Why does the left rear wheel always hit the left corner when reversing into the parking space?
3 Answers
Left rear wheel always hitting the left corner when reversing into the parking space may be caused by the following reasons: Steering too early: If you start turning the steering wheel fully to the left before the lower edge of the rearview mirror aligns with the stop line, it's easy to cause the left rear wheel to hit the left corner. Keeping the steering wheel fully turned to the left: Before reversing into the parking space, you need to align the car 1.5-1.8 meters away from the road edge line (the distance between the car body and the road edge line should be 1.5-1.8 meters), but it's not always possible to stop accurately. When you start reversing with the steering wheel fully turned to the left, you need to observe the distance between the left rear wheel and the corner in the left rearview mirror. If this distance is less than 30cm (less than two fingers' width in the mirror), you should adjust the steering wheel to increase the distance. If you keep the steering wheel fully turned to the left, the wheel will hit the corner line.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I've encountered many novices struggling with their wheels scraping the left corner when reversing into a parking space. Common causes include turning the steering wheel too early—before the rear of the car aligns with the parking spot—resulting in the wheels brushing against the corner. Additionally, excessive speed can lead to loss of control; a sudden press on the accelerator often causes oversteering. Another issue is inadequate use of rearview mirrors, failing to clearly see reference points like the garage lines. The solution isn’t difficult: reverse slowly and wait for a fixed reference point, such as the garage corner appearing in the side mirror, before turning the wheel. Practice is key—find an empty space and repeat the maneuver several times. I used to hit the lines frequently in my younger days, but with practice, I now park smoothly in one go. Remember to stay calm and avoid panicking.
When practicing parallel parking with trainees, I often find that the most common reason for hitting the left corner of the parking space is misjudging the reference points. Trainees tend to rush, turning the steering wheel too early or too late, causing the car to approach at too sharp an angle and scrape the corner. Another issue is poor speed control—when moving too fast, steering adjustments become exaggerated. Additionally, beginners often struggle with unfamiliar sightlines and improperly adjusted mirrors, making it hard to see the standard alignment markers. My advice is to first adjust the mirrors properly before parking, reverse slowly at a steady speed, and wait patiently until the car is at a 45-degree angle before turning the wheel. Practicing simulated parking in a safe environment multiple times helps trainees develop the right rhythm. I've taught many students who initially made this mistake, but with practice, they naturally corrected it. The key lies in repeated hands-on experience to build confidence.
