The task of having to parallel park can seem daunting for some. You might automatically think, “No way MY car can fit in THAT spot!” It might just be me, but it seems like the act of parallel parking was overlooked back in driver’s ed, and you’re faced with having to fit your car in these spots ALL the time! But this parking job isn’t as puzzling as you might actually think… it’s kind of like riding a bike–once you learn how, you’ll never forget it! Follow these steps to ease your parallel parking fear, and you’ll become a master in no time!
- Use your best judgment. Will your car actually fit in that spot? If you have to question it too much, then it probably doesn’t. But it doesn’t hurt to try, as long as you’re careful. Just take it slow and steady!
- Drive your vehicle up alongside the car in front of the space you are aiming for. Try to get even with it and align your rear axle with that car’s bumper.
- Pause and steer your wheel all the way towards the curb at full lock. Make sure your car is not moving yet, you’d hate to be prepping for your parking spot and turn straight into the neighboring car.
- Look over your shoulder and make sure you’re aiming the right direction. Begin backing your car into the spot. With your steering wheel still fully turned, your car should simply ease into place.
- Back up in this position until the right-front corner of the car behind you looks like it is in the middle of your rear windshield. Once you’ve successfully parallel parked a couple of times, you should just get the feel of it and this will become more natural.
- Now, straighten your wheel and continue to reverse.
- When your car just barely clears the car in front of you, stop and turn your wheel the opposite way and straighten up your parking.
- Now just use your judgment to straighten up your car accordingly.
- If all went according to plan, you should be placed in the correct spot and successfully parallel parked!
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