Parallel parking can be difficult for an experienced driver or a new driver, especially in cities like College Park, MD. Many times, people execute this style of parking the hardest way possible or simply never attempt it. Learning to parallel park is imperative knowledge for all drivers regardless of experience level, so here are five steps for easy parking!
Find a Space Right for Your Vehicle
When looking for a space, don’t just choose a random spot. Ensure that the space is at least one and a half times the length of your car so that you can fit and get out safely. Once you’ve found an appropriate space, check your mirrors for other cars, turn on your signal, and check your mirrors again before looking over your shoulder.
Once you are sure you’re safe to go, pull up two to three feet next to the car you’re parking behind.
Put Your Vehicle in Reverse
Ensure that you’re positioned properly to reverse your car into the space before you begin parking. For many, this means sitting up straight and perpendicular to the back of your chair. Reverse slowly until the middle of your vehicle is lined up to the back bumper of the vehicle you’re parking behind.
At times this is executed on a busy road with other passing cars. If a vehicle approaches while in this position, it’s recommended to keep your signal on and stay in reverse so that the driver knows your intention.
Stay Calm
A key step to this type of parking, and driving in general, is staying calm. Be sure to take deep breaths and focus. There is no rush and no such thing as being too safe. Make sure to continuously check your surroundings in your mirrors, over your shoulders, and out the windows.
Move to the Curb
Once you can safely maneuver, cut the wheel towards the curb to begin reversing into the spot at a 45-degree angle. Once you can see the headlights in the car behind you in your driver’s side mirror, you’ve accomplished getting into the spot. For many cars, you know to turn the wheel the other way when the passenger-side mirror is aligned with the rear bumper of the car in front of you.
Continue reversing until your car is aligned with the cars on either side of yours and you’re parallel to the curb.
Align
Allow each car the space to exit by centering your vehicle in the space. Your car should be between one foot and one and a half feet away from the curb, though proper length varies from state to state. If you can get your right wheel to safely tap the curb, then you can typically turn your wheel fully to the right to align your vehicle to the ones around you.
Now that you know the 5 steps, be sure to keep them in mind the next time you find yourself parking! Parking has never been easier or more convenient than in an all-new 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport! Be sure to check out more blogs if you’re interested in learning more tips from us at DARCARS Nissan of College Park!
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