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2torial #0688:
Learn2 Parallel
Park Your Car
"I'm supposed to fit in THERE?!"
The cars are honking, Aunt Stella's whining and
the dinner reservations are slipping through your
fingers. After scanning eight city blocks, the only
parking spot appears way too small - but you refuse
to hand your keys over to the valet guy. If
parallel parking wasn't on your driving test
(whew!), it's likely you're now backing up
repeatedly against the curb. So pull over a moment,
catch your breath, and learn these simple steps.
Get a real sense of your car's proportions so
you can better evaluate prospective spots. Next
time you're out on the road, try the following
formula. (It works!)
- Pull your car up next to a spot you think
will just fit it.
- Take a long look at the spot - and know
you'll need an additional two feet of space to
accommodate both the bumper and your
perspective.
- If you can't get in after several minutes of
trying, you'll probably be better off finding
another spot. It's not worth ruining your day.
 Find a space
In the lane closest to the curb, cruise
steadily, always looking a bit ahead for a chance
opportunity. Better to keep a view of the whole
street and NOT have to slam on the brakes after
passing a prime spot.
 Pull up
Put on your turn signal. Pull over carefully,
stopping just past your prime spot. That should put
you 2-3 feet out from and parallel to the car in
front the empty space. If a car is just leaving
your space, pull up behind the space to allow room
for their exit. This move will both warn oncoming
traffic and mark your territory.
 Wind back
At this point, your back bumper should match up
with the adjacent car's back bumper. Be certain to
look back all the way over your shoulder (the one
toward the curb) so you can see oncoming cars as
well as your destination. Back up slowly, turning
the steering wheel sharply toward the curb. Stop
when you've backed up half the length of your car.
 Turn back
Changing direction at the halfway mark is the
key to success. Without moving further back, turn
the steering wheel in the opposite direction (away
from the curb) so the front end moves towards the
curb. Move very slowly at this point and be careful
not to hit either bumper, in front or behind. Your
car should slide right into the spot.
 Adjust
Don't fool yourself: only the pros get in there
by Step 4. If you back up and hit the curb too
soon, reverse and move forward, adjusting the wheel
all the way back and forth as needed to fit in the
spot. Be sure to curb your wheels (pointed away
from the curb going up and towards the curb going
down) if on a hill.
-end-
Learn More!
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