|
Learning to parallel park can be an intimidating process for new drivers. Heck, it's even scary to some experienced drivers! But this is an art worth mastering - not only is it a big part of your driving test, but you are going to run into at least few situations in your lifetime where your parallel parking skills will come in handy. And just imagine how suave you'll look as you easily back your car into a tiny parking space! So whether you've tried before or you're just starting out, keep reading and you'll be conquering those tight squeezes in no time.
In case you weren't too sure, parallel parking is a method of parking where you park in line with the curb, in a straight line with other cars in front of and behind you. This is most commonly used in large cities where there are too many cars and not enough parking lots. It's also a part of the drivers test in most states, so it's a must-know. Some states, like Ohio, employ a maneuverability test - which is essentially parallel parking with traffic cones instead of other cars - so the same rules apply. First of all, don't be intimidated. Like with anything else, practice is key to developing confidence and comfortability with the procedure. That's right; good, old-fashioned practice - not just hand-eye coordination or luck. If you've tried to parallel park before and didn't do so hot, DO NOT think you can't do it! Relax and give yourself as much time as you need to master the skill. It takes a few tries, but it will get a little easier and easier with each time - soon you'll be backing up like a pro. Got it? These are the guidelines for parallel parking: 1. Look for a parking spot which is at least one and a half times the length of your car that you are confident you can park in. 2. Use your turn signal and drive up next to the car that's in front of the space so that you are 2-3 feet away from it. Align your car's back bumper with theirs. 3. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder to ensure that there are no vehicles behind you, then step on the brake and put the car in reverse. 4. Slowly release the brake. As soon as the car begins to reverse, steer your wheel all the way towards the direction of the curb; now the back of your car should be at an angle towards the curb as it rolls backwards. (If you feel you need to re-adjust your angle or that you want to start over, just drive forward and begin again.) 5. When your car's rear is inside the space, spin the steering wheel all the way in the other direction to straighten your wheels. 6. You're pretty much centered once you're no more than 12 inches from the curb and parallel to it. If you need to, drive forward slightly to adjust your wheels. Now you're parked! These are just the basic guidelines; each situation varies so you'll learn to use your own judgment based on the circumstances. Obviously the bigger the space, the easier parking will be. Things like how sharply your wheel will need to be steered also differ based on the car you drive, since each vehicle is unique. Many beginning drivers seem to make the mistake of trying to parallel park on a busy street before they have much experience. That can be panic-inducing! So here's a suggestion: tackle these challenges one by one; when you feel you've conquered one, then try the next: - Find a quiet road or parking lot, and just practice parking beside an empty curb. - Park behind ONE parked car. - Look for two parked vehicles that are far enough apart where you feel comfortable parking in between them. (Find a street that's not too busy for this) - Park between cars that are closer together until you're able to do it in spaces that no less than one and a half times the length of your car. As complicated as it may initially seem, parallel parking is really just a simple series of steps that you will get the hang of with practice. So now that you've got the information, what are you waiting for? Go and master the skill of parallel parking! |
| Cars | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||
