When parking a vehicle, there are several ways to do so: parallel parking, bay parking, and herringbone parking. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to parallel park so you can park any vehicle anywhere.
If you want to learn how to park, this article is for you! Find out how to parallel, bay, and herringbone park your car.
What types of parking can you do?
There are 3 ways in which you can park your car:
- Parallel parking;
- Bay parking;
- Herringbone parking.
What is parallel parking?
Parallel parking is one of the ways in which to park a car so that it is parallel to the road and in line with other previously parked vehicles.
Many drivers consider parallel parking to be the most difficult manoeuvre required of them during their driving test. In fact, even once they’ve passed, the skill takes some practice to ensure they’re able to park problem free.
Keep reading to find out how to parallel park.
How to parallel park
Follow these 8 steps to perfect your parallel parking:
1. Find a parking space big enough for your vehicle
It is essential that you are able to park your vehicle easily. As such, it’s a good idea to opt for a parking space that is longer than your car by about 60 cm both in front and behind.
2. Turn on your indicator
To signal any manoeuvre when on the road, you must indicate some time in advance to alert other drivers as to the manoeuvre you plan on performing.
3. Stop your vehicle next to the car in front of the space
Position your car next to the vehicle parked immediately in front of the parking space you have chosen by lining the back bumper of your car up with the rear bumper of the parked car.
4. Check there are no cars on the road
Look in your rearview and wing mirrors to ensure there are no other vehicles around you.
5. Start turning your steering wheel away from the curb
Check your blind spot on the opposite side to the space and start turning your steering wheel towards the space you want to park in.
To find out more about blind spots, check out our article Blind spots: What they are and how to avoid them.
6. When you reach the middle of the parking space, drive into it at a 45-degree angle
Take your car back diagonally into the space as far as it will go.
7. Start turning the opposite way
When the front of your vehicle is far away from the vehicle in front, start turning your steering wheel slowly the other way.
8. Straighten your steering wheel
Once your vehicle aligns with the other vehicles around you, straighten your steering wheel for perfect parking.
You can always move your vehicle forwards or backwards if you need to, so that it is at a reasonable distance from other cars.
What is bay parking?
Bay parking requires vehicles to be positioned in parking spaces at a 90-degree angle to the road.
This type of parking is pretty common in public car parks, where vehicles are parked side by side.
When bay parking, make sure you check the area around you several times and use your indicators to alert other drivers of the manoeuvre you plan on carrying out.
How to bay park
- Signal the manoeuvre using your indicators;
- Use the car parked next to the empty parking space as a reference;
- Pull up so that your car is perpendicular to the space and keep it at a distance of half a metre from the other vehicle;
- Start reversing, fully turning the steering wheel towards the space you want to park in;
- Keep your vehicle’s rear wheel as a reference, as when the wheel passes the other vehicle’s taillight, you will know that you’re on track with the manoeuvre.
- Straighten your steering wheel and check the distance behind your car using your parking sensors.
To learn more about parking sensors, check out our article: Parking Sensors: What they are and how they work.
What is herringbone parking?
Herringbone parking, or angled parking, is a parking layout where cars are positioned parallel to each other but at an angle to the road.
This type of parking is quite common in city centres and is the easiest to perform.
Read on to find out how to angle park.
How to angle park
- Signal your manoeuvre in advance and slow down;
- Move your vehicle away from the space by turning your steering wheel away from it;
- Turn your steering wheel towards the parking space and drive into it;
- Use your mirrors to centre your vehicle and leave room for other drivers.
Now you know how to park your car and carry out manoeuvres to ensure perfect parking, time after time.
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