You’re still on the lookout for a parking space, and after
the third trip around the block it’s beginning to feel like a futile search.
Then you spy it just ahead – a parked car, left turn signal flashing, starting
to inch out of an on-street parking space. You flash the lights to let them
know it’s ok to pull out, and then you prepare to strike… and sweat. Really
sweat. It’s a spot that requires parallel parking.
Relax! You can do this, even if the last time you parallel
parked was during the road test for your driver’s license. Follow a few simple
tips and you’ll successfully parallel park your vehicle between two parked
vehicles. Here’s how.
1. Choose Your Spot
Choose a parking space you’re comfortable maneuvering
into, based on your vehicle size in relation to the parking space, and your
parallel parking abilities. Be realistic, even if you’re desperate.
2. Ready the Attack
Use your turn signal to indicate your intention to
claim the spot and alert the vehicles behind you. Look in your rearview mirror
to ensure there aren’t cars directly behind you. Then forget about them;
they’ve been in your position before and can wait for you to finish. No need to
add stress by worrying about other drivers at this moment.
3. Visualize the 'S'
Pull up even with or a few feet behind the bumper of
the front car while leaving a two- to three-foot buffer between you and that
car. It helps to visualize the maneuver you’re about to execute as an “S.”
4. Time to Back Up
Put the vehicle in reverse, and assuming the parking spot is
on your right, turn your wheels all the way to the right as you gradually move
backwards, alternating your attention between your front bumper to ensure it’s
not getting too close to the vehicle parked in front of you and the empty
parking space your sliding into.
When you are roughly at a 45-degree angle, the rear of the vehicle mostly into the parking space and the rear wheels nearing the curb, stop. You’ve just completed the first part of the “S.”
When you are roughly at a 45-degree angle, the rear of the vehicle mostly into the parking space and the rear wheels nearing the curb, stop. You’ve just completed the first part of the “S.”
5. The 'S', Part Deux
Now, turn the wheels all the way to the left. You’re
about to complete the last part of the “S.” Back up slowly into the space,
wheels still turned left, watching your vehicle’s front so it doesn’t hit the
vehicle in front of you, and your vehicle’s back so you don’t bump the vehicle
parked behind you.
6. The Home Stretch
Stop. Straighten the wheels, and pull up a little to
center your vehicle in the space. If you run into difficulties on
your first attempt, don’t give up and drive away. Try again. Who hasn’t had
their rear tires bump the curb or needed a couple of tries to parallel park?
Success!
Hooray! You should be parked and perhaps have even
remembered to breathe again. Here are some additional tips that can help you
slide into a tight space.
- You can always adjust your side mirror so you can see the distance between your wheels and the curb as you park.
- Be on the lookout for trees, trash cans, signs, and light posts that might be near the curb and avoid running into them.
- Take some time to practice on quiet streets where there’s no pressure.
Trying to leave? Make sure your wheels are straight and
slowly back up until you can’t go any further without bumping the vehicle
behind you. Turn your wheels all the way to the left, use your turn signal,
shift to drive, check your mirror, and pull out, watching that your front
bumper clears the vehicle parked in front of you. If it won’t, stop, turn your
wheels to the right, back up a little, turn the wheels left, and now you should
have enough room to pull out when the coast is clear.
Article Credit: www.driverside.com
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