Parallel parking makes many drivers nervous. While this style of parking is more difficult than perpendicular parking or angled parking, it’s a skill that any driver can learn. Learning to park like this can save you a lot of time when you need a parking space. There are many places in Rockville, MD, where you can only park parallel, so we’d like to give you some helpful tips on this type of parking.
Learn the Basics
Parking parallel is all about understanding angles and reference points. Before you can master this skill, you need to have a clear understanding of how car reference points work. These points are imaginary lines of sight that allow you to identify where your car is in relation to the road. If, for example, you’re parking on the left, your car headlight makes a great reference point.
Imagine a diagonal line drawn through your headlight. As you reverse into the parking space, this line should line up with the curb when you’re three to six inches away. When you see this, you’ll know you have the right angle.
Relax
Many new and even experienced drivers adamantly avoid attempting to parallel park. With this in mind, relax as you’re in good company. Once you’ve found your spot, focus and make your movements at a speed you feel comfortable with. If you rush to park and feel nervous and uncertain, you could hit the curb. Even worse, you could hit the car in the parking spot behind you.
To make the experience easier, if you know you will have to park parallel, take someone with you. If you have a more experienced driver with you, it should give you extra confidence. Your passenger will also be an extra set of eyes and can guide you as you make your moves.
Practice
Parking is a skill you learn over time. The more time you spend in practice, the easier and more fluid your reactions will become. Parking parallel worries many drivers because they avoid any situation where they have to park like this. Worrying and avoiding learning to parallel park will make it more difficult and nerve-wracking when you have no choice but to park like this.
We advise finding a flat, wide-open place and setting out cones to make an imaginary parking space. Spend as much time as possible practicing reversing, checking your mirrors, and gauging your distance. As time passes, you’ll find that you become more confident. Once you’ve practiced enough, you’ll be ready to try it on the street.
Visit our DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville blog for more helpful tips about driving and car maintenance or if you’re new behind the wheel, discover our blog 3 Tips for New Drivers in Maryland today!
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