Parallel parking is no doubt the scariest maneuver for a driver to perform. It can be quite tense to try and park a vehicle in between two stationary objects. But it doesn’t have to be.
Mastering parallel parking is all about practice and developing the skills to make a smooth and confident maneuver.
First, find the right spot. Size does matter when it comes to parallel parking. Look for a parking space that is at least 1.5 times the length of your car. This will give you a little wiggle room in order to squeeze in.
Then position yourself up alongside the parked car in front of the empty space, always maintain a distance of around two feet between your vehicle and the other vehicle.
Now, it’s time to make your move. Turn your steering wheel fully in the direction opposite the curb. That means right if it’s on the right and left if it’s on the left.
Then, once your back wheels are past the parked car, straighten your steering wheel and begin reversing slowly. Use your side mirrors to watch for the point where the curb lines up with the far corner of the parked car behind which you are aiming for.
Once you see that point in your mirror, quickly turn the steering wheel in the direction of the curb. Once you are almost straight inside the space, straighten your steering wheel and adjust your vehicle (going forward and backward as needed) in order to center your vehicle.
If you are new to parallel parking, it’s best to never try it on a busy roadway. Try practicing in an empty parking lot and set up cones instead of using real vehicles.
