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Techniques for backing into parking spaces

Vince S.

Vince S.

Resident Former Bassist
Jan 24, 2003
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#1
I've had my license for over a year, and the only thing I still have trouble with is backing into spaces, especially when there are cars in the spaces to either side.

The way I learned it was to pull up perpendicular to one of the lines, turn about 45 degrees forward, then back and adjust as needed. I usually use the rear view mirror and almost never my side mirrors.

What are your techniques for backing into spaces, or even backing down a driveway or backing into a garage bay?

Vince
 
#2
well when pulling forward into a spot i'm going almost parallel to the fenders of the already parked cars, but when backing in i pull past my spot and in the opposite direction to where i'm almost parallel to the parked cars and just back in, just don't turn the wheel too much, it's easy to over compensate. if you're just backing straight up just go slow and as straight as possible. it just takes a bit of practice
 
#4
I've had my license for almost two years (I'm lazy and got it at 18) and I've had to actually parallel park for the first time a few weeks ago. It was a thrill. @_@

Side mirrors ftw!

There really is no set "technique", you just need to know where you want to be at the end, then think of a way to get there. For me that usually involves a lot of backing in and out. :p
 
#5
Poop-Loops said:
There really is no set "technique",
Click to expand...

I don't know guy, as a person that was taught how to back fire trucks and emergency vehicles through an obstical course, there certainly is a "proper" technique.

Know where your vehicles corners are, use ALL your mirrors, be aware that the vehicle handles completely differently going backwards and mostly, just practice. Go to a deserted parking lot and play around. Precision driving can be a lot of fun.
 
#9
Poop-Loops said:
Is it a set pattern, though? Fingerpickig is a technique, but you don't do the same thing over and over. You can go light, hard, near the bridge, etc. I'm saying it's no use memorizing a pattern.
Click to expand...

No. Every car is different. Different turning radius, different length, different clearance, etc.
Best thing to do, at least IMO is to pull forward to the point of almost passing the car you're going to park alongside, and when you start going backwards cut the wheel hard and use your side mirrors. Adjust steering wheel accordingly. If you start screwing up, pull forward and try it again. Remember when you're going backwards, turn the wheel right and you're swinging your front end to the left, and turn the wheel left and you're swinging your front end right.

Best thing to do is to find an empty parking lot and practice. Nobody's going to bother you and if they do just tell them you're practicing backing up and parking. There's nothing wrong with that. Better to practice and not damage any property than the other way around.
 
#12
bikertrash82 said:
I don't know guy, as a person that was taught how to back fire trucks and emergency vehicles through an obstical course, there certainly is a "proper" technique.

Know where your vehicles corners are, use ALL your mirrors, be aware that the vehicle handles completely differently going backwards and mostly, just practice. Go to a deserted parking lot and play around. Precision driving can be a lot of fun.
Click to expand...
+1 As a school bus driver I agree 100%!

Like others have mentioned you must use your side mirrors. Practice using them all the time till it becomes second nature. It will make backing into a parking space much safer for you and everything around you.

I advise just getting out and practicing it. Do it over and over making sure to use those side mirrors. Do it coming from the right and then switch to the left and back again. Eventually you will start to sense where you need to place your particular vehicle to start the procedure. Soon you will have developed the technique and will be able to apply it to other vehicles. Remember, practice, practice, practice!!! :D

Good luck!
 
#16
I almost always back into parking spots. The only time I don't is if the parking lot is very busy and I am worried that somebody will take the spot while I start backing in :scowl:

I usually don't use the mirrors, I just turn around and look out the back window. I have to admit that I am out of practice backing up using just the side mirrors. I used to be very good at it
 
#19
This works for me every time. Pull up next to the car in front of the parking spot so the back of that car and the back end of your car are lined up. Start backing up and turning the wheel to the right at the same time. when you're about half way into the space look over your shoulder and start lining up with the car behind you. All thats left is to make sure you don't hit the car in front of you with your right front fender. (Bonus: if you're lucky enough to be parking in front of a store with a big window you might be able to catch your reflection in it. That will help you get closer to the car behind you without hitting it.)
 
#20
I'm no parking expert - but I can remember my driver training very well - I had a long course with the British School of Motoring - and I can still hear my instructor telling me to look back through the rear window(s) whenever you are reversing and not to rely on mirrors!!

So I always found it difficult to twist round and look backwards, but my instructor maintained that I would never do this right unless I did!! :hmm:

I think that's why I remember it so vividly!! ;)
 

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