Parallel parking is a technique that involves parking between two other vehicles facing the same direction as the traffic on that side of the road. If you have ever attempted to parallel park without the proper instructions, you know just how difficult it can be to manoeuvre your car into place.

Parallel Parking Tips

Parallel parking is a technique that involves parking between two other vehicles facing the same direction as the traffic on that side of the road. If you have ever attempted to parallel park without the proper instructions, you know just how difficult it can be to manoeuvre your car into place.

If you need practice before attempting to parallel park on a busy road, first find a deserted parking lot or quiet neighbourhood street. Then, set up two plastic cones or other objects about 4.5 metres apart to simulate the distance between two parallel parked cars. Now hop in the driver's seat and follow these instructions to parallel park a car step by step:
1. Look for a place to park: You can skip this step if you're using practice cones. But if you're parallel parking for real, you'll need to find a vacant space about one-and-a-half times the length of your vehicle.
2. Position your car: A common mistake is to drive forward into a parallel parking spot, but this will get you stuck at an awkward angle. The key to lining up your car is to pull up next to the vehicle parked in front of the empty space. Align your back wheels with the rear bumper of this car and stop.
3. Check your surroundings: Look in your rear-view and side mirrors to check for any traffic or pedestrians behind you. If it's all clear, shift into reverse. NOTE: On a busy street, you'll want to turn on your blinker to convey to the car behind you that you intend to parallel park.
4. Prepare to turn: Turn your steering wheel as far to the right as possible.
5. Back up: Ease your foot off the brake so the car starts slowing rolling backward and to the right. Watch your mirrors to make sure you don't end up hitting the parked car. If all goes well, your right front tire should eventually align with the back of the car parked in front of you. Pause here for a moment.


6. Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction: Now turn the wheel as far to the left as possible.
7. Back up: Ease your foot off the brake and slowly back toward the vehicle behind you. If your car has a backup camera and collision warning system, they will come in very handy at this point in parallel parking a car.
8. Straighten out: Turn the steering wheel so your tires face forward and pull ahead slightly to give the vehicle behind you enough room to get out. If your car isn't quite aligned properly, turn the wheel accordingly to straighten out as you pull forward.
9. Exit the vehicle carefully: Put your car into park and remove the keys from the ignition. Then, check for oncoming traffic before opening your door and stepping out.
10Don't forget to pay: Many parallel parking spaces have a parking meter assigned to them. This is most often the case in crowded metropolitan areas. Remember to feed the meter before walking away, or you'll risk getting a ticket.

The best part about learning how to parallel park a car step by step is that it's a repeatable skill. Once you understand the technique, you can do it right every time. It takes a bit of practice, but by following the above steps, you'll be a parallel parking pro in no time!

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