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Tips for Parallel Parking

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There was a time when parallel parking was a part of every standard driving exam. That is not so today, while some states still require drivers to perform this task many have done away with it. So that leaves many drivers never having had to parallel park and without any knowledge on the subject. Even some of those who have had to attempt this tricky parking maneuver aren't quite sure how to properly do it. It can be a frustrating and even an embarrassing situation to find yourself in, trying to parallel park on a busy street holding traffic up not quite sure who to go about it. Worry over hitting other cars or even the curb are likely to enter your head as well as fear of being able to figure out exactly how to turn the wheel and when. Don't despair, listed below are some very helpful hints for how to properly parallel park:

• Always look for a spot that is longer than your car.
• Before pulling into the spot, flash your brake light and turn your blinker on to indicate you are parking.
• Always look back to check for traffic.
• Take it slow pulling into the spot.
• Put your blinker on to indicate you will be parking and pull up about 2 feet away from the car you will be parking behind and align your rear tires with its rear bumper.
• Put the car in reverse and begin to back up slowly, immediately when the car begins to move in reverse turn the wheel all the way toward the curb (to the right), continue to slowly back into the parking space.
• Once the car is at a 45 degree angle turn the wheel all the way away from the curb (to the left) and continue backing into the space.
• Straighten out the wheel and if needed move the car back and forth until your car is centered between the parking spaces and or cars in front and behind you. Your car should be between 6 and 8 inches from the curb when you are finished parking.

Below are tips for exiting your parallel parking space.
• Put the car in reverse and back up straight in the parking space coming as close to the car behind you, if there is one without touching it.
• Put the car in drive and turn the wheel all the way away from the curb (to the left).
• Put your turn signal on and check traffic to make sure it is safe for you to proceed.
• Ensure there is enough room for your fender to get out of the spot with out hitting the car in front of you.
• Begin slowly pulling out of the parking space and when you are half way out slowly begin turning the wheel to the right.

Next Page: Tips for Parking in a City

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