Parallel Parking Tips

 Parallel Parking Tips by Shelby Fix, Car Coach 2.0

Recently I have seen people attempting to parallel park, but they don’t seem to remember what they learned in driver’s ed. Sometimes it can be intimidating, but it’s best to take it slow and try your best not to overreact.

If you’re not parallel parking everyday, take some time out of your busy schedule one day and set up some cones or boxes to practice.

Below are a couple of tips to help you before you start to park.

• If you’re uncomfortable with the angle that you are turning in, start over.
• When parallel parking, make sure to leave enough space in front and behind you for the other cars to get out of their spots.
• Always look behind you and check for traffic.
• The gas is not needed when parallel parking. Make sure your foot is close to the brake pedal though.
• Make sure you put your turn signal on before you start to park. This is so the cars around you know what you’re about to do.

 source: zigwheels.com

How to parallel park like a pro:

• Turn on your turn signal and pull up three feet next to the car you want to park behind. Make sure you line up your mirrors to each other.
• Next, put your car in reverse (remember the gas is not needed when parallel parking. Just make sure your foot is close to the brake pedal) and turn your wheels all the way to the right. Start turning once your mirror is lined up with the back, side triangle window on the other car.
• Back up very slowly until you are at about a 45-degree angle. Stop and turn your wheels all the way to the left. Then, back up very slowly until you are parallel with the curb.
• If done correctly, you should be about less then twelve inches from the curb. Remember, practice will improve your result.

Hopefully these are helpful tips to improve your parallel parking!