This time we are coming up with do’s and don’ts for a parallel reverse park as one of our Driving Lesson. Read ahead to learn.
When you want to park your car at the kerb, apply your indicator to show your intention. Check your mirrors, and as you approach the side of a parked car, conduct a blind spot check.
Once you’ve stopped, select reverse gear and re-check your mirrors and blind spots. Turn your head over your left shoulder.
Start reversing, keeping in mind the principle of “slow car, fast steering”. Steady movement at this point is vital and “slipping the clutch” around the friction point enables maximum control.
Turn the steering wheel one full turn to the left and bring the car to approximately 45 degrees of the kerb.
At this point, turn the wheel one full turn to the right. This will steer the vehicle toward the kerb.
Once the car’s rear left corner is almost at the kerb, continue turning the wheel to the right until it reaches the full lock position.
Bring the vehicle parallel to the kerb, select first gear (or drive), re-check your mirrors and blind-spots, then move forward to the finish position.
When the manoeuvre is complete, the vehicle should be parallel to the kerb, less than 500mm from it, and between 1 and 2 metres from the vehicle in front.