Position your car’s bumper with the first line of the parking space. When you approach the parking spot, keep your vehicle as far to the opposite side as you’re able to go so you have more room to turn. Stop your vehicle as soon as your bumper lines up with the edge of the parking space.[1]
- Want another way to tell if you’re in the right position? When you look out your window, your shoulder should line up with the line on the parking spot before the one you’re pulling into.
- If there aren’t any lines marking the spaces in the lot, then make sure there’s about 8 feet (2.4 m) of space between the vehicles before you pull in.
- If you’re turning into a space on your right, try to stay in the middle of the lane and be careful of oncoming traffic.
Lift off of the brakes and gradually turn your steering wheel. Put on your turn signal to let other drivers know you’re about to pull into the space. Slowly lift your foot off the brake pedal to start inching forward. At the same time, start turning the wheel hand over hand in the direction that you want to turn.[2] Aim the front of your vehicle towards the middle or far side of the space so you have room to straighten out.[3]
- Make sure there aren't any shopping carts, debris, or other objects in the parking as you pull in.
- How hard you have to turn the wheel depends on your vehicle. Newer vehicles can usually make tighter turns than older ones.
Pull into the space slowly. Keep your steering wheel turned so your vehicle straightens out within the lines of the parking space. Make sure your vehicle is entirely within the parking space and doesn’t overhang.[4]
- Check if your side mirrors align with the vehicles next to you to see if you’ve pulled in far enough.
- If there’s a parking space in front of you, make sure your vehicle doesn’t extend into it. Reverse your vehicle slightly to reposition it.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.