If you're struggling to park or if you're not sure your car is properly configured, this article should help you. You'll be amazed at how safe parking is if you learn to judge distances. These very simple instructions will be very useful for both experienced and young drivers. We would have liked to know them when we passed our driver's license!
If you're struggling to park or if you're not sure your car is properly configured, this article should help you. You'll be amazed at how safe parking is if you learn to judge distances. These very simple instructions will be very useful for both experienced and young drivers. We would have liked to know them when we passed our driver's license!
1. Make a niche on the right
The famous niche is often a nightmare for many drivers, young or experienced. First, check if you have enough space to park. Let's say you have to park in the slot on the right side. You will need at least 1.5 times the length of your car.
- Stop your car parallel to the vehicle in front of the place where you want to park, call this car car A.
- Look over your right shoulder at the bottom corner of the right rear window, and start moving back in a straight line.
- When the back of car A is visible in this corner, turn the steering wheel to the right, backing your car in the space where you want to park it.
- Look in your left mirror, when you see the front of the car parked in the back of your parking space, call car B, straight up the steering wheel so that your car moves in a straight line.
- Look in the direction of your right rearview mirror, when you see the rear light of car A, turn your steering wheel to the left so that your car is upright in the direction of the parking space.
- Park the car parallel to the sidewalk, leaving enough space for car B to exit.
Keep in mind that you may have to stop a little further in step # 1 if your car is longer.
2. Parking at 45º
The following steps apply if you have to park your car ahead at a 45º angle on your right.
- Place your car as close as possible to the left side of the lane.
- Align your right rearview mirror with the right rear light of the parked car to the right of your parking space.
- Then turn your steering wheel to the right and return your car to the parking space.
- Turn your steering wheel to the left to straighten your car.
Think that you may need to make some adjustments in Step 2 if the length of your car is not standard.
3. Adjust the center mirror
Adjusts the center mirror so that the rear window is centered.
4. Parking on the right
Say you want to park your car perpendicular to your right, from the front.
- Put your car as far as possible on the left, paying attention to cars coming in front of you. The more you will be on the left, the easier it will be.
- Align your right mirror in the right line of the parking space.
- By moving very slowly, turn your steering wheel completely to the right, and return to the parking space until you are almost right.
- When you're almost straight, turn your steering wheel to the left to straighten your car.
- If you do not have enough space on the left, go back, turn your steering wheel to the left, and back off slowly. Then turn your steering wheel to the right and drive your car back into the parking spot until it is well positioned.
5. Adjust the driver's seat
It's the first thing to do. A well-adjusted seat will make driving safer and less painful.
- Seat height: adjusts the height of your seat so that you can see clearly the dashboard and the road. If you are too small and can not see properly after the seat is up, place a cushion or booster seat on your seat.
- Seat position: Pull the seat forward to reach the pedals without having to fully extend the legs. Your back should not be peeled off the back of your seat. Your knees should be slightly bent, and there should be a small space between the back of your knees and your seat.
- Backrest angle: The backrest angle of your seat should be approximately 100 ° -110 °.
- Lumbar support: If your seat has lumbar support, you will have to adjust its height and depth. The lower edge should be in alignment with your waistband, and the depth should support the lumbar curve of your back.
- Headrest: Adjusts the height of the headrest so that it is in the center of your head. Although it seems very comfortable, it is not a cushion, it is designed to protect your neck against shocks in case of accident. This means there must be a small gap between your head and your headrest. If you can put your fist between your head and your headrest, it is correctly adjusted.
6. Position of the hands on the steering wheel
Steering wheel adjustment is crucial for your safety.
- Adjust the position of your steering wheel so that you can clearly see the dashboard, and there is at least 30 cm between the steering wheel and your body.
- Your hands should be slightly lower than your shoulders.
- The most common trick for positioning one's hands is to imagine that your steering wheel is a clock face. Most people feel comfortable putting their hands at the "9:15" position (9 and 3), but some prefer the "8:20" positions (8 and 4). Both positions are acceptable. Choose the one that suits you best.
- Do not forget that the experts do not necessarily recommend the famous "10h10" position (10 and 2), because in case of accident, the release of the airbag may hurt your arms.
