. Here is a detailed introduction about it: 1. "Non-character type" reverse parking: This method is more suitable for novice drivers. The advantage is that if mastered well, it is relatively easy to complete in one go. The disadvantage is that it is somewhat mechanical, and if there are many vehicles on both sides or the space is narrow, multiple adjustments may be needed. 2. "Straight-line type" parallel parking: This method often requires occupying the lane, so many driving students tend to fail during the reversing process. 3. Diagonal parking: This type of reverse parking usually requires one to two lessons for driving students to master it proficiently. There are also some diagonal or irregular parking scenarios.
With 20 years of driving experience, I have the most authority on this matter. If the right side is too narrow when reversing into a parking space, it means the wheel angle is incorrect. Don't hesitate—turn the steering wheel half a turn to the right, and the rear of the car will swing out a bit to create more space. But remember not to turn too sharply, or the left side will immediately become too narrow, requiring constant adjustments while checking the rearview mirrors. I recommend beginners reverse at a snail's pace, scanning the left and right mirrors as soon as the car moves. If the left side is too wide, correct by steering left; if the right side is too narrow, correct by steering right. With enough practice, you'll develop a feel for it. When straightening the wheels at the end, align them precisely with the corner of the parking space—even a half-finger's width difference can be adjusted. Reversing requires quick eyes and hands—nowadays, I can park in a tight spot with my eyes closed.
Over the years as an instructor, I've taught thousands of students how to handle reverse parking issues. When the space is tight on the right, the correct approach is to steer right to move the rear of the car away from the parking line. The specific operation depends on the angle between the car body and the line in the rearview mirror: if the angle is steep, turn the steering wheel fully to the right and then straighten it; if it's slightly tight, just adjust by 90 degrees. The key point is to keep the speed slow, adjust the steering wheel while observing, and immediately check the other side mirror for any line crossing after adjustment. Some students are too afraid of scraping to steer, but in fact, turning the wheel halfway won't cause a collision. Practicing a few more times in the training area will help you get the hang of it.
Last week when I was backing into the parking space, the right side was extremely narrow and I almost scraped the pillar. My friend taught me to turn the steering wheel slightly to the right (less than half a turn) while watching the car's rear gradually move rightward in the side mirror. When steering, gently press the brake to control speed, and straighten the wheel immediately when there's about two fingers' width of space on the right. Never turn the wheel all the way, otherwise the front of the car will swing out of line. The garage in our residential area is particularly narrow, so now I've developed the habit of getting out to check the position before reversing. Sticking a small convex mirror on the side mirror gives better visibility. Beginners should practice this technique in an open area first - if all else fails, activating the 360-degree camera is the safest option.
