When parking is a challenge, it can take all of the fun out of driving. Drivers often say that they would rather park far away from their destination, or continuously drive in circles rather than maneuver their car into a tight space.
We’ve all had an experience with parking that leaves us feeling as though we simply aren’t good enough, but parking is something that becomes easier with practice. With these helpful hints, you will be able to find the confidence needed to park your vehicle safely and without worry:
Choosing a Spot
The first task to complete when you are parking is to find a suitable spot. Make sure that you select a spot that offers more than enough space for your vehicle. The most challenging thing about parking is getting to know the dimensions of your vehicle. If you’ve borrowed a car from someone else, or you’re driving a new vehicle, be sure to take any parking slowly so as to not hit any surrounding objects such as cars or posts.
As time goes on, and you obtain more experience, parking will become a lot more simple. In the interim stages, one should practice often, take it slow, and never succumb to pressures put on you by other drivers.
Choosing a spot isn’t just about size, though. You should also make sure you feel comfortable pulling into and out of a spot (which is not always easy on a busy street), as well as walking to your final destination. If the neighborhood is rough, it might be worth it to you to pay for garage parking directly beside the restaurant rather than parking on the street and walking a few blocks there at night.
Stall Parking
If you’re parking in a stall in a parking lot, the only requirement is that there is enough space available to you that your doors can be opened after parking, and your vehicle does not block traffic flow by sticking into the road or driveway. If you start to feel like a stall is too small, don’t try to park in it. Back out and try somewhere else.
When possible with stall parking, back in or find a place where you can pull through. This allows you to pull out instead of backing out. No matter where you’re parking it is always safer to pull out since it can be difficult to see what is going on behind you.
Parallel Parking
Parallel parking is a bit more challenging for most people, likely because it is required to be performed in places where other traffic exists. In order to parallel park, you need to ensure that you have found a spot that is big enough for the length of your car, and that you also are able to allow room for the other cars around you to get out of their spots.
Once you’ve found a suitable space for your vehicle, line yourself up with the parked car ahead of the spot. Once completely parallel to the vehicle, put your vehicle in reverse and begin to move. Crank your wheel to the left as soon as you see the back end of the car next to you in your back window, then turn the wheel in the opposite direction to straighten out.
If you’ve tried practicing this maneuver and you’re still not happy with how you perform, consider purchasing a smaller vehicle like a motorcycle or scooter. These types of vehicles make parking pain a thing of the past!
About the author: Allison is a writer for AutoInsuranceQuotes.org.
Credits: Photo courtesy of gplatt.