Why does the rear of the car sweep the line during parallel parking?
4 Answers
During reverse parking, sweeping the line occurs because the distance between the car body and the sides of the parking space is uneven, with one side being too close to the car body, leading to the line being swept. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Reference points: Find the correct reference points during parking to ensure consistency each time. 2. Speed: For the subject two test, especially parking, it is essential to keep the speed as slow as possible to allow sufficient time for adjustments. 3. Adjustment: If the first attempt at parking does not find the correct reference points for successful parking, timely adjustments are needed—steer towards the wider side and finally straighten the car body to successfully park.
Regarding the issue of the car's rear sweeping the line during parallel parking, I think the main problem lies in turning the steering wheel too late. Many beginners only start turning sharply after the front of the car has entered the parking space, leaving the rear still sticking out, which causes the line to be swept when reversing. Actually, you should start turning the wheel slowly when there's still half a meter between your car's front and the car in front, allowing the entire body to cut in at an angle. Additionally, pay attention to the distance between your car's rear and the front of the car behind you in the rearview mirror. If it's about 30-40 centimeters, you should straighten the wheel to adjust. If the parking space is particularly narrow, leaving a bit more angle can avoid this problem, after all, the car rotates around the axis of the rear wheels.
I think the issue of the car's rear end sweeping the line is mostly due to not understanding the position of the rear wheels. In most cars, the rear wheels turn in first, while the front wheels make a larger circle outside. Some drivers only focus on the front of the car, resulting in the rear wheels being too close to the curb, and even a slight movement causes them to cross the line. The solution is to turn the steering wheel slightly to the right before reversing, and then start reversing when the rear of the car is diagonally close to the roadside line. Use the right rearview mirror to keep an eye on the curb, maintaining a distance of about half the car's width. Getting a feel for the car takes time and practice. When I first started, I often swept the line too, but later I found that adjusting the rearview mirror lower makes it easier to judge the position accurately.
There are two common reasons for the rear of the car to sweep the line. First, the turning radius was miscalculated, and the steering wheel was not fully turned when it should have been, causing the rear wheels to deviate from the intended path. Second, the car's angle was incorrect. When reversing, if the angle between the car and the roadside is less than 45 degrees, the rear of the car is prone to sweeping the line. In such cases, don't force it; drive out and reposition the car properly. When parking in narrow spaces, it's best to adjust the rearview mirrors downward in advance to clearly see the ground markings. Additionally, poor speed control can also lead to line sweeping, especially with automatic transmission cars that tend to roll too quickly.
