Pulling into a Parking Space
Locate an available parking space. For an easier time parking, look for a parking space with another empty one next to it so that you don’t have to worry about getting too close to another parked car. If that isn’t possible, select the first empty parking space you find. If you are driving an SUV, a large truck, or an oversized vehicle, you should not attempt to park in a small space. Smaller parking spaces are best limited to smaller vehicles, such as compact cars. Attempting to park a large vehicle in a small space runs the risk of bumping into or scraping against another parked vehicle because there is no wiggle room, so to speak.
Stop your vehicle before the space you plan to park in. The bumper of your vehicle should be lined up with the middle of the parking space immediately before the one you will be parking in.
Flip on your turn signal. This lets other drivers know that you are about to park. When they know you are planning to park, they can stop and give you space to safely park your vehicle.
Check your mirrors. Even though you are not reversing, it is a good idea to check your mirrors before pulling into the parking space. You want to be sure that any vehicles behind you have stopped. If you observe a vehicle trying to pass you, wait until it is has passed before proceeding to park.
Fold your side mirrors in, if possible. Once you have checked your mirrors as described in the previous step, if you have folding mirrors it is a good idea to fold in both the driver and passenger side mirrors before pulling into the parking space. In small parking spaces, vehicles parked next to one another run the risk of having the driver and/or passenger mirrors bump one another. Folding your driver and passenger side mirrors in will protect them from being broken off by other vehicles whose driver’s might not park as carefully as you.
Turn your steering wheel toward the space you want to park in and slowly begin pulling in. Your turn signal should still be on at this point. It will likely turn itself off soon as you continue turning the wheel.
Continue turning the wheel as you drive forward into the parking space. Take your time and pull in slowly. Always be extra cautious when parking in small, narrow spaces. If there is a vehicle parked in the space next to the driver side of your car and that vehicle is extremely close to the line between parking spaces, park your car closer to the opposite side of your parking space. This will leave more room on the driver’s side so that you can safely open your door without hitting the other vehicle when getting out of your car. If the vehicles parked on either side of you are positioned in the center of their spaces, then you can also park your car in the middle of your spot rather than leaving extra space on the driver’s side.
Straighten up your steering wheel once you are parallel to the vehicles or spaces next to yours. When you are fully in the parking space you want to be sure your steering wheel is straightened back into its original position. This will make it easier to back out of the space later when you leave.
Continue to pull forward slowly until your vehicle is all the way in the parking space, then brake. If there is a vehicle parked directly in front of your space (it will probably be facing your vehicle, unless it was backed in), be careful not to bump it as you pull all the way in.
Put your car in park and turn off the ignition. Upon exiting the vehicle, take caution when opening your door. In small parking spaces, there is not always enough room to open your car door all the way without hitting the vehicle next to yours.
Backing Out of a Parking Space
Check your rearview mirror and look behind your vehicle before backing out of the parking space. You want to be sure there are no pedestrians walking past and that no other vehicles are in the way. If you folded your side mirrors in when parking, open them before reversing if you have enough room to do so. If you were able to open the side mirrors or if they were already open, check both to be sure the coast is clear before reversing.
Put your vehicle in reverse and slowly begin backing up when it is safe. You will still need to continuously watch for pedestrians and other vehicles the entire time you are reversing out of the parking space.
Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the rear of your vehicle to go as you reverse. Remember to continue watching out for people and other vehicles as you back up.
Apply the brakes and straighten up the steering wheel once your vehicle is all the way out of the parking spot. Do not release the brakes until the next step. You do not want your vehicle to accidentally roll further backward once you are completely clear of the parking space. If you were side mirrors were folded and you were not able to open them prior to backing out, go ahead and open them now before continuing.
Put your vehicle in drive, release the brake, and slowly drive forward. You have now successfully pulled into and backed out of a small parking space.
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